When most teams go 24-58, all they're looking for the following season is a little bit of improvement.
Not so for the 2007 Celtics, who have dreams of an NBA title dancing in their heads.
Can the new-look Celts really go from being one of the worst teams in the league to one of the best?
I think not.
If nothing else, Celtics GM Danny Ainge secured his job this offseason—trading for Ray Allen on Draft Day before mortgaging the future of the franchise to land Kevin Garnett.
But the new faces won't be enough.
Yes, Allen and KG drastically improve the Boston offense—but they do little to address the team's biggest flaw:
Defense.
The Celtics gave up almost 100 points per game last year. Last time I checked, the most recent NBA Finals winners all had a top-10 defenses.
That isn't what Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen bring to the table.
And as for successful playoff experience?
Going once, going twice...not sold to the Celtics.
Long recognized as one of the most successful franchises in professional sports, the Celtics have only made the playoffs four times in the last 12 years.
Garnett did make the playoffs eight times while in Minnesota—but only got out of the first round one time.
Allen has six playoffs trips on his resume, but again only one run beyond the first round. In that case, he and the Bucks made the Conference Finals but lost.
For the record, I'm not saying that KG and Allen can't lead these Celtics to the playoffs. They'll be able to quite easily.
Remember, this is the Eastern Conference.
However, the Celts will have to tangle with the Pistons, Heat, Cavs, and Bulls come springtime. And those teams have one thing Boston doesn't:
Chemistry.
It's hard to believe that Garnett, Allen, and Paul Pierce will be able to share a basketball with one another. Pierce in particular plays best when the ball is exclusively in his hands.
Will he be willing to pass up shots for low-post feeds to KG and three's from Allen?
Good luck to Doc Rivers in finding the answer to that one.
On the bright side, history does show that it's possible for multiple stars to coexist on a successful team. The 2003-2004 Lakers rode Kobe, Shaq, Gary Payton, and Karl Malone to the finals before only losing in five games to Detroit.
Still, I don't see the Celtics getting past the Pistons or the Bulls in the postseason. Those teams don't have Boston's star power, but they know how to share the ball to win games.
As one famous saying goes: "Skills are cheap; chemistry is expensive".
Then again, the Celtics do play in the Eastern Conference, where anything's possible.
Sebastian Telfair may not be averaging 30 points a game in the NBA like he did in high school. Peter Bukowski explains what has happened to the former Bronx baller and why he still has a chance to be great. (Read More)
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8 months ago
The two main points you made with Boston are defense and chemistry. While he's not Bruce Bowen, Paul Pierce isn't a dog defensively, and while he's overrated to a fault by the media, Kevin Garnett isn't a terrible weak-side help defender and can stay with the quicker forwards in the league. If he's in shape, James Posey helps out the Celtics defense tremendously, but the overall defense for the Celtics is noubt subpar right now.
The chemistry issue shouldn't be a factor at all. Ray Allen has always been a great teammate wherever he's been, and Kevin Garnett will have no problem deferring, especially in crunch time, to Paul Pierce. Even Pierce should be fine if the Celtics are winning games.
8 months ago
Yeah just raising the question for debate. Should be an interesting year, looking forward to it.
8 months ago
Mr. Partidge, I guess u have no idea what your talkin about, ill remember you and a host of other fools who don't think Boston will win it all....good luck on your assessment as i think not only Boston will will 60 plus wins this yr, but they will win it all come June....what a joke this article is!!!
from 8 months ago
60 plus wins, and an NBA title? I really hope YOU are the one who is joking...Before this "dream team" has even played one game you are putting them ahead of the Mavs, Spurs, Suns & Pistons? It's the overzealous fans like who will be crushed when your team falls far short of your own expectations.
from 8 months ago
60 plus wins, and an NBA title? I really hope YOU are the one who is joking...Before this "dream team" has even played one game you are putting them ahead of the Mavs, Spurs, Suns & Pistons? It's the overzealous fans like who will be crushed when your team falls far short of your own expectations.
Got your back AP
8 months ago
Uhhh.. the Celtics were in the Conference Finals in '02. Last time I checked, that was "Past the second round". Also, KG is one of the best defenders in the league. All-Defensive first team EVERY FREAKING YEAR from 2001-2005. EVERY YEAR!!! Get your facts straight, dude.
Also, the Lakers lost to the Pistons in 5 games, not 4.
8 months ago
You wrote:
"...Allen and KG drastically improve the Boston offense but they do little to address the team's biggest flaw"
1. Kevin Garnett is a six-time member of the NBA All Defensive First Team and a two-time member of the All Defensive Second Team.
2. The Celtics also signed James Posey, the defensive stopper on the 2006 World Champion Miami Heat
3. The Celtics also hired Tom Thibodeau as the lead assistant with a main focus on defense. In 15 NBA seasons as an assistant coach, Thibodeau has helped his team finish in the NBA's Top Ten in team defense 12 times.
You wrote:
"Long recognized as one of the most successful franchises in professional sports, the Celtics have only made the playoffs four times in the last 12 years. Not once have they made it out of the second round."
1. The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2002, defeating Philadelphia, Detroit and losing to New Jersey
2. The Celtics made it to the Eastern Conference semi-finals in 2003, defeating Indiana and losing to New Jersey
You wrote:
"And as for successful playoff experience?"
1. It is true that Pierce, Garnett and Allen do not have a Finals trip to their respective resumes, but each has made it a Conference Final. Posey won a World Championship in 2006. New center Scot Pollard has extensive playoff experience over his career with Sacramento, Indiana and Cleveland. New guard Eddie House made a deep playoff run with Phoenix in 2006 and has appeared in the playoffs three other times. Backup forward Brian Scalabrine played four seasons in the playoffs with New Jersey.
8 months ago
I stopped readng after you said the addtion of KEVIN GARNETT would not doing anything to improve the team's defense.
8 months ago
1. I never said Kevin Garnett wasn't a good defensive player, I meant he won't improve the defense as a whole that much. When the others need to step up on that side as well.
2. James Posey is completely overrated as a defender. There is a reason the Heat got rid of him, he is a head case. He knows how to get into your head, just ask Kirk Hinrich. He will garuntee you a couple suspensions per year and foul outs.
3. Yes, I did make a mistake on the getting out of the second round with the Celtics. Misread a table of stats.
8 months ago
Since you're a high school newspaper writer let me offer you a few tips.
Number one: Quit now and go into a field where you'll actually be able to make enough money to support your life and eventual family.
Number two: Wrtiting an effective sports column does not mean that you take an idiotic stance based on zero research and no first hand knowledge and then try and prove why you're correct with sheer force of opinion. You obviously have no idea about what you're writing about. None. Kevin Garnett is one of the best defensive centers in the past ten years. I mean the fact that you would write that line proves you know nothing about what you talk about. Nothing.
I am holding back from berating you any further because of your age.
8 months ago
Yes, I'll admit the NBA isn't exactly the league I follow as much as others. However, I do know what I am talking about in most cases. But you are right, next time I will analyze the information more that I need to prove my point next time. This was overall a bad article written by me.
from 8 months ago
While it's true that some of your facts were incorrect, I still respect your shot at this article a hell of a lot more than I respect the numerous personal attacks by the commenters, anonymous and otherwise. Keep your head up and keep writing.
8 months ago
your underrating the celtics defense, for one thing you don't recognise kg defense improving the celtics at all, which is why your article has no substance or credibility, and another the celtics have other defensive pieces on their team. Posey is a defensive specialist, rondo lead the league in steals per 48 mins, peirce has already proven he can be a defensive force earlier in his career when he had the energy to play offense and defense, hopefully the decreased offensive pressure can let allen focus on defense more, of course theirs KG and the celtics added one of the best defensive assistant coaches in the league. Though the celtics could do with some improvement on defense i don't see this hindering them from been one of the top teams in the nba. As for chemistry the celtics have a perfect combination of any outside sharp shooter, dominant inside post scorer and a slasher that can get to the line. With these guys (especially kg) being unselfish players and only one agenda, to win a championship, i see a great chemistry forming with the new celtic team. I'm sick of all these people trying to cut down the team and trying to make out that the off-season wasn't a success, it's all just negativity and they will eat their words when the Celtics are one of the most dominant teams this year.
8 months ago
WAWAWAWA boston fans. face the truth: c's have disappointment written all over them. title or bust in the motor city--go pistons!!!!!!
8 months ago
C'mon now,
If you had watched one of the preseason games it would be eminently obvious how the three stars can share the ball. That comment might (might) have had a little more credence a week ago.
The three most significant (non-star) holdovers from last years' team were Perkins, Rondo and T. Allen. I'm not saying they don't have flaws, but all three are above average defenders. The trade with Minny got rid of three of our least effective defensive players (in order, Telfair, Green, and Jefferson). Of those three, the only who offset their defensive lapses with offense was Big Al.
As long as we're on the topic of defense, you might want to educate yorself a little about the concepts of individual vs team defense. Garnett is a very good defender and his individual defense will not have a huge impact on the team defense, but it is his presense in the post and his guidance of his teamates' positions and rotations that will make this team better defensively, especially as the season progresses.
How far this team went into the playoffs three years ago has no bearing on the future whatsoever. There is only one player left on the team (Pierce) who got any P.T. in the Celtics last foray into the postseason, and he has shown himself to be a superb post season player.
I could go on and on, but others have already covered many of the holes in your article.
Nice try, but stick with the Bulls.
8 months ago
Honestly if you dont think the celtics are gonna dominate you are either lying to yourself or know NOTHING about basketball. I hate Boston but they would be an elite team out west up there among phx and utah and them, theyre gonna be a POWER in the east.
You severely underrate their depth and their defense hasnt been mentioned much but is gonna be VERY good. Not to mention Rondo and Perkins that are legit 1 and 5's and are much better than you make them out to be and a perfect fit in their lineup around the core 3 superstars. They got the defensive coach as their assistant that guy thibodeau that organized the old knicks defense and more recently the rockets defense of the past 3 seasons. Not only that but on their depth the great teams in this league are 8-10 men deep in their rotation, the Celtics HAVE that. They have proven veteran roleplayers like James Posey, Eddie House, Scalabrine, Tony Allen and Pollard, and also have very good young guys like Leon Powe, Rondo and Kendrick Perkins. People say injuries, that is a total copout and ridiculous absolutely ridiculous. Look at any team even the spurs would be killed by an injured star player when it comes to title hopes. The suns have been a 7 man rotation for 3 years and theyve been a powerhouse. The heat in the first year with shaq had MUCH WORSE DEPTH and had the equivalent to eddie house as their STARTING pointguard in Damon Jones, they had holes in 3/5th's of their lineup and no good bench guys(unless you consider michael doleac and rasual butler good bench guys) and they won 59 games and were 1 win from the finals (and a wade injury away from winning the title in my opinon). The celtics are SET for a rotation which seemed impossible after the late garnett trade, but its the truth, they are loaded with one of the best starting 5s in the nba (and best trio)and do have depth for a very good rotation overall.
Their GM did a very good job of filling out the roster with proven veteran roleplayers and some good young talent around the core 3 A+ all-nba guys in limited time for a great run with a possible title if things go right. But more importantly he made all the right moves and didnt make any panic/stupid moves which set himself up perfect to fill out the roster in his first full summer next offseason to LOAD UP for a SERIOIUS title run.
I hate boston, but I am happy for Ray Allen and KG and even Pierce. And this team is the nearly sole reason that I have purchased league pass for the first time EVER in 31 years of diehard NBA fandom. Theyre gonna be a POWERHOUSE this year and a special team for the next 3 or 4 years and may win the whole damn thing not just the east.
8 months ago
get your facts straight ray made it to the 2nd round in 05 with the sonics that he led to the 3rd seed out west and 55 wins and division title on way to 2nd team all-nba and top 10 for mvp award.
Then 2nd round dogfight with the eventual champ spurs, they lost by 1 point on duncans gamewinner in game 6 when ray's 0.5 buzzerbeater from just inside halfcourt barely rimmed out..... oh yeah, all this was WITHOUT RASHARD LEWIS for the series. RAY IS A BEAST.
8 months ago
if you had watched one of the preaseason games? you've got to be kidding.
the nfl preseason thinks you're wasting your time.
8 months ago
Oh. laughable Celtic lovers. I really don't call James Posey, Eddie House, Scalabrine, Tony Allen and Pollard much of a bench. Ah the expectations of fans who have forgot what it's like to actually have a winning season. Overzealous to say the least. Shall be an interesting year fellas.
8 months ago
hey aaron man keep your head up though, keep writing its the only way to get better. You'll be alright man dont let them bring you down, just research a little more before throwing stuff out there and try to be a little more let-the-facts-speak-for-themselves than rippin with your opinion.
You'll be good though, just keep doing it if thats what you like to do. Youre doin alright.
8 months ago
thanks man. I put this article together to fast without making sure my stats were straight. won't happen again.
8 months ago
aaron- don't listen to the haters. keep writing what you think. when the celtics lose in the first round, they won't be back to comment.
8 months ago
don't blame the laughable Celtics lovers for your lame work. We'll see how the season progresses, but whatever happens I doubt the answer will be find in your article.
8 months ago
I agree that the Celtics might have a difficult time with the Pistons or the Bulls. But they will have a chance to win either of those series and would dominate the Heat or the Cavs if they play either of those two. Celtics are a top 3 team in the East with a shot at the Finals and they match up well with 2 of the top 3 teams from the West. They are very capable of a title.
I lol'd at the no defense opening. Way to start off showing that you have no clue at all and lose complete credibility.
8 months ago
sounds lke you read every token criticism of the celtics by the media this offseason and regurgitated it. Nice work
8 months ago
its clear from this article that you don't know a thing about basketball...give up.
8 months ago
chit chat with AP!!!
8 months ago
Too much talents brings disaster...
DJ
8 months ago
That hits the nail on the head, the Celtics definitely cannot go zero to hero in one year, no matter who you have ( in these michael jordan-less days ) and im not trying to be down on KG or Ray Allen or Pierce, all amazing players in their own rights. KG is certainly a powerful defender, Allen will do OK at defending the perimeter, and Pierce isnt all that bad himself at D, although they wont mesh together that quickly. Chemistry will come sooner or later, but very unlikely to be this season.
6 months ago
everything you said in this article has proved to be completly wrong not only have they already established great chemistry to be the best team in the nba, they are also currently the best defensive team. bunch of idiots for doubting them, eat your heart out.
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