The Boston Celtics: From Zeros To Heroes

Danny Ainge pulled out blockbuster deal after blockbuster deal to change his team from lottery-bound losers to the NBA Champions with no signs of slowing down in the immediate future.

There are many reasons that the Celtics defied the odds, even after the preseason doubts about team chemistry and depth.

1. Kevin Garnett

Two words that mean everything for the Celtics.

Paul Pierce provides all-around play, focusing on his clutch scoring and his ability to get his shot up whenever and wherever he wants. Ray Allen is one of the top shooters in NBA history but is quick and strong enough to take it to the rack when the occasion calls for it.

These two are the icing on the cake, but the foundation itself, on which the team's philosophy, defensive mindset, and unity is built upon, is Kevin Garnett.

Kevin Garnett is a once-in-a-lifetime player. His intensity, tenacity in all aspects of his game, and loyalty is unmatched by any player in NBA history.

I mean, what other player would feel even slightly wounded to leave his cellar dwelling team to come to a championship contender?

If Zach Randolph or Carmelo Anthony was traded to a championship contender, do you think they'd look back?

Garnett is fiercely loyal and emotional, and it translates onto the court. You slack off on D? He'll be on your case quicker than quicksand. You make an amazing play on offense? He'll be roaring your name and singing your praises.

Kevin Garnett is as intimidating as he is loyal. Opposing players shudder to think of what would happen should they venture into the Garnett-guarded paint area.

Garnett's passion is like a radiating aura that affects both teams. The Celtics become more tenacious and take on his mean streak, while opposing teams quiver when faced with his fury.

Garnett is also, like Paul Pierce, a great all-around player with an amazing low post game. He can shoot the mid range J and if left wide open, an occasional three.

It's in the low block, however, where Garnett gets his due. His variation of the "Dream Shake" is among the many moves Garnett employs in his vast arsenal of offensive weapons.

2. Tom Thibodeau/Doc Rivers

Many people think that, given three All-Stars, any coach could mold a team into contenders. That is not the case. First, let's look at an example:

Isiah Thomas

The Knicks were expected to have a decent record (hovering around .500) and perhaps make the playoffs in the 2007-2008 season with the acquisition of Zach Randolph.

Zach gave the Knicks what was presumed to be one of the most fearsome front courts in the East with Curry, Randolph, and Lee in the rotation. Stephon Marbury was due for a "rebirthing" season and Jamal Crawford, though he plays no D, can knock down his shot.

But Isiah wasn't able to help the team build chemistry and ultimately lost his job.

Doc Rivers, on the other hand, was able to make an exceptional bond among the players on the team and lead them to the greatest single-season turn around in NBA history with his poise and coaching savvy.

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