Boston Celtics: Keys to Success for Kevin Garnett and Co. in 2011-12

The Boston Celtics go into the 2011-2012 season with a number of areas that need improvement.

This aging, veteran ball club has Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen likely entering their last season together as the core of this Celtics team.

With Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O'Neal still under contract as well, the Celtics have a talented enough starting five to be able to make a run in the Eastern Conference Playoffs next season. The problem is, there are several areas where this team lacks consistency and skill.

For one, the Celtics are a poor rebounding team and have been for the last couple of seasons. Last season, the team was 27th in the league in rebounds per game, fourth worst in the NBA.

Picking up a solid rebounder like a Nene Hilario or Thaddeus Young this offseason would be a positive move for the team in this regard. It might come at a price, but the Celtics have the roster space to more than likely get a deal done.

The other key will be to develop JaJuan Johnson's game over the offseason. In his days with the Boilermakers, Johnson proved he could rebound the ball as well as any player in the nation. Not to mention Johnson is a top-knotch scorer in the paint, as he boasts solid post moves. He needs to hit the weights and continue to work on his game, as his play could play a role in how well the Celtics do this season.

Aside from free agency success, improvements in the rebounding department and JaJuan Johnson's development, the key will be to keep the Big Three healthy next season.

For the most part it is out of the control of head coach Doc Rivers, yet there is still a good portion that has to do with how Rivers will handle rotations. The Big Three account for anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of the team's offensive production, as Rivers therefore feels inclined to give the three a good 30 to 36 minutes a game.

In no way would it make sense to say he needs to lower their playing time significantly, or fall for the talks about Jeff Green deserving to start over Paul Pierce. Rivers just has to consider, and more than likely will consider, that these three are another year older and need the rest when it can be given. This shouldn't be an issue next season, yet it is certainly a key to the success of this team.

The other point to make in this issue is that the Celtics need to put together a strong enough squad to compete next season. This team cannot expect to compete for an NBA championship if nearly 80 percent of the offense in the postseason comes from a guy by the name of Pierce, Garnett or Allen. Point guard Rajon Rondo will have to step up his offensive game, and make the most of his opportunities taking the ball to the basket on offense and hitting his mid-range jumper.

For the Boston Celtics to compete for an NBA championship next season, they need better rebounding, success in the free agent market, development for Johnson, keeping the core healthy and getting offense from the rest of the team. Rivers and the organization will have their hands full, yet have proved in the past they are more than capable of getting the job done.