Boston Celtics: Big 3 Struggling So Far This Season, Rondo Expanding Skills

After nine games into the 2011-12 NBA season, the Boston Celtics find themselves one game below the 50 percent mark and third in the Atlantic Division. However, the Celtics have not been the only team to start the season at a slower pace (see Dallas and Memphis, for example). Is this something that will continue, or is it just a short-term thing?

After losing last night to the Dallas Mavericks (another veteran team struggling) at home after a break, the Celtics' Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce appeared to be out of sorts. Point guard Rajon Rondo was able to do his thing. Whether it was getting layups at the rim or making his free-throws, Rondo was leading the team to the best of his ability.

The more concerning issue were the continued struggles of the Big Three—Garnett, Allen and Pierce—who combined for 24 shot attempts making only nine. However, they were able to get a good chunk of their points from the free-throw line.

The Celtics have struggled to find their offense as Paul Pierce looks to work himself back into game shape after missing training camp and three games this season with a heel injury. Allen and Garnett have not been playing at the same rate that we are accustomed to seeing.

The shortened season is not going to be playing in the favor of the older Celtics, as the Big Three may have to play more minutes than they would like due to not having a lot of depth at the power forward and center spots. Brandon Bass and Keyon Dooling have been wonderful additions for the Celtics, as they have picked up the scoring at times when the starters have struggled.

Head coach Doc Rivers has been turning to Rondo more to create the offense with his speed and ability to put consistent pressure on opposing defenses, thus allowing Garnett, Allen and Pierce to find their “spots” on the floor.

As the season rolls along, it will be interesting to see what happens to the Celtics. With the trade deadline somewhat getting closer each day, could it be a time for some changes in Boston?