Celtics Rumors: Pathetic Loss in Philly Suggests Deals Are Looming

On Sunday, Rajon Rondo had a great game—a spectacular game. In that moment, the world jumped on the moment and declared that the Celtics were "back" and that they were the third-best team in the East.

Yesterday, paired against a point guard that could play defense, the Celtics had a jarring return to reality. That reality is that they are a mediocre team with no chance at an NBA title. 

Last night against a good, but not great Philadelphia team, they were dominated. As they were getting drubbed 103-71, it was apparent. This team was too old, too tired and too shallow to compete for a title. They aren't even on the second tier of Eastern Conference teams. 

Let's consider the realities facing the Celtics. They are a team that are two games over .500. They aren't competing for the No. 1 seed like they were last year at this time. They are clinging to a No. 7 seed. They are 2.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the sixth seed. 

What's worse is that 18 of the reaming 28 games they have are against teams with winning records. Presently, they are 6-11 against winning teams. 

The Celtics are probably going to make the playoffs, but they aren't going anywhere once they get there. They aren't going to move into the sixth spot. They are destined for a first-round ousting at the hands of either the Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls. Even if by a miracle they were to make it to the second round, the upset would exhaust them. 

Plainly put, there is just not another championship run in the Boston Celtics. 

It's not just time to make a move for the Celtics, it's mandatory. They have a zero percent chance of winning the NBA title. That's not just an expression; it's literally true according to the Hollinger Playoff Odds.

Ainge doesn't need to be worrying about how much he can get for the likes of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, but whether he can get anything at all. There is no benefit to keeping them for "one last postseason run" that has no realistic chance of succeeding. 

Both players have their contracts end this year. Whatever he can get for them this year is more than they'll have next year if he gets nothing. The Celtics need to think the future, not the present. That's why they need to make a move.