5 Key Players for the Next Generation of Boston Celtics Basketball

With Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce getting older, the younger players on the Boston Celtics' squad are starting to take more responsibility and show their stuff on the court.

Whether it’s Avery Bradley or Courtney Lee at the guard position, or Jeff Green at forward, the “new” Celtics are establishing themselves as members of the team’s next generation, a generation without Garnett and Pierce.

Let’s pinpoint five of the most important members of this new Celtics squad.

Avery Bradley, G

At age 22, Avery Bradley is the youngest of this group and is currently in his third year in the league. Since Rajon Rondo went down with a season-ending ACL tear, Bradley has taken over the point and proven himself worthy of a starting spot in Boston.

In particular, Bradley had a solid game on Feb. 25 against Utah, totaling 18 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 39 minutes to help lead the Celtics to a 110-107 win.

As ESPN Boston detailed, Bradley has stepped up “to a key role as the team’s first-string quarterback” and has displayed an “infectious defensive intensity.” Bradley is a huge reason for the Celtics’ recent success, and he will surely remain a force to reckon with in Boston. 

Courtney Lee, G

Bradley would not be so successful if he didn’t have a partner in Boston guard Courtney Lee, who has stepped up as a starter since Rondo went out for the season with his injury. The 27-year-old also had an impressive game against Utah, netting 14 points to go with five rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes of play.

Lee is fast on offense and aggressive on defense. In fact, Lee and Bradley have acquired the nickname “the Pitbulls” for their relentless play on the defensive side of the ball. The two guards make a powerful team, and even though Rajon Rondo will eventually return to reclaim his starting guard position, Lee will still hold a key role as a relatively young Celtics guard. 

Jeff Green, F

Though forward Jeff Green has been criticized and questioned for his sometimes inconsistent play, there’s no denying that he’s been playing pretty well as of late. For example, the 26-year-old had a huge game against Phoenix on Feb. 22; Green scored a whopping 31 points and grabbed seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in 39 minutes.

Michael Pina of Bleacher Report even made a case for why Jeff Green should be considered for the Sixth Man of the Year award. If Green can put together games like the one he had against Phoenix consistently, he could surely be considered for the prize.

More importantly he will increase his value to the Celtics enormously. 

Jared Sullinger, F

The rookie big man made a huge impression off the bench until he was sidelined for the remainder of the season with back problems at the very beginning of February.

Before he sustained the injury, the 21-year-old power forward was averaging six points and 5.9 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game. He also seemed to be responding very well to the leadership of veteran Kevin Garnett.

Despite the fact that his first year in the NBA came to an abrupt halt, Sullinger will be a huge asset to the Celtics when he recovers from his surgery. With Garnett easing back his minutes and nearing retirement, Sullinger will be a solid candidate to take on a more prominent role on the Celtics’ low post. 

Rajon Rondo, G

Joining Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee as a vital guard of the future Celtics is Rajon Rondo, of course. Though the 27-year-old star is currently out with an ACL tear, he is nevertheless one of the best point guards in the league. Sports Illustrated recently ranked Rondo as the No. 6 best NBA point guard, as NESN.com reported.

Before he endured his injury, Rondo was the nucleus of the Celtics. Though Bradley and Lee have done well leading at the guard positions without him, the Celtics will undoubtedly be glad to welcome the point guard back when he's healthy.