Celtics Camp Opens with Veteran Leadership, Optimism, and Motivation
The Boston Celtics came within four points and two minutes of winning their second championship in three seasons before faltering to the Lakers in the first NBA finals to go seven games in five years. They did this all with a so-called "over the hill" team and without starting center Kendrick Perkins.
With Ray Allen and Paul Pierce entering free agency, one would believe the Celtics would be rebuilding entering the 2010-11 season. However, Danny Ainge and Co. do not rebuild, they reload.
This offseason brought two veteran big men to Boston—seasoned Jermaine O'Neal and "The Big Shamrock," four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal.
O'Neal took less money to come to Boston, however his role on the team will be significantly less than he is used to and this is definitely a large question mark for this team. However, it is evident that Shaq's desire to win a championship and oust his rivals in Miami and Los Angeles will ignite him to bring his game to a whole new level.
Obviously, the No. 1 factor in Boston's performance will be their starting five. Rajon Rondo has been emerging over the past two seasons as one of the best three point guards in the league. Last postseason he averaged nearly a double-double with over 40 minutes per game. It is clear, Rondo is the engine that drives this offense and his experience and energy will lead this team.
Not many people knew if Ray Allen would be back in Boston for another season, however Danny Ainge made it a priority to re-sign him. One thing a player like Allen will never lose is his shot. Allen may not make much noise this regular season, however come playoff time—along with Pierce—he is the Celtics' go-to man in crunch time.
Celtics captain Paul Pierce was also a priority to bring back this offseason. Pierce had his lowest career average in points last season. However, Pierce brings much more than points to this team. For Boston to be successful, Pierce is the vocal leader and the face of this franchise on and off the court. His defense and ability to "bring it" night in and night out is a paradigm for the rest of the team to follow.
Kevin Garnett was still feeling the lingering effects of his knee injury last season, and looks to be 100 percent healthy this season. Garnett does not need any motivation as he has heard the louder-than-whispers that he is "done" and past his prime. KG is a winner, nothing would satisfy this man more than getting back to the top once again, "punching out the bully," and getting his second ring.
Garnett's defensive presence must return to the 2008 form. Garnett needs to lock down the middle for the Celtics to play with the talented front courts of Orlando and Miami. Look for Garnett to perform well this season now that he is healthy and certainly motivated.
The return for center Kendrick Perkins is certainly still up in the air, as both O'Neal's will split time filling the void. However, Perkins has been rehabbing his knee extensively this offseason as he knows with his presence in Game 7, the parade could have been a few thousand miles east last season. Perkins brings intensity to the table and when he can stay out of foul trouble is a defensive force down low. It will be interesting to see how Perkins steps into his role after a severe injury.
Last season, the Celtics were widely criticised for not having that cliche "spark" off the bench, with a periodically injured and largely under-performing Marquis Daniels and a lack of a true point guard until late in the postseason.
Boston addressed these issues this offseason by bringing back former starter Delonte West who will have a key role off the bench this season with carrying the Celtics' second unit. They also drafted swingman Luke Harangody out of Notre Dame to spell veteran Paul Pierce.
On paper, Boston's second unit looks like one of the best in the league. Nate Robinson showed he is not just a slam dunk champion who lacks in defense, but he could not step up in key moments when Rajon Rondo was in foul trouble. Delonte West will replace the sporadic Tony Allen as the backup for Ray Allen as a player who can hit threes and is certainly familiar with Doc Rivers' system. Forwards Harangody, Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Jermaine and Shaquille O'Neal bring size and much playoff experience to the frontcourt for Boston.
With Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett all on the wrong side of 30 it is vital to the Celtics' success that the bench can give this team solid minutes without Boston missing a beat.
With the circus that took place in Miami, and the second championship in as many seasons in Los Angeles, don't expect the Celtics to get much respect in the national media. However after ousting both LeBron James and Dwayne Wade last postseason, Boston looks to be the dark horse of the NBA again this season after coming so close in the NBA finals.
Boston opens preseason play October 6th against Philadelphia in Manchester, NH at the Verizon Wireless Arena.
Opening night will take place October 26th against the "team of the century," the Miami Heat at TD Garden in Boston.
