Boston Celtics: Predicting How Long Each of the Big Three Can Play Effectively

Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen have helped turn around a Boston Celtics franchise that was arguably the worst team in the league, yet the lingering question is how long can they sustain this production?

Coming into this season as the league's reigning top defense as well as boasting a plethora of offensive weapons, it's safe to say the team looks ready to make another shot at winning an NBA championship.

Yet do they have just one season left, perhaps two, or is it simply all but over for the Big Three? Pierce, Allen and Garnett are the core of this Celtics team, and whether or not age will or has already caught up with them will be telling in regards to the team's success next season.

How long will Pierce and the Big Three produce effectively? Here are the predictions for each of the veteran talents.

Ray Allen: 2-3 Seasons

Considering he is the eldest of the Big Three, it might seem that Allen has the least gas left in the tank in his NBA career. Yet Allen's play is the exception to the rule, as his style enables him to be effective for longer than players like Pierce and Garnett.

There is more wear and tear in the style that Pierce and KG bring to the table. Pierce likes to take the ball to the basket, and Garnett is a post presence that gets physical in the paint nearly every time down court.

This is not to say that Allen is soft or not as physical as these players, yet he is more of shooter that moves without the basketball at this stage of his career. He is a talent known for his three-point shot and is still able to provide solid perimeter defense.

Head coach Doc Rivers constantly makes mention of Allen as a special player and as the most fit player in the Celtics locker room. With the guy's work ethic, special attention to detail in his game and continued improvements to his jump shot, there is no question Allen will be able to be a factor for years to come.

One of the better shooters in NBA history as well as one of the top shooters in today's game, Allen possesses a style of play and work ethic that will ultimately give him two to three more seasons of sustained production in the league.

Paul Pierce: 2-3 Seasons

Paul Pierce is the youngest of the Big Three at age 33, which gives him a better chance to perform at a high level for longer than both Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

A significant indicator of the likeliness of Pierce to continue to produce can be seen in his improvements over the last two seasons.

Two seasons ago, Pierce shot 47.2 percent from the field and averaged 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 turnovers, and 18.3 points per game.

Last season, Pierce shot a career-high 49.7 percent, grabbed 5.4 rebounds and dished out 3.3 assists per game. He also managed to record a career-low 2.1 turnovers per game, while upping his points to 18.7 a contest. Pierce was also able to work on his free throws as well, posting a career-high percentage at the line by shooting 86 percent on the season.

If Pierce were on the decline, he certainly wouldn't have improved his numbers over the last couple of seasons. He has made adjustments to his game on both ends of the floor and has been able to polish himself in certain areas.

As he is the youngest of the Big Three and continues to prove his worth with the numbers, Pierce should have a good two to three more seasons of effective production. Pierce may play longer than two or three more seasons, yet he won't make as great an impact beyond 2013.

Kevin Garnett: 2 Seasons

Kevin Garnett, much like Paul Pierce, is a player that has found a rythym in his game and has put up improved numbers over the last two seasons with the Celtics. This is a telling factor in why Garnett will be effective for at least two more seasons.

Last season, Garnett averaged 14.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals, shot 52.8 percent from the field and 86.2 from the free-throw line.

Prior to last year the numbers KG put up were nearly all less efficient. Two seasons ago Garnett was putting up 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and an 83.7 percent mark from the free-throw line.

Garnett is now healthy and has been able to put up stronger numbers and show he is still arguably a top-10 power forward in today's game. His free-throw percentage was a career-high, the field-goal percentage was the second-best of his career and he is now more of a factor on the glass.

At 35 years of age and heading into his 17th NBA season, it's uncertain whether he can stay healthy and continue to produce for two more seasons. If Boston's coaching staff and trainers can help keep Garnett healthy and fir over the course of next season, he will likely produce effectively for another one to two seasons with the team, but he's the most likely of the bunch to break down.

Luis Batlle is a Featured Columnist with Bleacher Report and specializes in NBA (Boston Celtics), NFL and International Soccer.

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