NBA Predictions 2011: Boston Celtics Will Contend If…
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, both sides now fully functional, wants back at the Miami Heat.
His brothers in arms (sadly, not the worst pun you’ll encounter here) share that desire, aspiring again for a championship.
There are certain “givens” when it comes to being a title contender: reasonably good health, solid and consistent performance from your best players, maybe even a “break” here and there.
But every team has its own unique composition as well, and therefore its own needs.
The Boston Celtics will be title contenders in 2011-12 if…
Second Team
1 of 3…If they can establish a dependable and aggressive second unit, perhaps built around former Purdue teammates JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore.
Mix in the almost-freakish athleticism of Jeff Green and maybe a sniper like Ray Allen in a sixth-man role, and coach Doc Rivers can get himself a solid seven- or eight-minute second-quarter run from such a group. Factor in a briefer second-half respite for the studs, and the goal of fewer minutes for older legs can be achieved seamlessly.
Sure, Johnson and Moore are rookies, but rookies seasoned by a legitimate college career, not just a stop by the campus.
A helping hand from Rondo, Delonte West or Allen could facilitate Moore’s development and comfort level, and all three are fit enough to maintain the kind of frantic, disruptive pace you’d want from such a unit.
Just push the ball to the goal and let JJ and Green make YouTube magic.
What’s missing from the mix so far in our discussion is a hard-nosed frontcourt man to serve as leader for this Green Team…which brings us to out next “if.”
Depth in Leadership
2 of 3…If they can identify and obtain a heady veteran, ideally a frontcourt player, able to thrive as a role player in a winning situation. (Egos need not apply!)
In an ideal Boston Celtic universe, Glen Davis would have by now shed his “Big Baby” persona and decided to become an effective pro with a funky game rather than a novelty act. Alas, last season’s performance provides little if any evidence that this transformation has occurred.
But the free-agent market does present some appealing candidates.
Chuck Hayes, Houston’s foot-shorter replacement for Yao Ming, has consistently played (Abacus warned you, pun fans) over his head.
The Hornets’ Carl Landry, another Purdue alum, is another intriguing possibility with an under-appreciated game.
Even a scrappy gunner like Kurt Thomas, the NBA’s current Methuselah, is capable of bringing the goods.
From sixth men like Ramsey and Havlicek, through M.L. Carr’s towel-waving, to the key contributions of James Posey to the most recent title, leadership from a non-starter is a tradition these Green men best not neglect.
Which brings us to our final, and most mysterious, “if.”
Why Did Danny Trade KP?
3 of 3…If Danny Ainge really had a plan last February when he traded away Kendrick Perkins.
Had he anticipated the demise of the Lakers, so therefore was retooling to better compete with teams like the Heat or Bulls?
Or does he have a big man up his sleeve ready to spring on us? Nene? Tyson Chandler? DeAndre Jordan?
Will he enter the Dwight Howard sweepstakes?
Does he have a handshake deal with old buddy Kevin McHale to acquire former UConn Husky Hasheem Thabeet, God forbid?
Well, the time for mere speculation is about gone. We’ll soon get our answers, not to mention box scores in the morning paper.
Hurry Christmas, don’t be late.
