The Boston Celtics Are Back

"The Celtics are back, but who would of imagined it after ending the 2006-2007 season with a 24-58 record? Absolutely no one, and with the pressure of the surrounding professional franchises in Boston being so successful, General Manager Danny Ainge was in a world of hurt with the team's fan base. Changes had to be made, but where to begin was the question, and who would want to come to the laughing stock of the Eastern Conference?

The great news was the Celtic faithful had secured a lottery pick, and the chances of landing Texas Longhorns superstar Kevin Durant or Ohio State big man Greg Oden was a big step in the right direction. Then matters only got worse when Boston's aspirations slipped to the #5 pick overall. Fortunately it turned out to be a blessing in disguise that no one saw coming.

Ainge decided to take that 5th pick,Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and send them to Seattle for longtime Supersonics star Ray Allen along with the 35th pick (Glenn Davis, LSU) in the draft. The trade was later scrutinized as many felt Allen was on the downside of his career and the Celtics had given up too much to get him.

However, it was a stepping stone to trade for Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett. While he had no intention of playing for the worst team in the Eastern Conference, the addition of Ray Allen playing alongside Paul Pierce peaked Garnett's interest and at the end of July in 2007 a deal was made. Boston sent Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, Al Jefferson, and Theo Ratliff for the eleven-time All-Star.

Fast forward to today, and the Boston Celtics are now serious contenders for their first NBA Championship since 1985/86. Head Coach Doc Rivers has his team playing at its highest potential, and was recognized for this with an invitation to coach the Eastern All-Stars who upset the Western Conference 134-128 in February, 2008.

Rivers has learned to utilize the abilities of his other coaches to create an all around team. Associate Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has been able to turn his defensive style into offensive points, and invent another avenue of scoring for the team. Then of course Assistant Coach Clifford Ray who has been nothing short of phenomenal, developing players like center; Kendrick Perkins.

More important, the additions of Eddie House and James Posey have not only been a blessing, but it allows for more direction for the team. House is serviceable when running the point off the bench, but he also poses as another scoring threat when the Big 3 need some rest. Posey on the other hand is considered one of the top defensive players in the league, who has been known to shut down just about anyone.

However, it's the combination of Pierce, Garnett, and Allen that other teams have had a hard time defending because all three have been known as scorers in the league for years. They have transformed this team into an NBA powerhouse who just a year ago was 17 games under .500. Providing over 58 ppg between them, they offer more than half of the overall points per game the team is averaging.

While the superstars create havoc for the rest of the league, its the fact that the Boston Celtics play as a team that have built them an insurmountable lead in the Atlantic Division. Going as far as nine players deep, and one of the best conditioned teams in the NBA, they can run with anyone on the court. This becomes a huge benefit in a league where a grueling season full of injuries, could literally change the outlook of an entire team.

As the season winds down, and teams begin to make their final push for the playoffs, the Boston Celtics are in a position to be the overall #1 seed in the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference the only two teams that will be a threat to the Celtics getting back to the NBA Championships would be Detroit and Cleveland, both from the Central Division.

Then it's a toss up for the teams in the West, but only losing one game to that conference the entire season bodes well for Boston if they can get to the finals. Having three superstars on one team, none who have ever won a title, the best team in the league, mixed with a lot of determination, might just bring the Celtics their 17th NBA Championship back home to Boston.