Kevin Garnett Retires

21 NBA Seasons
17.8 points per game
10.0 rebounds per game
3.7 assists per game
1.3 steals per game
1.4 blocks per game

2004 NBA MVP

15-time NBA All-Star

2003 All-Star Game MVP

2008 NBA Champion

4-time All-NBA 1st Team
3-time All-NBA 2nd Team
2-time All-NBA 3rd Team

2008 NBA Defensive Player of the Year

9-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team
3-time NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team

McDonald's All-American

2000 Olympic Gold Medalist

Celtics 2013-14 Schedule: Games of Note

The Celtics open the 2013-14 season on October 30th at Toronto at 7pm.  Other notables...

DECEMBER 10  @ BROOKLYN (first game vs. Paul Pierce & Kevin Garnett)

DECEMBER 11 vs. LA CLIPPERS (first game/ only home game vs. Doc Rivers)

JANUARY 8 @ LA CLIPPERS

JANUARY 26 vs. BROOKLYN (first home game vs. Pierce/ KG)

MARCH 7 vs. BROOKLYN

MARCH 21 @ BROOKLYN


No Christmas game this year for Boston.  Your five-pack is...

Bulls vs. Nets
Thunder vs. Knicks
Heat vs. Lakers
Rockets vs. Spurs
Clippers vs. Warriors

The New Nets

How many times today do you think someone said Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett..... aaaaaand Jason Terry are now Brooklyn Nets.  I mean Terry was a solid player in the league.  He's a former 6th Man of the Year and NBA Champion with the Mavericks.  But he sucked last year.  I was shocked to see that he averaged 10 points per game because it felt like a lot less.

But a bit of a turd in the punch bowl going on at today's press conference.  "We present to you future Hall of Famers Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, as well as Jason Terry's contract that the Celtics made us take back."

JET will probably have a sick year.  I actually liked the signing a lot last year.  But he was awful.  

Side note: NETS are LOADED

PG Deron Williams
SG Joe Johnson
SF Paul Pierce
PF Kevin Garnett
C Brook Lopez

BENCH
Jason Terry
Andrei Kirilenko
Andray Blatche
Reggie Evans
Shaun Livingston
Mason Plumlee
Mirza Teletovic

Celtics And Nets Agree To Monster Deal

The Truth is, Celtics are in a rebuild... ok that's awful.  Here is the breakdown.


NETS Receive: PAUL PIERCE, KEVIN GARNETT, JASON TERRY

CELTICS Receive: GERALD WALLACE, KRIS HUMPHRIES, MARSHON BROOKS, KEITH BOGANS, KRIS JOSEPH, 1ST ROUND PICKS IN 2014, 2016, 2018 AND RIGHT TO SWAP 1ST ROUNDERS IN 2017

Sadly, it had to be done.

Couple ways to look at this.  The Celtics essentially traded Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce for FOUR 1st ROUND PICKS and got rid of Jason Terry's contract.  (Yes they take back a bad deal in Gerald Wallace)

Also the C's now have TWO 1st Round Picks in 4 of the next 5 years, and the one where they only have 1 (2017) they can swap with the Nets if they have a better one, not terrible.

Now what do they do with Rajon Rondo...

Podcast: Keefe & Robb With The Latest On Doc, KG, Clippers

Podcast: Keefe & Robb on Doc-Clippers Potential Deal

Rich Keefe and Brian Robb of CelticsHub.com chatted on Monday night about the chaos that is the potential Celtics-Clippers trade. 

Thoughts On Doc, Clippers, Celtics

Almost too much going on with the Celtics right now to make sense of it all.  Almost.  Here are some bullet points of what I think is happening/ will happen.

• Doc Rivers MUST go.  $7 million a year for 3 years, for a guy who wants out and will be coaching a sub-par team.
• Doc wants the Clippers to keep Bledsoe?  That's gotta be some kind of double-secret tampering.
• DeAndre Jordan, Caron Butler, and a 1st round pick is NOT enough for Doc & KG
• True, KG (retire) and Doc (TV) could leave and the C's could get nothing, but the Clippers need them even more, so C's can't give in for less than a Bledsoe package.
• Blake Griffin should be the player the Clips refuse to deal, not freakin Eric Bledsoe
• Would you rather have Doc & KG or Lionel Hollins, Eric Bledsoe, and DeAndre Jordan
• Bledsoe is a nice player.  However wouldn't surprise me if he was never an All-Star
• Bledsoe and Jordan are both overrated.  If they were better, the Clippers (with Chris Paul and Blake) would still be playing.
• Celtics WILL NOT buy out Paul Pierce for $5, makes no sense.
• C's can trade Pierce this off season or even in the season.  $15 is a lot, but teams can make that work.  He's still a Top 8 small forward.
• Where Pierce ends up is a mystery.  Clips, stays in Boston, no clue.
• Cliff Paul is awful.
• Ultimately LAC will include Bledsoe (after agreeing to max deal with Chris Paul) and get Doc and KG for Bledsoe, Jordan, Butler, picks.
• Celts need to shed Jason Terry and or Courtney Lee (perhaps get less picks or what not to make that happen.)
• If the reason the Clippers don't want to include Bledsoe in the deal is so they can pair him with Blake in a trade for Dwight, that's dumb.  Not happening.
• C's should hire Ty Lue once Doc is out the door.
• Vinny Del Negro is the worst.
• Celtics need to acquire enough assets to make future push for Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge.
• C's current assets: Rondo, Bradley, Sullinger, Green, Melo, 16th pick in this month's draft.... (Doc, KG, Pierce.)
• My head hurts trying to put all this together.

NBA MOCK DRAFT COMING SOON...

-Keefe

Podcast: Keefe & B. Robb on Celtics

Keefe and Brian Robb (CelticsHub.com) talked Celtics future this weekend. And now you can listen to it today.

Podcast: C's Trade Deadline Thoughts

Whacky Celtics Trades That Fit Under The Cap

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3pm est.  The Celtics have had nearly all of their players rumored in potential deals.  KG, Rondo, Pierce, Bass, Green, Lee, Terry, even Fab freakin Melo.  Here are some gems that could work...

Celtics receive ERIC BLEDSOE & DEANDRE JORDAN
Clippers receive KEVIN GARNETT

Celtics receive HARRISON BARNES, RICHARD JEFFERSON, BRANDON RUSH
Warriors receive PAUL PIERCE

Celtics receive DEMARCUS COUSINS, TYREKE EVANS
Kings receive RAJON RONDO


C's would be in massive rebuild mode.  But a future core of solid young players that could develop or be dealt in bigger trades in the offseason and or at the draft.

LINEUP:
Eric Bledsoe
Avery Bradley
Harrison Barnes
Demarcus Cousins
DeAndre Jordan

BENCH:
Jeff Green
Jared Sullinger
Brandon Bass
Jason Terry
Courtney Lee
Richard Jefferson
Brandon Rush
Fab Melo

*I would also look to trade Jason Terry and Brandon Bass if possible.  If not, a vet like Terry could help Bledsoe/Barnes.

New look!

Podcast: Celtics Trade Talk

I talked Celtics and NBA Trade rumors with Brian Robb on Monday night.  And here it is.

Click Here to go to CelticsHub.com

2012-13 Boston Celtics

The Heat and Thunder play Game 4 of the NBA Finals tonight.  The series has been entertaining and compelling, but it's never too early to talk about the future of the Boston Celtics.  This off season will be the most important for the C's since the summer of 2007.  Allow me to introduce my blueprint aka wish list for the upcoming season.

STARTERS:

PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Kris Humphries (unrestricted free agent)
C: Kevin Garnett (unrestricted free agent)

BENCH:

O.J. Mayo (restricted free agent)
Mickael Pietrus (unrestricted free agent)
Jeff Green (unrestricted free agent)
Brandon Bass (unrestricted free agent)
Chris Wilcox (unrestricted free agent)
JaJuan Johnson
E'Twaun Moore
Royce White (draft with pick #21)
Greg Stiemsma (own restricted free agent)
Open Roster Spot to sign buyout player midseason

I also want to see the Celtics traded pick #22 for a future first round pick, they would be better of with just 1 rookie with this club.

Mayo is the most unlikely addition followed by Humphries, the rest are all very realistic, but not as important (not counting KG obviously).  They need rebounding and bench scoring, Humphries and Mayo solve those problems and then some.

NBA Draft is coming up a week from Thursday.  Looking forward to the whole thing.  I'll try to get a full draft podcast up before it happens.  Thanks for stopping by the Brief.

-Keefe

The Injury Bonanza of 2012 and How The Celtics Stack Up

NBA players are dropping like flies in the playoffs.  Perhaps a victim of the 66-game lockout shorten season or in some cases because of self mutilation (see: Amar'e Stoudemire punching glass), big names and small names alike are missing the most important games of the year. 

2011 MVP Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL, Knicks rookie guard Iman Shumpert the same.  Baron Davis just went down with a nasty knee injury himself.  Dwight Howard will not play in the playoffs, Al Horford just returned after sitting out nearly the entire season, his backup Zaza Pachulia is still out.  The flash in the pan known as Jeremy Lin has been sidelined for the first 4 games of the Knicks-Heat series.  Memphis stud Zach Randolph worked his way back into the lineup the final couple weeks of the regular season.  The T-Wolves' chances of making the post season went out the window when rookie PG Ricky Rubio blew his ACL, the Clippers lost their leader Chauncey Billups, and many more.  And then you have the "old" Celtics.

The C's are up 3-1 in their 1st round series with the Hawks.  Boston managed to win the Atlantic Division title despite numerous injuries throughout the season, which began with the news that Jeff Green would miss the year and need heart surgery.  Chris Wilcox was forced to the sidelines in an eerily similar fashion.  And Jermaine O'Neal... whatever.  The veteran group fought through the multiple back-to-backs and the ridiculously thrown together season (little to no practice time and crazy travel schedule) to win the division (for the 5th straight year) and enter the playoffs as the #4 seed.  They still did not have home court advantage.

Where do the Green stand health wise?

Ray Allen missed the last 9 games of the year with an ankle injury and Games 1 and 2 against the Hawks.  Allen surprised himself coming back for Game 3, saying that he had told KG he would probably miss the entire series.  It's hopeful that he will be on the court the rest of the way, but it's no sure thing.  Allen will undergo surgery when the C's are done.

Paul Pierce, who was extremely durable this season, hurt his knee in shootaround prior to Game 4, and Doc left the morning get-together thinking the Captain would miss the game.  He played, 24 points in 17 minutes, and said on his twitter that he was glad he only played limited minutes to he could rest his knee.

Mickael Pietrus played in 42 of the 66 games this year.  He missed time with a concussion and left Game 4 in the 3rd quarter with a hamstring injury.

Avery Bradley re-injured his left shoulder in Game 3.  He was a game-time decision in Game 4 (he played), but will be a concern through the rest of the playoffs.  He apparently popped out his shoulder 2-3 times during the season, but Doc Rivers said it was like a "LEGO" and would just pop back in, but in Game 3 it did not do that.  Gross.

Greg Stiemsma (feet) sat out of nearly every single practice the Celtics had this season.  He should be able to go the rest of the playoffs for as much time as the team needs him, but it should be pointed out that he's been playing banged up all year.

Is it possible that Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett are the healthiest players on the team?   

The lasting image of the 2011 playoffs for the Celtics was Rajon Rondo playing against the Heat with one arm.  After Dwyane Wade tackled him to the floor, Rondo got up and tried like hell to play through the pain.  The 2009 playoffs were essentially a lost cause because of the knee injury that kept Kevin Garnett from suiting up with the team.  Now in 2012, Rondo and KG are the healthiest, and without question the two pieces most important to knocking of the Heat in a potential Eastern Conference Finals match-up.

Few would have predicted the type of season KG had.  At 35 years old and with well over 1,200 career games played, Garnett averaged 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists per game (playing in 60/66, sitting out a couple for personal reasons and for rest).  I believe he will be All-Defensive 2nd Team and All-NBA 3rd Team, at center, where he really flourished in the 2nd half of the season.

Health has already derailed the top seeded Bulls and the Orlando Magic.  If the Celtics are going to make a deep run they are going to continue to walk the injury tight rope.  KG and Rondo will have to defy the odds and Pierce (knee), Allen (ankle), Bradley (shoulder), Pietrus (hamstring, head), and Stiemsma (feet) will have to be "healthy enough." 

Believe it or not I said Heat-Celtics in the East Finals in my pre-season predictions.  There is no reason to change that now. 

-Keefe

5 Questions With Gerald Wallace

I talked to Portland forward Gerald Wallace prior to the Celtics-Trail Blazers game on Friday night at the Garden. Here is what the Alabama alum and former All-Star, who is averaging 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists had to say.

1. You have a long history of facing Paul Pierce, what is that match up like?

Wallace: It’s always intense. You know he is going to get the bulk of the offense. The offense is always going to move through him. You’re always on your toes, they’re going to call a lot of plays for him. The offense mainly goes through him. So you have to get up for it and be prepared for it.

2. As a versatile guy you’ll probably be matched up with Kevin Garnett as well. At this stage of his career are you surprised that he’s still playing at the level he is?

Wallace: No I’m not. I think that guys that are his type evolve with the time. And he has done a great job of evolving his game to where he’s able to knock down an 18 to 20 foot shot on the screen and roll. His defense is still there because he’s nearly 7 feet tall, so that’s always gonna be a presence and he keeps himself in great shape.

3. With the trade deadline next Thursday, does that change the atmosphere in the locker room at all?

Wallace: No what they got to do has nothing to do with us going out on the floor and playing, it’s got nothing to do with us. It doesn’t change anything, we still got to play. Our main thing is we got to get a win, we need to go out and win.

4. You guys are on your longest road trip of the year, this is night 2 of a 7 game trip, and you haven’t played well on the road [5-13] is there any particular reason you can pinpoint for that?

Wallace: I mean you can pinpoint any kind of reason you want. Our main thing is we have to improve and get better, and right now we haven’t did that so far this season. So we got to come out with something and figure something out.

5. You got a player option for next year, have you thought about that yet?

Wallace: No comment. No comment.

-Keefe

3 Celtics Trades That (Probably) Won't Happen

The NBA Trade Deadline is just a week from tomorrow. It also marks the 1 year anniversary (on the NBA calender) of the miserable Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder deal. I'm still not over it. In my defense, I HATED it at the time and even spent 5 hours on 98.5 The Sports Hub that night explaining how bad the move was and that Danny was hinging his playoff hopes (the team was atop the East at the time) on two injured, old centers named O'Neal. At least Jeff Green fit in well.

But anyway, the Celtics (20-17) have just 29 games left to play in this shorten 66 game regular season. And after a slow start and multiple losing streaks, they find themselves playing for 1st place in the Atlantic Division against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight and an automatic Top 4 Seed (avoid Miami and Chicago in Round 1!) in the Eastern Conference. The C's are currently on a 5 game winning streak (Cavs, Bucks, Nets, Knicks, Rockets). But with their future very much in question, what should they do?

Many of the trade rumors that have circulated around the league involve the Big 4, rightly so. Kevin Garnett ($21.2 million) and Ray Allen ($10 million) are unrestricted free agents after this season. While Paul Pierce (2 years remaining, avg. $16 million per year) and Rajon Rondo (3 years remaining, avg. $12 per year) are not only under contract going forward, but are both playing at a very high level. In fact, to be fair, KG and Allen are also playing at a much higher than anticipated level this season, particularly in Garnett's case, as of late (18.8 points, 10.2 rebounds during 5 game-winning streak.)

Because of this sudden winning streak and the newly found rotation Doc Rivers has stuck to (aided by the Jermaine O'Neal injury), the idea of keeping this group together and making one final run has begun to emerge, amongst some. Can they beat the Bulls in a 7 game series? What about the Heat? The thought that they could miss the playoffs with this group is ridiculous. Not only based on their own abilities, but more so the rest of the Conference. They WILL make the playoffs, but how far can they go?

If the Celtics want to make moves AND not go into full fledged re-building mode they have to keep Rajon Rondo. I repeat, KEEP RAJON RONDO. He's a bargain for an All-Star and is a Top 5 Point Guard in the NBA. Do you need more around him? Of course. Can he win a title as the best player? No. But how many guys can?

I keep Pierce as well, unless a 3-team deal comes along involving one contender (who else would want Pierce) or the right team steps up and the C's get young players/picks. Now is the time to deal Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, but you can't give them away.

Hired guns. Assassins. Mercenaries. Ok, rentals. That's what Ray and KG would be for teams with their eyes on the Larry O'Brien Trophy. So after that long winded open, here are 3 Celtics trades that (probably) won't happen:

1. Ray Allen to the Clippers for Eric Bledsoe, future #1 draft pick.

There would have to be other filler in their to make the deal go through, but the Clippers desperately need a 2 guard. Billups is out for the year, Mo Williams is a PG, and Randy Foye just isn't good. Youngster Eric Bledsoe has played in just 11 games this year and doesn't see the court much. He is a good piece though for either the C's to build around and or deal themselves.

2. Paul Pierce & Ray Allen to the Grizzlies for Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Josh Selby, and two future #1 picks.

For some reason the Rudy Gay-Zach Randolph combo has not netted a lot of success. Memphis is good with 1 and not the other. They could make a serious run at it this year with a core of Gasol-Randolph-Pierce-Allen-Conley with T.A, Speights, and Cunningham. Meanwhile the C's get younger and enter the Rondo-Gay era. With Pierce and Allen gone, they would have to do this as well.

3. Kevin Garnett & BOS 1st round pick to the Hawks/ Josh Smith, Kirk Hinrich, & Avery Bradley to the Warriors/ Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, GS & ATL 2nd round picks to the Celtics.

Lot going on there. IF the C's pull off trades 2 and 3 they are looking at squad of Rondo-Ellis-Gay-Bass-Biedrins with Mayo, Selby, and for the rest of this year Wilcox, Pietrus, Stiemsma, Johnson.

Yeah I know. It's not great. It would be exciting to watch Rondo play in an uptempo style with Ellis and Gay on the wing.

These deals (probably) won't happen, but with all the crazy rumors flying around now and for the next week, I got to throw a couple more out there. All I know is that whatever Danny does, it won't surprise me as much as Perkins & Nate for Green & Krstic. Can't wait to see what happens.

-Keefe

5 Questions With Greg Monroe

I talked with Detroit star forward Greg Monroe prior to the Celtics-Pistons game on Wednesday night. Here is what the 2nd year big man out of Georgetown, who is averaging 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game had to say.

1. Just your 2nd year in the league, but playing so well, were you disappointed at all not to make the All-Star team?

Monroe: No I wasn’t. Because those guys who made it, definitely deserved it. I’m just trying to get better. If I get better maybe my time will come. But I’m not worried about that right now. I’m in my second year, I’m gonna focus on making sure I get better each year and make sure I help this organization get more wins.

2. You already have gotten much better from Year 1 to Year 2, is there a specific reason for why you think that is?

Monroe: No, I think I’m just more comfortable and confident, I’d think that’s about it. I definitely worked on my game I think I got better, during the summer and the lockout. But you know, just being more confident and more comfortable. The more time you play in this league the more settled you’ll be and better you get.

3. You will be playing in the Rookie-Sophomore game on All-Star Weekend, I think the draft is tomorrow, do you care who picks you, Shaq or Barkley?

Monroe: Umm, nah I don’t acutally. I’m just honored to be in the game, hopefully I’m one of the first guys pick (laughes), that’s probably about it.

4. What’s it been like for you matching up with Kevin Garnett the few times you’ve faced him in your career?

Monroe: It’s been great. Just like I said, the first time it’s kinda surreal, someone you looked up to a whole lot growing up as a young basketball player, then being on the court with him, it’s a little surreal. But then you got to compete, you know he’s gonna compete, so you got to come out hard and try to compete, that’s what I try to do.

5. Have you been following the whole Jeremy Lin thing?

Monroe: I mean everybody is following it man. You can’t ignore it. He’s definitely having a good run. He’s playing at a very high level, I’m happy for him. You know it’s one of those great stories, one of the good things about the NBA, is that situtaions like that can happen. He got his chance, he’s taken huge advantage of it, he;’s playing well. I wish him the best, unless he’s playing us. Just one of those things that makes this league, and professional sports period special. There are a lot of guys who have stories like that and its good to see anyone like that be successful.

BONUS QUESTION:

What are your thoughts on your rookie point guard Brandon Knight, seems like it could be a bright future with you two.

Monroe: Yeah, he’s going to continue to get better. I know he’s been good for us this year and he’s going to continue to get better. I see big things for him in the future as long as he keeps working I know that’s something he’s going to do.

-Keefe

I'll Tell On You...

The Charlie Villanueva story is old news at this point, but I have to give my hot, not-so-fresh take on it. What we have learned in the last couple of days is that Villanueva is the league's tattle tail. Rather then tell the teacher in this case, Chaz has decided to try and bad mouth Kevin Garnett through twitter. (You can follow me on twitter @Keefe21.)

There is a lot I don't like about the way Villanueva handled this. First off, if KG called him a "cancer patient" doesn't he really have two options at that point. If Charlie is really upset about it why not clock KG right then? You said you don't think he's ever been in a fight, so shouldn't you like your chances? (Villanueva deleted the part about Garnett and fighting from his twitter page.) It's not like you getting thrown out of the game would have mattered, the Celtics absolutely dominated the Pistons the other night.

Option 2, wait for Garnett after the game and confront him like a man. I'm not saying you always have to get in a fight, but make sure he knows you're serious and you believe he crossed the line.

Not an option? Going on twitter, knowing it will be a big story (for a day), and hoping people take your side over KG's because everyone knows someone who had cancer, whether it's a family member, friend, friend of a friend, or co-worker. He tried to make Garnett look like the bad guy. But in reality Charlie just comes off as a cry baby, coward, tattle tail.

Another thing I loved about this, Villanueva said something about KG never being in a fight, well that's really not true. Wasn't a fight the reason why Garnett left his South Carolina high school? Sorry Charlie.

My last point on this, I'm sure much worse things have been said on the basketball court in the NBA. Trash talking has been a part of the game seemingly forever. I assume it's like Las Vegas, what's said on the court, stays on the court. It doesn't go on twitter you loser. Advice, next time you hear something you don't want to, make sure you have a quick comeback, either with your hands or your words. And maybe you should stop tweeting for awhile and work on earning your insane 5 year $35 million deal.

-Keefe

Why the Celtics Can Win the 2011 NBA Title

When the Celtics finished 50-32 and in 4^th place in the Eastern Conference last year, no one thought they would be just minutes away from winning their 2^nd championship in 3 years. They’re too old. They won’t be able to compete with LeBron’s Cavs, Dwight’s Magic, or certainly Kobe’s Lakers. Well they broke up Cleveland, took down Orlando, and nearly beat the defending champs from LA. Here’s why they can go all the way this year.

Depth. This team, since 2007-2008 has always had the best or second best starting lineup in the NBA. Rondo-Ray-Pierce-KG-Perk have never lost a playoff series when starting together, as Doc likes to point out. But they’re second unit has never been confused with the league’s best bench mob.

Sure they have gotten great contributions from the likes of James Posey, P.J. Brown, Glen Davis, Eddie House, Rasheed Wallace, and Nate Robinson since the Big 3 has been here, but consistent great play from the subs has been elusive.

The loss of Kendrick Perkins for perhaps half the season, was an obvious concern for this team. How would they fill the void? Danny Ainge and the front office not only made sure they replaced Perk, but also the retiring Rasheed Wallace, making the decision to bring in extra pieces and not merely wait for Perk to return from knee surgery and rehab.

In addition to the now Big 4 of Rondo-Ray-Pierce-KG, the C’s have added Shaquille O’Neal, Jermaine O’Neal, and 2008 2^nd round pick, Turkish center Semih Erden to grab rebounds, bang bodies, and do the ugly stuff.

The team re-signed Glen Davis, Nate Robinson, and Marques Daniels, brought back Delonte West, brought in Von Wafer and drafted Avery Bradley and Luke Harongody. It was a busy off season for the Celtics, not one where they were just happy to win the East and play the Lakers close.

Obviously just having depth is not enough to win an NBA title. The C’s still have their star-power as well. Paul Pierce, and maybe I am a little biased here, is a Top 10 player in the league. Ray Allen is a Top 5 shooter, and Kevin Garnett can still anchor a defense and score on the majority of bigs in the league.

As for Rajon Rondo? After getting cut from the World Championship team… I mean leaving because of a sick relative… he is out to prove a point. He has always played well against the biggest name PGs in the league, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, etc., but now you have to add all the players who won Gold instead of him, Russell Westbrook, Chauncey Billups, Stephen Curry, and most notably Bulls PG Derrick Rose.

I expect a monster season from Rondo to go along with more of the same from the rest of the starting lineup and a much improved bench, which of course should allow KG to not have to play crazy minutes in the regular season.

The Celtics also do not possess any major weaknesses that other clubs, specifically the Heat, Magic, Thunder, and Lakers can exploit. Rebounding was an issue last season, (25^th in rebounding differential), but the additions they have made should help solve that problem.

The C’s have the depth, star-power, and experience to win the NBA title this season. They also know, despite whatever there contracts say, this might be the last chance.



-Keefe

Shaq to Boston

Shaquille O'Neal appears to be on his way to the Boston Celtics. I don't hate the move at all. He's a lot like Perk, but better offensively, and if he's signing for the minimum then why not? Rondo-Allen-Pierce-Garnett-Shaq with Jermaine O'Neal, Glen Davis, Von Wafer, Nate Robinson, Avery Bradley off the bench. I like it, and now they don't have to wait and pray for Perkins to get healthy.

But can you imagine if this was the team in 2003?

2003 Stats (02-03 season)

Shaquille O'Neal - 27.5 pts, 11.1 rebs
Kevin Garnett - 23 pts, 13.4 rebs
Paul Pierce - 25.9 pts, 7.3 rebs
Ray Allen - 22.5 pts, 44% 3pt
Jermaine O'Neal - 20.8 pts, 10.3 rebs

Shaq & KG were 1st Team All-NBA
Pierce & Jermaine were 3rd Team All-NBA
All 4 were All-Stars

Check out some of my favorite Shaq moments over the years below...




-Keefe

Celtics: The More You Know

Ray Allen: drafted in 1996- 1,000 career games*
Kevin Garnett: drafted in 1995- 1,105 career games*
Paul Pierce: drafted in 1998- 862 career games*
Rasheed Wallace: drafted in 1995- 1,065 career games*
Michael Finley: drafted in 1995- 1,082 career games*

*regular season games

The Boston Celtics can put a lineup on the floor that is a combined 171 years old and that has played in a combined 5,114 regular season games. (To be fair there are 5 championship rings (1 each) amongst this group as well.)

Can any other team in the league trot out a lineup this old/ experienced?

In a word, No. Dallas comes in 2nd with 168 combined years from (Dampier, Kidd, Najera, Terry, T. Thomas.)

On the flip side, the Oklahoma City Thunder with a lineup of Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, Harden, and Mullens = 103 years old.

The More You Know

-Keefe