Garnett Makes Celtics' Hopes Soar
Will KG be Beantown's Big Ticket to an Appearance in the Finals?
Aug 1, 2007
Judging reactions by Boston faithful and various writers, you'd almost forget that the Celtics own an NBA record sixteen championships. Long-suffering New Englanders are hysterically optimistic about their iconic franchise. With the off-season aquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, Boston fans are not only expecting the Celtics to come out of the weak Eastern Conference, but challenge whichever western powerhouse they should meet in the Finals.
The Celtics have every reason in the world to believe they can become contenders. The key phrase is "can become." An influx of superstardom doesn't necessarily guaruntee the Larry O'Brien trophy (see the 2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers).
Many would point that the Lakers' stars were more selfish, as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Gary Payton and Karl Malone all needed the ball to be at least moderately effective. While it is true Garnett comes from a rare breed of unselfish franchise players, that concern doesn't end with him. Ray Allen is a jump-shooter, and is used to getting his shots off by coming off screens, not waiting in the corner for the ball to be delivered out of a double-team. Boston's returning superstar, Pierce, is a phenomonal scorer, but would need the ball more often than not to remain such.
To define those fine lines that form the all-important "team chemistry", the Celtics could need more time than Boston fans are willing to wait. Other Eastern Conference teams have already had their growing pains together. New Jersey, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Washington and Miami all have that advantage over the new-look club from Beantown. If you think the chemistry issue is overblown, again, you're referred to the 2003-04 Lakers, who lost to the far-less "talented" Detroit Pistons in the Finals that year.
Another concern for Boston is that they are far from being the only Eastern Conference team that has improved this summer. New York (Zach Randolph), Orlando (Rashard Lewis), Charlotte (Jason Richardson, and Toronto (Jason Kapono) have all brought in players that have deepened their own respective talent levels. Other teams (Atlanta and Philadelphia) improved through the draft. The only teams that might drop off are those that haven't done anything at all (see Indiana, Miami, Cleveland, etc.).
Of more immediate concern for Boston is how to fill in the gaps around their three superstars. The guard spots are full of inexperience, as Rajon Rondo is officially their best option at point guard right now. Kendrick Perkins is the only true center on the roster, and there are no swingmen to back up Pierce at the small forward spot. Prudent decisions will be needed, as the Celtics have sold themselves to the luxury tax devil for the next half-decade.
On the whole, however, GM Danny Ainge should be congratulated for how wonderfully he abondoned his long-term rebuilding project in favor of legitimate and immediate contention. Should the Celtics make the playoffs? Absolutely. Can they win the Eastern Conference or even a championship? Without a doubt. Just don't punch their Big Ticket to the Finals before they get there.
