The Boston Celtics: The Beginning of the End?

Since the acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen prior to the 2007-2008 season, the Celtics have been a force to be reckoned with. With help from the likes of the emerging Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo, the Celtics cruised to a 66-16 record in their first season together. With tough playoff series' against Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, and Los Angeles, the Celtics became kings of the basketball world.

Now five years later, the only remaining Celtic players from that championship team are Rajon Rondo and the "Big 3" (Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen). Rajon Rondo is now one of the best point guards in the league, but both Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett seem to be showing considerable age. Ray Allen is still one of the best shooting guards in the game and is showing it with his amazing 3-point field goal percentage. Being the oldest of the Big 3, Ray Allen still looks like he could play for many years to come. However, without a worthy KG and Paul Pierce, the Celtics will struggle this season.




On a side note, losing Jeff Green was a big loss for the Celtics this season, but a necessary one. During his training camp physical, team doctors found an aortic aneurism that could have easily have killed him at any time. The most important thing here is that he is now healthy following surgery and should be ready to play at the beginning of next season. However, his scoring presence will surely be missed for this currently depleted team.

It is still early in the season and the Celtics have time to get in to game shape and show the world that they can still contend for a title. Even though the core of their team may be aging, one can never take away the fact that this team has been to the NBA finals twice in four years. They may not have the extreme athleticism that is taking over the league, but they have the experience.

The Celtics are currently 7-9 with a matchup against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic tonight at 8pm on TNT. Boston fans may be squirming in their seats at the moment, but as long as this team can wrap up a playoff spot, they will be a tough out because of their drive and will to win.

It will be interesting to see how next season pans out for the Celtics. The contracts of both Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are expiring, which means that the team is going to have about $30 million to play with. In my opinion, Boston should re-sign both players to much smaller contracts and use the rest of their money towards pursuing the likes of Dwight Howard (if he doesn't get traded away before this season's trade deadline), JaVale McGee, Eric Gordon, Roy Hibbert, and/or Nicolas Batum. Being a lifelong Boston sports fan, I hope that GM Danny Ainge can do some great things for the team both this season and for years to come.