Pierce Proclaims Celtics Champ
Paul Pierce’s nickname is “The Truth”. But can you believe him when he says the Celtics are going to win the NBA title this year?
Here is what Paul Pierce had to say as reported by Yahoo! Sports:
“Before the season even started last year, I was asked, ‘What is going to stop y’all from winning it all?’ ” Pierce said in a phone interview on Thursday. “The first thing I said was, ‘If we’re healthy, we’re going to win it all.’ And I’m going to say it again: ‘If we are healthy, we are going to win it all.’
Looking at their roster top to bottom, it is hard to find any team in the NBA packed with this much talent. Despite losing a hugely undervalued piece in Leon Powe to the Cavs, the addition of Rasheed Wallace makes the Celtics a better team. Also, factor in the ascendancy of Rajon Rondo and the Big Baby Davis, coupled with the Big 3 All-Stars of Pierce, Garnett, and Allen, and you have to think they are the odds on favorites to win.
Garnett is the key to the Celtics. If he is playing their defense reaches another level. Rondo is the glue. He must play well for this team to function. And Rasheed is the x-factor here. He is one of the most difficult match-ups in the game, when he is on. He should owe Detroit money for the lackluster performance he had last year. But with the smell of another ring filling the air in Boston, I expect the best from him.
Despite all of the above, I actually don’t see them winning. Though I’ve been wrong before (Pistons against Lakers), I think age will catch up to the Celtics this year. Look at what has happened to San Antonio in the last 2 years. From on top to simply a playoff team. Injuries and exhaustion down the stretch reduced the champs to a difficult out, not an unstoppable force. The Spurs did a mini youth movement this summer knowing their window is closing fast. You can praise Danny Ainge for also trying to maximize his time. The Celtics Big 3 have at best 2 seasons of top quality ball and maybe not even that.
I think age and a resurgent East will be too much for the aged Celtics. But never count out a team with this much talent.
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Tagged with: basketball • Boston Celtics • Cleveland Cavaliers • Danny Ainge • Kevin Garnett • NBA • Paul Pierce • Rasheed Wallace • Ray Allen • San Antonio Spurs • Yahoo! Sports
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Can the Celtics make a real run for the NBA championship? After their game against the Pistons I would say, why not! However, after their performance against the Grizzlies and the Cavaliers, not so sure. Opinions appear to be evenly cut between doable and unlikely. Your thoughts?
Their age is showing. On any given night, they can beat anyone…I just think those nights are more limited than the last 2 years. As the playoffs draw closer, the most important guy on the team is no longer anyone in the Big 3, it is Rondo. But Rondo needs help to win the NBA championship, let alone consecutive playoff series.