More than halfway through the 2009-10 season, the NBA’s expected elite stands at the top. With the Cleveland Cavaliers stock rising, the Boston Celtics seem to be moving in the opposite direction. Bruised and battered, it seems age isn’t just a number anymore. After assembling their Millennium version Big Three in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, as well as an extremely talented supporting cast. The Celtics, led by Defensive Player of the Year Garnet, raised their 17th banner in an already historic stadium. It seemed the new Big Three where ready to form their new Celtic dynasty and etch their names amongst some of the greatest to ever play. They came back the following year even stronger, posting a 27-2 record and a 19 game winning streak heading into their Christmas Day showdown and finals rematch with the Lakers. The Lakers snapped their winning streak with a little redemption; trying to wash away the bitterness the Celtics left them with after their 39-point demolition of the Lakers.
Things seemed to move in slow motion for the C’s after that. The once always-reliable Kevin Garnett began his string of knee problems. His intensity seemed to work at his disadvantage, pushing himself to return too early. This led the Celtics without their floor general throughout the last quarter of the season and into the playoffs. Their dreams of repeating were shattered by the Orlando Magic. After wearing themselves out in an epic seven game series with the Chicago Bulls, a series that need seven overtimes, the Celtics fell to the Magic in seven games after leading the series 3-2.
Then began the 2009 offseason, with trade rumors circulating their budding point guard Rajon Rondo and their three-point specialist Ray Allen. Danny Ainge, Celtics general manager put these rumors to rest, but stated if he had to make changes he would not hesitate to do so.
Maturity had been the Celtics problem with Rondo. There was no denying his talent. With Garnett out, Rondo averaged a near triple-double in last year’s playoffs against the Bulls. Despite that, the Celtics were ready to trade the soon to be All-Star point guard due to his inability to grow up.
Ambiguity and controversy has surrounded this Celtic team and will eventually lead to its demise. Garnett is once again playing injured, refusing to rest his knee and legs that have logged over 40,000 NBA minutes, which is good for 19th overall and third amongst active players. Joining him on the injured list is key free agent acquisition Marquis Daniels, who has played sparingly since joining the team, and captain Paul Peirce, who recently suffered a left foot sprain. Despite not being injured, Ray Allen is averaging career lows across the board and reportedly is once again being shopped by the Celtics. Allen has made it clear he would love to come back to the Celtics but doesn’t believe he will be offered a contract.
It seems the only player playing up to expectations is the player they were most worried about, Rondo. Despite earning his first All-Star appearance, the league leader in steals is still surrounded in some controversy, recently hinting to the Boston Herald that there are locker room problems.
“We gotta make a change and do something quick…I can’t really elaborate on it too much, but I think we’ve just got to be a team with no agendas. We’ve got to play unselfish, you know?”
Rondo went on to explain how the camaraderie and togetherness has completely changed since their championship run. Rondo was given a five year 55 million dollar extension this year, so he is in Boston for the long run, but what about the rest of the team. They have signed Rasheed Wallace to a three-year deal, who has seen his production drop as well, averaging career lows in rebounds and points but on pace to receive his usual amount of technical’s. Ray Allen becomes a free agent next year and Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are a year older trying to limp their way to another title.
When they were brought together in the summer of 2007, the Celtics new it was a race against time. Winning a title their first year opened up an opportunity to have something special. Unfortunately, the two parts of the NBA that cannot be controlled are injuries and age, both working against this historic franchise.
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