All be the first to admit that this blog’s coverage of the Celtics has been slacking this year – sure the Patriots kept us entertained for longer than expected, but it’s simply that much more difficult to write with any sort of vigor about a team that I don’t feel has any chance of winning a championship. Apparently Jeff Van Gundy agrees with me (no I’m not bragging about this), as he stated on-air yesterday that the Celtics would “need everything to go incredibly right, including major injuries to multiple other teams” in order to put a championship run together. That said, I watched more of yesterday’s Celtics-Bulls game than just about any other C’s game I’ve watched this season. This game confirmed two points I’ve been hammering home all year:
1) The Boston Celtics aren’t good enough – Sure, the Celtics got what many are calling a “signature” win yesterday, 95-91 over the Bulls. But the Bulls were without reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose, and there’s no question that with Rose this game isn’t a victory; hell it’s not even close. The Bulls aren’t even the cream or the crop in the NBA this year, and we can’t contend with them if they are healthy. Your move Danny Ainge.
2) Rajon Rondo is a baller – There’s no one on the planet more sick of the Derrick Rose hype than Rajon Rondo. I’m the first to admit that Rose is a better player, and anyone that tells you otherwise is a fool. But that said, Rondo is still underappreciated. Sure, everyone knocks him for his shooting, which I agree is unacceptably bad. But his quickness and ability to finish around the basket are on par with Rose, and his passing is even better than Rose’s. Yesterday’s triple-double (the 9th of his career) was a perfect example – 30 points, 15 assists, and 10 boards with Derrick Rose watching from the front row.
I’m sick of hearing all the “trade Rondo, you’ll get something for him” noise coming out of Boston. Hell with that, trade the rest of the big three. You might not get as much in return, but all three of those guys can help a team that’s close win an NBA championship. Keep Rondo, bring in Dwight? It won’t happen, but let’s at least talk logically. Why would you trade the best young player on your team?
keep rondo bring in dwight and you have two guys that can’t make a free throw down the stretch
Haha that’s true but you’re already up by 30 so it wouldn’t matter.
Rondo is the only player that a team would give anything of value for. A team would have to be a perfect fit for Rondo since he is so limited shooting wise.
I don’t agree. Look at the top 5 teams in the league – one of the big 3 would put that team over the hump and could very well win them a championship.
Garnett is immovable. The Heat, Lakers, Thunder probably have no interest in Pierce, and to move pierce you have to have some monster pieces come back in return, clippers maybe? Allen could be moved because he has a pretty good contract and is a free agent next year.
Ray Allen would spark interest from all contenders. Who wouldn’t want him? I expect he’ll be moved soon. Pierce and Garnett are way overpaid, on the decline and immovable. Rondo has a ton of value to just about every team in the league. His salary is reasonable, he can play d when he wants to, he’ll rebound, and he’s a great ballhandler and passer. He makes everyone around him better. He’d bring a ton in a trade. C’s can choose to build around Rondo or build around whoever they trade him for. Truthfully the C’s future looks bleak.
Chris Kellley – Framingham
I agree that the future looks bleak, unless we’re able to keep Rondo and bring in Dwight. I think any team would want Ray, and we can still get something for Pierce as well although I think he’ll retire a Celtic. Garnett, I agree, is not going to get you much at this point.
Allen and Rondo are the trade chips for the celts. Tough to trade Pierce unless he asks to be traded, because of all his years and loyalty to the Celts. Garnett is just too much money for not enough production. The Thunder could win the championship if they got RAy Allen…most contending teams could use allen and he has a lot of value left.
Rondo is a strange player and a bit of a head case hes gone of for 30+ twice this week although both for losses. last night against the pistons he shot the ball 27 times, very unlike him. I think his time with the celts is coming to an end.
You clowns should just DROP your celtics coverage here…since you clearly dont know DICK about basketball.
The Celtics future is bleak?
-Rondo
-Jeff Green
-Bass
-Bradley
-Sullinger
-Cortney Lee
-Melo
Bunch of jokers.
Yes, the Celtics future is bleak. Of those players only Rondo is a star, and you need 3 stars to win at this point. Keep up the optimism though!