Boston Celtics Preview

I'm the most biased Celtics fan of all time and I had the gall in the beginning of last year to say that team was the best Celtics team in the history of the franchise. Stupid right? Well, it was my mistake because this years team is the best Celtics team of all time. We have 4 hall of fame locks, the best point guard in the Eastern conference, a stacked bench and a coach who knows how to drive them. I expect nothing short of the 18th banner in the Garden. So lets break the team down:

Starters:
Rajon Rondo: The last time we saw Rajon, he was nearly averaging a triple double for the playoffs and was able to do all he could by carrying the Celtics through a Kevin Garnett injury. Rajon will be an all star this year and believe 14 ppg, 10 apg, and 6 rpg is within reach for the young man. He is also the Celtics best perimeter and on ball defender. Hopefully the Celtics can lock him up for a while before the season starts, but if they can't that will only drive him harder.

Ray Allen: A lot of people will dispute me on this one, but Ray Allen was the MVP for the Celtics last year. He was never injured and was consistent for the most part. He seemed rejuvenated and like him old self. I hope his minutes drop this year, but with that his stats will dip a little. However I don't think 18 ppg is out of reach for the former actor.

Paul Pierce: The ultimate Celtic. If there is a last shot to be taken, not only is Pierce the go to guy on the Celtics, but I think he's the best in the league. He has carried the Celtics on his broad shoulders for the past 11 years and will continue to be the Truth for the Celtics this year. He is the best player on the court whenever he is on, and remains a superstar in this league. 20 ppg, 6 rpg, and 3 apg are not out of reach for Paul.

Kevin Garnett: Injuries marred his season last year and it took him a real long time for him to get healthy again. I could really care less if KG plays 10 minutes a game, as long as he is healthy for the playoffs, the Celtics are good. His numbers will dip the most on offense and he will probably be around 13 ppg, 9 rpg, 1 bpg.

Kendrick Perkins: He has slimmed down dramatically, and believe he is the most important person on the Celtics starting line-up. Rondo, Ray, Paul, and KG all proved they can pull their weight, and now it's Perks time. Doc will use him a lot more in pick and roll situations and incorporate him in a high/low game. He proved last year, that he can hit a 7 foot jumper and even developed a nice turnaround move. If Perk can get his offensive game going, the starting 5 is a lot more dangerous. I think he can be around 12 ppg, and 10 rpg easily.

Bench:
The Bench includes Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, Glen Davis, Eddie House, Tony Allen, Brian Scalabrine, JR Giddens, Shelden Williams, Lester Hudson and Billy Walker. You can probably cut this list in half because those are who the impact players will be. You know you have a great team whenever Rasheed Wallace is your sixth man. Rasheed will probably take the responsibilities of playing the 4 and 5, and will honestly log in the same or more minutes then KG. Marquis Daniels is the most important player on the Celtics because he will play the 1-3 positions and essentially control the minutes of Pierce, Allen, and Rondo. He had a great year last year, and believe he can keep it up this year. He has the ability to dribble like a point and defend a small forward. He is going to be key when it comes to defending Kobe or Manu in the championship. Glen Davis proved last year he can step up big time, his size and his shooting ability make him extremely dangerous as the third player off the bench and Eddie House is exactly who Eddie House is, a backup 1/2 that stretches the floor.