That chatter about team togetherness and chemistry established a month before training camp is just that, chatter. It was wishful thinking to believe the Celtics would start the season with midseason-like cohesion because they seemingly want to make matters difficult for themselves.

The problem is more profound after their 106-100 home loss to Philadelphia on Friday. The Celtics are essentially a 2½-man team, relying far too heavily on 18-year veteran Kevin Garnett and the 40-plus minute production of Rajon Rondo, who has no issue churning out assists but can’t stop dribble penetration for prolonged stretches.