HOUSTON — Basketball logic dictates that the Celtics’ season should be dead by now, yet it still has a pulse. In fact, this battered, bruised, and gutted team is not only surviving but winning.
Around the league, observers say there’s actually little surprise that this depleted Hub crew is still a tough out, is still in the playoff race, cobbling together victories even without its floor general, its best rebounder, and its speedy reserve spark plug.
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Since the middle of last season, the Celtics have seen three players emerge as important pieces of their future: Bradley, Green, and Sullinger. That's not a bad track record (who out there would take Perk over Green now?). Ainge seems to have a knack for making the best of poor draft positioning and salary cap issues. The task is going to be how you go from a good, competitive team with a lot of heart, to that upper echelon team that has the ability to win it all.
I am one of those who think, for whatever reason, these particular players play better without Rondo. I'm not a Rondo hater and I've been a Celtics fan for a long time (and I don't appreciate being called stupid by "experts") The game is played by human beings and there are human group dynamics involved. It may very well be that the current play can't be sustained but for now this team is a lot of fun to watch. I'd like to give Delonte West a try if Doc thinks he can manage him.
Delonte, Iverson and Shaq (if he's healthy)
Jeff Green was a great deal. This guy will only get better. I flat out like this team. They will be in the Easter Conference finals. This wasn't the Bird Era but it has been fun. We are in year 6 of a 3 year play. I call that house money.