Just my own observation, there are a lot fewer posters in this and other Celtics blogs this year. I am not saying the Celtics have lost fans, but they have pulled back from active participation...gone into a "wait" mode, maybe.
I believe Ainge has alienated a lot of fans by the wholesale dismantling of beloved Celtics players over the past few years, and I don't think he would win many back with the addition of Dwight Howard.
Speaking for myself, I have been a Celtics fan for more than 50 years, and this year I find myself following the Clippers, the Kings, the Timberwolves, and the Celtics. I have not let myself get invested in any of the present Celtics, because I am not sure who will be here for the full season. While it is nice seeing the young players develop, there would have been more continuity if one or more of the Championship team had been held around to mentor them and possibly offered a position after their playing days ended.
There is a lingering feeling that player loyalty and fan loyalty are, sadly, disposable commodities.