Why are people so worried about next year?

[vagrantwade]

I mean, I most definitely am not.

Before KG went down the Celtics were on pace to finish first in the east and strongly contend for a repeat.

KG and Powe go down and we end up finishing second in the east and going to game 7 in the ECSF.

I honestly don't think the Celtics have to do anything other than maybe get rid of Tony Allen, and keep healthy, to win another title.

[I Am A Boston Celtic]

I'm not worried.

I think we have a massive chance to get our title back next year.

The Green for 18

[dlpin]

KG healthy and a good MLE signing (which shouldn't be difficult, given how many mle type players will be available this year) and we are instant contenders.

[celticmaestro]

They shouldn't be. At full health, we have the best team in the NBA.

[Roy Hobbs]

I don't know about "worried", but there are some legitimate reasons for concern.

1) KG is coming off a major injury for the first time in his career.  We don't know the extent of that injury, or how it will heal.

2) Powe is gone until at least the all-star break, and may not be back with the team at all.

3) BBD can leave in free agency, as can House (if he opts out), Starbury, and Mikki (good riddance).

4) Pierce, Ray, and KG are all getting older, and all showed signs of aging this season.

5) The team is already over the luxury tax, before signing BBD or any outside free agents.

6) We don't have a lot of depth on the team.

7) Even with KG, the Cavs were neck-and-neck with the Celts all season long.

So, it's not like there's nothing to be concerned with.  We'll see how Danny reacts to mitigate / alleviate some of the above, but as of right now, there are serious questions about whether the team coming back next year will be good enough to contend.

[bobdelt]

Great Post Roy Hobbs.

One thing of concern of mine is Danny Ainge. How is he doing? Is he at 100% yet? Will his health affect our off season?

What's our draft situation like? Do we have both our pics?

We still have an awesome starting five if healthy, in Rondo, PP, RA, KG, and Perk. I can't wait to see how Rondo will play next year, if he can improve his shot at all and get a little stronger and smarter.

The bench needs some major work. I wonder how this serious would have played out if we were able to hang on to Posey.

I'm tired of getting washed up players nobody else wants (Cassell, Marbury, etc) - I'm hoping we can find a way to get some fresh legs on the bench.