Win or lose the off season of change is upon us.

[Kuberski33]

If Ray leaves, I think it will be a money decision.  I bet he's looking for 3 to 4 years and with his game he'll probably still be a very effective player 3 or 4 years down the road a la Reggie Miller. 

I can definitely see some team coming in and paying more than the C's are willing to commit.

For that reason and a lot more (of course), I'd really like to see them win the title tomorrow night.

[Scribbles]

If we choose start building around Rondo, we're going to be in trouble a lot sooner than just trying to add pieces to be competitive another 2 seasons with most of the current core group. 

[slamtheking]

I would have agreed this was the most likely course of action at the end of the season.  However, since this team has gotten to game 7 of the Finals and there's every probability they can bring their top 9 rotation players back (either because they're under contract anyway or would be reasonably expected to resign with the C's) I would be very surprised if Danny went with the major overhaul this offseason.  I think it's more than likely he adds to this team with a solid bench player using the MLE, getting a really good prospect at #19 in the draft and seeing what he can fill the bench with in terms of vet min players or prospects.

No doubt the major overhaul is coming.  it's inevitable.  but based on the current playoff run, I see Danny holding off until at least KG's last year.  At that point, if this team fails to make a run in next year's playoffs, it'll be going into KG and Sheed's last contract year and they become much more attractive trading chips to teams looking for that last piece of the puzzle.

[nickagneta]

I would have agreed this was the most likely course of action at the end of the season.  However, since this team has gotten to game 7 of the Finals and there's every probability they can bring their top 9 rotation players back (either because they're under contract anyway or would be reasonably expected to resign with the C's) I would be very surprised if Danny went with the major overhaul this offseason.  I think it's more than likely he adds to this team with a solid bench player using the MLE, getting a really good prospect at #19 in the draft and seeing what he can fill the bench with in terms of vet min players or prospects.

No doubt the major overhaul is coming.  it's inevitable.  but based on the current playoff run, I see Danny holding off until at least KG's last year.  At that point, if this team fails to make a run in next year's playoffs, it'll be going into KG and Sheed's last contract year and they become much more attractive trading chips to teams looking for that last piece of the puzzle.

While I fully understand this thinking, 2011-2012 could be an unmitigated financial disaster for this team if Danny goes this route. All the profits made over the last few years, if indeed any were made, would be flushed down the toilet just like that. A 36 year old Ray, a 36 year old KG, a 34 year old Pierce and a 37 year old Rasheed Wallace as half your core? You could be looking at massive injuries, massive loss of skills and a possible less than 40 win season while being way, way, way over the salary cap and into luxury tax hell.

I understand the thinking but the likelihood of what I just described gets more and more likely every year and the probability of it happening in 2011-2012 has got to be weighing on the minds of ownership and management. If something is going to be done to avoid this, it will be this off season

[CoachBo]

If we choose start building around Rondo, we're going to be in trouble a lot sooner than just trying to add pieces to be competitive another 2 seasons with most of the current core group. 

Rondo's improved his game. Significantly.

But as we've seen in this series, you still can't build an offense around him. Don't know if you'll ever be able to, frankly, until he figures out how to shoot 80 percent from the foul line and stops channeling Shaq there. That seems to really weigh negatively on his entire offensive game, sending him out to the top of the key where he fiddles and diddles with the ball.

[Who]

Rumors have several unnamed GM's as saying Danny isn't looking to resign Ray.

I haven't heard any of these rumours. Any links?

--------------------------

Also, this is the first report I have seen saying Ray is looking to leave Boston and I'm not buying it. I don't think there is any doubt about Ray wanting to stay here in Boston.

[Who]

I am not expecting any major changes. I think Ray will return and starting five + BBD and Sheed will be the backup big men. I would expect at least one of TA/Nate to return and possibly both. The only change that I think has a decent chance of happening is a perimeter player coming over with the MLE.

So, one change to the rotation from a reserve player. Then some changes in the 10-15th roster spots.

But overall, I'm expecting the team to keep the status quo. Same starting five and same backup big men with a slight change to their backup perimeter players.

[slamtheking]

I would have agreed this was the most likely course of action at the end of the season.  However, since this team has gotten to game 7 of the Finals and there's every probability they can bring their top 9 rotation players back (either because they're under contract anyway or would be reasonably expected to resign with the C's) I would be very surprised if Danny went with the major overhaul this offseason.  I think it's more than likely he adds to this team with a solid bench player using the MLE, getting a really good prospect at #19 in the draft and seeing what he can fill the bench with in terms of vet min players or prospects.

No doubt the major overhaul is coming.  it's inevitable.  but based on the current playoff run, I see Danny holding off until at least KG's last year.  At that point, if this team fails to make a run in next year's playoffs, it'll be going into KG and Sheed's last contract year and they become much more attractive trading chips to teams looking for that last piece of the puzzle.

While I fully understand this thinking, 2011-2012 could be an unmitigated financial disaster for this team if Danny goes this route. All the profits made over the last few years, if indeed any were made, would be flushed down the toilet just like that. A 36 year old Ray, a 36 year old KG, a 34 year old Pierce and a 37 year old Rasheed Wallace as half your core? You could be looking at massive injuries, massive loss of skills and a possible less than 40 win season while being way, way, way over the salary cap and into luxury tax hell.

I understand the thinking but the likelihood of what I just described gets more and more likely every year and the probability of it happening in 2011-2012 has got to be weighing on the minds of ownership and management. If something is going to be done to avoid this, it will be this off season

Nick, I think you've misunderstood what I've said.  2011/2012 I fully expect Danny to be moving the older players at that point depending on their performance next year.  For that matter, even if they make a deep playoff run next year (better yet, win a title---got to keep those hopes alive), I think Danny will be looking to shed some pieces and start rebuilding for that following season.  I do not expect Sheed to be here through the length of his contract.  KG, depends on his level of play but I would not be surprised to see him moved during the season for a great opportunity to rebuild (young stud and draft picks).  If Ray is still here and signed through that year, he becomes a trading chip as well. 

The only player I can see definitely retiring a Celtic (barring a trade request) is PP simply because the fan base would lose it if he didn't spend his career here.

[FallGuy]

Rumors have several unnamed GM's as saying Danny isn't looking to resign Ray.

I haven't heard any of these rumours. Any links?

--------------------------

Also, this is the first report I have seen saying Ray is looking to leave Boston and I'm not buying it. I don't think there is any doubt about Ray wanting to stay here in Boston.

There have been a couple of "Celtics sources" or "sources close to Ray Allen" stories in the media over the last six months. Also, Danny shopped him last summer and at the trading deadline.

Ray's return is FAR from a certainty.

[Thruthelookingglass]

I am not expecting any major changes. I think Ray will return and starting five + BBD and Sheed will be the backup big men. I would expect at least one of TA/Nate to return and possibly both. The only change that I think has a decent chance of happening is a perimeter player coming over with the MLE.

So, one change to the rotation from a reserve player. Then some changes in the 10-15th roster spots.

But overall, I'm expecting the team to keep the status quo. Same starting five and same backup big men with a slight change to their backup perimeter players.

If Doc stays I would think the C's look the same through the top 8-9 guys.  However, I would look to see much more of the young guys during the regular season, perhaps even starting some.  Obviously our older guys aren't recovering as quickly and they do sorta zone out during the regular season.

[nickagneta]

I would have agreed this was the most likely course of action at the end of the season.  However, since this team has gotten to game 7 of the Finals and there's every probability they can bring their top 9 rotation players back (either because they're under contract anyway or would be reasonably expected to resign with the C's) I would be very surprised if Danny went with the major overhaul this offseason.  I think it's more than likely he adds to this team with a solid bench player using the MLE, getting a really good prospect at #19 in the draft and seeing what he can fill the bench with in terms of vet min players or prospects.

No doubt the major overhaul is coming.  it's inevitable.  but based on the current playoff run, I see Danny holding off until at least KG's last year.  At that point, if this team fails to make a run in next year's playoffs, it'll be going into KG and Sheed's last contract year and they become much more attractive trading chips to teams looking for that last piece of the puzzle.

While I fully understand this thinking, 2011-2012 could be an unmitigated financial disaster for this team if Danny goes this route. All the profits made over the last few years, if indeed any were made, would be flushed down the toilet just like that. A 36 year old Ray, a 36 year old KG, a 34 year old Pierce and a 37 year old Rasheed Wallace as half your core? You could be looking at massive injuries, massive loss of skills and a possible less than 40 win season while being way, way, way over the salary cap and into luxury tax hell.

I understand the thinking but the likelihood of what I just described gets more and more likely every year and the probability of it happening in 2011-2012 has got to be weighing on the minds of ownership and management. If something is going to be done to avoid this, it will be this off season

Nick, I think you've misunderstood what I've said.  2011/2012 I fully expect Danny to be moving the older players at that point depending on their performance next year.  For that matter, even if they make a deep playoff run next year (better yet, win a title---got to keep those hopes alive), I think Danny will be looking to shed some pieces and start rebuilding for that following season.  I do not expect Sheed to be here through the length of his contract.  KG, depends on his level of play but I would not be surprised to see him moved during the season for a great opportunity to rebuild (young stud and draft picks).  If Ray is still here and signed through that year, he becomes a trading chip as well. 

The only player I can see definitely retiring a Celtic (barring a trade request) is PP simply because the fan base would lose it if he didn't spend his career here.

But who is going to trade for aging players with possible injury problems, possibly severely declining games and massive contracts after next season?

Michael Finley only had a $3 million contract last year but the Spurs couldn't give him away, they had to buy him out. Shaq is about the only big contract, injury prone, old guy that has ever been able to be moved around and that's because he's so big and a lack of mobility or athleticism isn't going to seriously impair his game.

Also, look at the 2011 and 2012 list of free agents available. Not exactly a stellar group that someone is going to want to get an expiring contract to free up cap room for.

Trading these guys once they are here will be very tough. Rasheed and Garnett and Pierce if he opts out and resigns are here until their contracts run out, especially given the changes that could be brought about by a new CBA.

[Chris]

I am not expecting any major changes. I think Ray will return and starting five + BBD and Sheed will be the backup big men. I would expect at least one of TA/Nate to return and possibly both. The only change that I think has a decent chance of happening is a perimeter player coming over with the MLE.

So, one change to the rotation from a reserve player. Then some changes in the 10-15th roster spots.

But overall, I'm expecting the team to keep the status quo. Same starting five and same backup big men with a slight change to their backup perimeter players.

I am starting to think this will happen as well, particularly after the Perk injury.  I think Danny will look to make changes, but I just don't see the value being there this summer.  Instead, I expect a very active trade deadline, with everyone other than Rondo (and maybe even him) coming up in trade talks.