Can Paul Pierce and Ray Allen play top-level defense and still score?

[ManchesterCelticsFan]

Not only do PP and RA not have the energy and willing bodies at 33 and 35 to gaurd the best player and be efficient/productive on offense for maybe even 30-mpg, never mind the 35-40+ Doc likes to play them against top teams, but imagine the foul trouble they will get in gaurding Wade/LeBron? The easy FT buckets these up-and-coming, league-happily-promoting young stars who are great at creating contact are going to get? These two on the court simeltaneously?! Who is going to come into the game? Avery Bradley? Luke Hargondy? The Wing positions are a ridiculous mismatch in Miami's favor right now. The C's desperately need a couple competant backup wings or the ceiling of expectations is ECF at best.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Right, so all these guys figuring how this next year will play out...calculate Perk totally OUT of the picture...NO PERK as a center next year.....that is that, and there ain't nuttin we can do.   Added with losing TA and sheed (knuckle-head sheed), sheed, who is trying to cost us his spot and $$$.....like who......that is right, just like Lebron screwed cleve..well, isn't that what sheed is doing to us...why...?

[OmarSekou]

I think the reality is that they are both fading. They are not the same offensively, but are still among the best in the league at their positions.

Ray has not really been able to create for himself since he's been with us, and struggles in high tempo games. Once the pace gets to the point where he can't play controlled, he struggles.

Paul was not able to create for himself this year and his weight loss didn't bring added quickness. He wasn't able to bull people like he did before and get to the line, so when his shot wasn't falling he got cold.

They both defended excellently all season. I think they can provide similar production next year as what they did this year. We just need more chips around them and great health.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

The thing is..the Celtics still have a "good" team..but that good, isn't good enough anymore, with the way other teams have beefed up...in reality, there is no way they should be able to beat Miami, 3 out of 5, especailly after losing perk, sheed and TA, or Orlando, or Atlanta, we couldn't beat Atlanta with everyone as it was, we prob won't beat Chicago best 0f 5..that is a maybe.....unless someone comes in new..that is about it. I mean we'll make the playoffs....but this will be the time when that is dumb..what are our new X factors....bradley and luke...prob not...BBD, not likly...last year looked like his best, at that weight,,,,unless he turns the corner in the body dept...he won;t get much better, and he needs improvement. A "once in a while" spark guy is easy to stop..once you expect that play out of him, blck his shot and box him out, he'll do nothing else as it stands..really.....