Do you still believe this is the year?

[Michael Anthony]

Theory #1: The 2007-2008 Celtircs played better defense than the 2010-2011 Celtics
Fact #1: The 2007-2008 Celtircs allowed 90.3 points per game, the 2010-2011 Celtics are allowing 90.8

Theory #2: Allen and Pierce still have it
Fact #2: Pretty much. Ray Ray was 20th in PER (16.60) at his position during the championship run, and is 11th this season (16.55). Pierce was 4th at his position (19.85) and is currently 4th (19.62)

Theory #3: Our bench is better today
Fact #3: To be determined. House, Posey and Powe won us games in the Finals. PJ won us a game on the way. Can I see West and Baby swinging a few games? Could O'Neal and Krstic provide some glass work? Can Green pretend to be TA?

2007-2008 Playoff bench included House, Cassell, T. Allen, Posey, Powe and PJ Brown
2010-2011 Playoff bench likely includes Arroyo, West, Green, Davis, O'Neal and Krstic

Theory #4: Rajon Rondo is a much better player this season
Fact #4: Rondo is having his worst offensive season since the championship year. His 17.09 PER is 2 points lower than last season, and the lowest since the championship run. His defense is also suffering; the team allows 3.1 more points per 100 possessions when Rondo is on the floor, compared to last season when they allowed 1.3 points per 100 possessions less.

Theory #5: KG looks as good as he did in 2007-2008
Fact #5: KG is still a Top 5 power forward, just not a Top 5 player. His 20.62 PER ranks him 8th at his position, and 24th overall. Compare that to 2007-2008 when his 25.42 PER ranked him 4th in the League. He is still the best team defender in basketball, and one of the best one-on-one defenders in the league. In 2007-2008 he was the Defensive Player of the Year

Here are my conclusions:

The loss of Kendrick Perkins hurt me and the team emotionally, but not in real terms on the court. The defense is nearly as good as it was during our championship run, and it is certainly good enough to get us back to the finals.

Pierce and Allen are not the problem. Both guys pass the eye test - there is no decline in how they look on the court, and the numbers back it up.

Delonte West would be the best player on either bench. Posey would probably be second. Green and Davis round out the top 4. I'll take 3 of the best 4 players, and the best overall.

Now the scary one: Rondo fell off from All-star to good player, and KG fell off from Super-star to All-star. We do not have a Super-star, and I do not think our slightly improved bench will make up for the declines posted by both players.

[GreenFaith1819]

Good Post, but I still think this is the year....until The Boston Celtics are beaten in a Seven-Game series, I'll always think this.

[PseudoElite]

My mind tells me the Celtics are done.

My heart tells me the Celtics win it all.

Cheesy I know, but I hope my heart wins this time. Depressing times for the Celtics.

[stylo617617]

its going to sound dumb i kno but if shaq plays the way he did in those 5 1/2 mins for 24-28 mins we win it all pretty easily

[Mr October]

The C's just need JO to play 25 mpg, or have the Shaq/JO combo play 30mpg, and then I will have strong belief in this team.

All the other parts are more than fine.

[LB3533]

I still believe because there is still another season left to be played.

[Prof. Clutch]

its going to sound dumb i kno but if shaq plays the way he did in those 5 1/2 mins for 24-28 mins we win it all pretty easily

That doesn't sound dumb at all.  Shaq's performance in that game was very promising.