2012-13 Celtics = 2011-12 Spurs

[Kane3387]

Have made this point before.

Pop = Doc
Duncan = KG
Parker = Rondo
Manu = Pierce
Leonard = Bradley

Assuming they are back:

Jackson = Ray
Blair = Bass or maybe Sullinger
Diaw = Green
Splitter = Stiemsma or maybe Fab Melo

A lot of our players and their roles are similar to that of last year's spurs. Now add in our rookies from last year and this year plus the fact we have some cap space (unlikely) or exceptions (MLE) and there will be some turnover.

Still the fact remains that the main pieces are there to go after a title using the model the Spurs did. Only difference is I think we have the potential to be better. Mainly I feel this way because of Rondo.

Rondo was the best player in the entire eastern conference playoffs not named Lebron James. Assuming he carries that over to this season and his game continues to evolve into what we saw in game 7 of the Sixers series and many games of the Miami series (game 2) then I think we can be scary good capable of winning 18.

*Edit - I know Rondo can't consistently shoot like he did in game 2 vs Miami. I am talking about the aggressiveness and the balanced efficiency between him scoring and setting up teammates. Also him looking for his offense when the play breaks down or others can't get it going.

The east will be losing a power for at least a year in Chicago. Sure NY, Indiana, or Philly could emerge to take their place but that's no certainty. Chicago taking a step back is. It is likely it comes down to Miami and us again assuming both teams stay healthy. And I think we can improve our team way more then they can theres.

[Celtics18]

Miami will be the favorites again, as well they should be.  There are no moves that anyone can make this off-season or prior to the trade deadline that will change that.  There's only one way to change it, and we'll have to wait until the late spring for that opportunity.

I'm psyched that it looks like we are going for it again, though.

[cman88]

we play much better defense than the Spurs as well.

that was their downfall against OKC IMO(that and for some reason they started playing like a young unexperienced team)

[AshyLarry]

I agree, but I hate making predictions and comparisons nowadays. Injuries kill us  but hopefully not this year, knock on wood.