You want Proof. You Can't handle the Proof! C's rebuilding fast.

[tenn_smoothie]

I do think that the tendency to envision a team like the Grizzlies as being an ideal team that the modern core of the C's can grow into is a good one -- i.e. A tough defensive team that has enough talent to beat any team in the league over seven games if the ball bounces the right way. I think most of us would be pretty happy with that.

"enough talent to beat any team over seven games if the ball bounces the right way"

As a Celtic fan, I am aiming much higher than that - how about:

Ainge builds the Celtics into a league powerhouse that is one of the favorites to win the title every year, however the ball bounces. That is what we had in the 60's, 70's, 80's and late 2000's and it is hardly too much to expect from the most successful franchise in the league.

Firstly, I will go out on somewhat of limb and assume that you didn't actually watch the Celtics in the 60's or the 70's -- not many people did, after all -- and as such the Larry Bird era and the KG era are your only experiences with actually watching or following winning Celtics teams. Possibly only the 2008 era.

As such, it follows that you were a Celtics fan for the drought, and likely watched more Celtics games coached by Rick Pitino and M.L. Carr than Bill Russell or Tommy Heinsohn.

Which means that you're well aware that it's much more likely our current core wind up at an Antoine Walker-Pierce level or a Memphis of today level, and holding Ainge to the historic standard of the franchise is, in the short term (which is what we're talking about) a recipe for monumental and sustained disappointment.

Personally, I don't want to hold a roster prominently featuring Evan Turner and David Lee to the standard of "Banner 18." That's not fair to anyone except my doctor, who will see more of me as I try to cope with apoplectic stress.

I would not be satisfied with being a Memphis-type team, and I certainly would be in a state of sustained disappointment if that were the goal of the franchise.

As for my personal history, I began following the 1960's Celtics as a kid on those Sunday afternoon ABC broadcasts and then fell hopelessly in love during the 1969 playoffs. My all-time favorite Celtic is Dave Cowens. I do not see the standard set by the 70's & 80's Celtics as being too high for one of the greatest franchises in professional sports. Maybe fans who grew up during the cursed 90's have lower expectations. No Thank You.

Again, read what I said -- it was in reference to "the current Celtics core." Not the franchise in totality, but the players on the roster we have right now. I think their best case scenario is to approximate Memphis's success, and drooling all over yourself about how "you want Rings" in response is entirely insipid. We all want the Celtics to win Banner 18 as soon as possible.

"I do think that the tendency to envision a team like the Grizzlies as being an ideal team that the modern core of the C's can grow into is a good one -- i.e. A tough defensive team that has enough talent to beat any team in the league over seven games if the ball bounces the right way. I think most of us would be pretty happy with that."

Now you are contradicting yourself - and shown yourself to be a pompous azz at the same time.

[D.o.s.]

I do think that the tendency to envision a team like the Grizzlies as being an ideal team that the modern core of the C's can grow into is a good one -- i.e. A tough defensive team that has enough talent to beat any team in the league over seven games if the ball bounces the right way. I think most of us would be pretty happy with that.

"enough talent to beat any team over seven games if the ball bounces the right way"

As a Celtic fan, I am aiming much higher than that - how about:

Ainge builds the Celtics into a league powerhouse that is one of the favorites to win the title every year, however the ball bounces. That is what we had in the 60's, 70's, 80's and late 2000's and it is hardly too much to expect from the most successful franchise in the league.

Firstly, I will go out on somewhat of limb and assume that you didn't actually watch the Celtics in the 60's or the 70's -- not many people did, after all -- and as such the Larry Bird era and the KG era are your only experiences with actually watching or following winning Celtics teams. Possibly only the 2008 era.

As such, it follows that you were a Celtics fan for the drought, and likely watched more Celtics games coached by Rick Pitino and M.L. Carr than Bill Russell or Tommy Heinsohn.

Which means that you're well aware that it's much more likely our current core wind up at an Antoine Walker-Pierce level or a Memphis of today level, and holding Ainge to the historic standard of the franchise is, in the short term (which is what we're talking about) a recipe for monumental and sustained disappointment.

Personally, I don't want to hold a roster prominently featuring Evan Turner and David Lee to the standard of "Banner 18." That's not fair to anyone except my doctor, who will see more of me as I try to cope with apoplectic stress.

I would not be satisfied with being a Memphis-type team, and I certainly would be in a state of sustained disappointment if that were the goal of the franchise.

As for my personal history, I began following the 1960's Celtics as a kid on those Sunday afternoon ABC broadcasts and then fell hopelessly in love during the 1969 playoffs. My all-time favorite Celtic is Dave Cowens. I do not see the standard set by the 70's & 80's Celtics as being too high for one of the greatest franchises in professional sports. Maybe fans who grew up during the cursed 90's have lower expectations. No Thank You.

Again, read what I said -- it was in reference to "the current Celtics core." Not the franchise in totality, but the players on the roster we have right now. I think their best case scenario is to approximate Memphis's success, and drooling all over yourself about how "you want Rings" in response is entirely insipid. We all want the Celtics to win Banner 18 as soon as possible.

"I do think that the tendency to envision a team like the Grizzlies as being an ideal team that the modern core of the C's can grow into is a good one -- i.e. A tough defensive team that has enough talent to beat any team in the league over seven games if the ball bounces the right way. I think most of us would be pretty happy with that."

Now you are contradicting yourself - and shown yourself to be a pompous azz at the same time.

Or perhaps your reading comprehension isn't what it once was. I've bolded the pertinent bits to help you out.

[PhoSita]

I think it bears mentioning that if you think a realistic ceiling for the team you're building is "Good enough to beat any team in the league if the ball bounces the right way," (i.e. Memphis) you'd better build a team with a pretty young core group of players if you want to win a title.  You will need to have lots of opportunities and plenty of time for your players to gain experience playing together in big games.

If you put together an older core group, it better be talented enough to be one of the very best teams in the league right away, like the 08 team.

[SHAQATTACK]

Our coach now has another season undear his belt .

That is huge .....look back at the awful lot he was handed.

I think we saw a glimpse of that can happen with seasoned talent .....like when Prince passed though the system.  And when IT was brought in.

With the addition of Lee and Amir .....more mature healthy returning young guys now understanding their roles ......

I excited .....on pins and needles to see what CBS can do with a decent roster of healthy guys .



Celtics success this seaso. ....could be the best way to attract elite talent .

[LilRip]

If they didn't go against the Lakers, the Pistons would have been swept in '04???

Wow. Just wow.

[tenn_smoothie]

"Or perhaps your reading comprehension isn't what it once was.
I've bolded the pertinent bits to help you out"

Gosh, thank you.

Ya know, us hillbillies down this way don't read so good, what with our 5th grade educations and all. We sometimes need the help of condescending blowhards like yourself to understand.

[GetLucky]

"Or perhaps your reading comprehension isn't what it once was.
I've bolded the pertinent bits to help you out"

Gosh, thank you.

Ya know, us hillbillies down this way don't read so good, what with our 5th grade educations and all. We sometimes need the help of condescending blowhards like yourself to understand.

When Dos said ideal, I think he meant the best-case (ideal) scenario for the current team, not ideal as in satisfying one's conception of what is perfect.