Couldn't be happier. Slide into the playoffs in the sixth seed, get "better" draft pick in strong draft. Win 1st round, maybe sneak out of second round and make some more noise - earnest rebuilding underway in off season.
Perfect season for me.
How is that scenario better, in the big picture, than missing the playoffs and getting a lottery pick?
Winning a playoff series and losing in the 2nd round again has no value other than giving the owners revenue from playoff tickets.
Because we have three of the greatest players in our generation still playing together on one team, who are capable of playing great basketball- much better than we are probably going to see for at least the next 5 years.
Some people, me included, are happy to delay the rebuilding process because we appreciate watching a great team play great basketball, against these monstrously talented super teams.
We are now an underdog that is actually capable of being a successful underdog.
Sometimes it isn't just about chasing the next one. It's about appreciating what you have in front of you.
Of course I understand what you're going to say, and I appreciate your point of you, just appreciate his point of view and that some people are so happy to watch a Celtics team like this in their last year together.
I respect your optimism. I also think watching them give it one more shot is a nice thought but I tend to believe a good GM has to look past sentimentality and treat it as a business.
To me if and when it becomes clear you cannot contend then you have to explore all options. That doesn't mean dumping Pierce for cap space and a bag of balls. It just means if there happens to be a deal out there that either nets us a younger player with upside who you strongly believe can help you next season and into the future or a high draft pick then you have to make the deal.
Some here seem to think that those of us who aren't as optimistic and feel like it might be time to focus on the future just want to dump the Big Three for scrubs. I'm not for that at all. If the right deal isn't out there then you ride it out and see what you can do with that cap space this off season. I don't believe Ainge should be or is banking on making a franchise changing FA signing so I am not against taking on salary for the right younger player.
Don't get me wrong, I am 100% a blow up if it means we get lottery picks or someone like Rudy Gay + another potential star in exchange for our big 3- I'm right behind that.
I just don't really see what we'll get in return for these guys at their age that would be worth sacrificing a nice last playoff run.
But if Ainge made a move and got us some studs to lure Howard or swung a crazy deal like he did in 08' I'd be fine with it.
I think most fans would understand if Ainge were given an offer he couldn't refuse.
But realistically that's not going to happen, and I am not in favor of tanking and skipping the playoffs this year while we have the potential to upset in a playoff series. So for me, the best course of action is to appreciate what we have and see if these geriatrics can pull a miracle.
The 5% (or less :S) chance of us winning the glory this year is enough. Who knows what will happen. Wade could go down, Rose could go down and we could all stay healthy.
I just can't really see any possibility of us landing any good players/picks for these guys and I'd rather have a 4th-5th seed team this year try and pull through the odds, whilst keeping Pierce, Ray and KG on the bench next year on the cheap. I feel that bench would be excellent.
I'm with you though on many levels, I'd gladly/painfully ship out Paul Pierce and Rondo for Kevin Durant or Pierce + a late first rounder for Derrick Williams etc..though. If the deal is right, pull the trigger.
Topic: Almost 30 percent into the season and still under .500 (Read 6806 times)