With the Addition of Daniels, Celtics Look To Be Favorites

[KCattheStripe]

With the best starting lineup in the NBA remaining intact and a bench revitalized with by th addition of a more than servicable back-up 3 and a big man that Charles Barkley called ¨the most talented player in the NBA¨, the Celtics look to be the most fearsome team in the Association. And, with several back-up point guards available on the free agent market and trading block, there is still time for Danny Ainge to improve upon the team he has constructed.

The 2009-2010 Celtics appear to be the best team on paper for the upcoming season--but only time will tell.

I think the Celtics are a safe bet. However, the two variables are VC and Shaq. Because undoubtedly those teams have improved in terms of player personell. Would they work in the team though, and can those teams create an offense/defense that fits the new additions?

And again, our team being older has a slightly higher risk of catchign the injury bug (knock on wood). But again, we'll see.

I think we have a great team as constructed, but we're not done yet. And championships aren't won in July

I always get nervous when 'knock on wood' is not used properly.  I know it was not your intention, but I believe you just made it more likely that the C's will catch the injury bug -- especially if you actually knocked on wood as you wrote this (please tell me you didn't).

Definition:   Knock on wood, (used when knocking on something wooden to assure continued good luck): The car's still in good shape, knock on wood.

So, a safer way to approach this -- and I hope you'll do as follows -- would be to say:  "The C's look like they will go into the season healthy and I sure hope it stays that way -- knock on wood"

Ahhh -- don't you just feel better now?

Living up to your name, eh Neurotic Guy.

[SSFan V]

if odom leaves LA..i dont think LA gets out of the west

If he stays -- we would all be foolish to deny what they've done in the off season.

Same can be said for Cleveland.

All three teams need to be looked at as 1a - 1b & 1c

[Fafnir]

if odom leaves LA..i dont think LA gets out of the west

If he stays -- we would all be foolish to deny what they've done in the off season.

Same can be said for Cleveland.

All three teams need to be looked at as 1a - 1b & 1c

I don't think Ariza to Artest improves them much. Different strengths but overall very similar players.

[celticinorlando]

if odom leaves LA..i dont think LA gets out of the west

If he stays -- we would all be foolish to deny what they've done in the off season.

Same can be said for Cleveland.

All three teams need to be looked at as 1a - 1b & 1c

boston's biggest obstacle to winning it all? the orlando magic...i think boston is still tougher than LA...i think artest will be proved to be a bad move and i think their bench is still not as strong...esp if odom leaves...if boston can lock up baby...add a point and one more grinder as a big...they will be 1

[GKC]

if odom leaves LA..i dont think LA gets out of the west

If he stays -- we would all be foolish to deny what they've done in the off season.

Same can be said for Cleveland.

All three teams need to be looked at as 1a - 1b & 1c

boston's biggest obstacle to winning it all? the orlando magic...i think boston is still tougher than LA...i think artest will be proved to be a bad move and i think their bench is still not as strong...esp if odom leaves...if boston can lock up baby...add a point and one more grinder as a big...they will be 1

I agree. Artest is a better player than Ariza, but Artest is not great within the Lakers system. Artest is not a spot up floor spacer, and in fact likes the ball in his hand. With Gasol already not getting enough touches, I think Artest will definitely mess up the chemistry.

[Mr October]

I really like how this off season is going with the pickup of Wallace and Daniels. The C's have a dominant defensive trio to rotate in the majority of the bigs minutes: Perk, KG, Wallace.

The C's have a really nice balance of slashers and shooters around them. The top 8 is tight. I'll take Boston over any of the competition's top 8.

Just got to retain Davis now. I'm cool with TA, Scal, Giddens, Walker and Pruitt as insurance/ trade material.

It would be a luxury to add one more player who can really play, yet be willing to be a 10th man for the minimum. Its too early to tell who would be willing to take that spot though.

Go Celtics!!

[OHBOY]

We are one backup point guard away from nº 18: Shaq is worn out, Lebron is  O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D, and Vince Carter is....Vince Carter. On the other hand, the dismembering-Fakers are way too soft for Sheed-KG-Perk and, hopefully, Davis. 

Great job, Danny boy !!!

[ACF]

We are one backup point guard away from nº 18: Shaq is worn out, Lebron is  O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D, and Vince Carter is....Vince Carter. On the other hand, the dismembering-Fakers are way too soft for Sheed-KG-Perk and, hopefully, Davis. 

Great job, Danny boy !!!

Welcome to CB, have your first Tommy Point.

[footey]

I think if the Lakers bring back Odom, they are the slight favorites to repeat, particularly since Boston has to go through Orlando and Cleveland, while LA only has to worry about San Antonio.