Celticinorlando, let's both spread some optimism here for a change.

With all the rumors surrounding Ray, he just went nuts again with 66% from the 2 and 3. Maybe he thinks Ainge and the team showed faith in him and now can come out without any thoughts and gun other teams down again (like in 07/08).

And with Nate's added swagger, and him being on a playoff team for the first time, this just might work. Nate's PER the last two seasons has been amongst the top half of the NBA, ahead of players like Derrick Rose, Tony Parker, Jason Kidd, Mo Williams and Russell Westbrook. He is an elite PG!

And sometimes I do forget that we went on a 11 game winning streak this season. Sure, we get tired more quickly than younger teams, but this team is really capable, if they have the desire, and with Nate's (and Ray's) arrival, this could turn out to be a very productive playoff run, after all.

However, Cleveland looks almost unbeatable on paper now, and we definitely need to stay healthy to have a chance. And still, next season we won't have a chance that good as this season, so we need to make the best of it. Here's a reminder: Only if Nate agrees to a 20% raise ($4.8M, near MLE money) and we re-sign Daniels or another player of his caliber for the MLE, our bench would be as good as this season, but our starters would decline even more. If Nate will be looking for more money, only God will be able to help our bench (Sheed, Baby, , , ).

So go get #18 in 2010!