Howard Bryant article on ESPN

[Jon]

I'm with Bryant.  The issue is that the cost of keeping the team together, considering re-upping both Ray and Pierce, would quickly cripple the franchise. 

Thus it's probably a good thing that the wear and the age of the team showed through--despite their overall playing marvelously through the playoffs.  If it hadn't, the fan in Wyc might have pushed Danny to sign some bad contracts.  Instead, it seems Danny's free to do whatever he thinks best for the team.

I wouldn't say that's necessarily true.  I think we have a shot at keeping Ray at only two years and probably for only half the money of his current contract (which evens out with Rondo's new deal).  I also don't see a need to extend Pierce.  I think it's probably best for both the team and him to wait and see about an extension. 

Bring back Ray for two years, see how things go next year, and then let both the team and Pierce see if they both want to continue their relationship after next season.  By that time, the C's may be in full rebuilding mode and Pierce may want to go elsewhere.  If that's the case, Pierce walking or going in a S&T combined with KG's (and hopefully Ray's) soon-to-be expiring deals could net the C's some nice pieces to put around Rondo. 

[PosImpos]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

[FallGuy]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

Next season could actually be KG's last as a Boston Celtic.

[PosImpos]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

Next season could actually be KG's last as a Boston Celtic.

Yeah.  Bridge year.

45 wins?

[More Banners]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

Next season could actually be KG's last as a Boston Celtic.

Yeah.  Bridge year.

45 wins?

Well, since we only won 50 this year and have several holes to fill, 40 might be a pretty good effort.  If we get the 8th seed, though, I think we'd still be a tough out.

[FallGuy]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

Next season could actually be KG's last as a Boston Celtic.

Yeah.  Bridge year.

45 wins?

Hard to say for sure but that feels about right. If that's the pace they're on come next February, I'd expect Ainge to pull the trigger on a trade, get the reboot going.

[Mr October]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

Next year really hinges on Pierce's June 30th decision. If he opts out, we could very well be looking at a bridge year next year. Sadly probably a bridge year to a long road to recovery.

[slamtheking]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

Next season could actually be KG's last as a Boston Celtic.

Yeah.  Bridge year.

45 wins?

considering the team coasted through the season after a breakout start and will be another year older (and quite possibly without much youth to integrate or play hard), 45 may be optimistic. 

If there's no lockout the following year and no championship, I'd be stunned if Danny didn't unload KG and Ray (assuming resigned this year for 2 years) as expiring deals and move PP in a S&T to teams looking for that last piece of the puzzle who are willing to cough up young players and draft picks

[FallGuy]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

Next year really hinges on Pierce's June 30th decision. If he opts out, we could very well be looking at a bridge year next year. Sadly probably a bridge year to a long road to recovery.

We may already be there and not realize it. Miami has only two guys under contract for next year. If they load up with three big stars, and Chicago manages to add two (or NYC does) Boston's chances of advancing in the playoffs look pretty dim. I have to think KG/PP/RA know this (obviously Danny does).

I'm leaning more and more towards a rebuild (not tearing it down to nothing, but adding new veterans). If there's a star to be snatched in the next month, that could be the smartest move.

[Mr October]

I'm feeling a "bridge year" coming on this next season.  I would say the same about the season after that, but there'll be a lockout.

Next year really hinges on Pierce's June 30th decision. If he opts out, we could very well be looking at a bridge year next year. Sadly probably a bridge year to a long road to recovery.

We may already be there and not realize it. Miami has only two guys under contract for next year. If they load up with three big stars, and Chicago manages to add two (or NYC does) Boston's chances of advancing in the playoffs look pretty dim. I have to think KG/PP/RA know this (obviously Danny does).

I'm leaning more and more towards a rebuild (not tearing it down to nothing, but adding new veterans). If there's a star to be snatched in the next month, that could be the smartest move.

If there is a Lebron/Bosh team or a Wade/Bosh, or Lebron/Wade or Lebron/Wade/Bosh team; I'd be very curious to see how that one team fills out the rest of the roster, and how well their chemistry is in year one. So far I don't fear this potential team next year. Beyond that though, they could be a juggernaut.

Put it this way: Sub in Bosh for Jermaine O'Neal in Miami this past year, and I still think Boston comes out on top. They're going to need a fully competent starting lineup and 2 solid bench guys in order to really be a contender immediately.

[housecall]

Even if teams load up with the superstar free agents,they still need a good bench to make it work.LBJ,Bosh,and Wade can't win alone.Building/having a good bench is as key to winning as getting a superstar on your team.I feel if we had a better bench it might be the difference in those 4pts.we came up short on,given that Doc trusted them .