From "most hated" to the NBA's favorite underdog?

[pearljammer10]

I was a little worried about how our offseason was starting out at first, but now after just about everything has fallen into place, I think its safe to say we have had a very solid offseason run. Good work Danny.

[Celtics4ever]

Bosh can pose and flex all he wants.  He isn't Bosh against KG he is Bish.

[sk7326]

I was reading some comments about the possible Shaq signing and what really struck me was how fans from other teams are hoping the Celtics knock LeBron and the Heat(but mostly LeBron) on their collective butt this year.

Last year everyone dogged our C's and some player poll landed 3 or 4 of our guys on their list of most disliked players.  And it was obvious the C's weren't popular with other fans--or the refs. 

It's crazy how all the hate for the Celtics seems to have disappeared or have transferred to the Heat.  And I think that many have tired of the current two-time champs from the left coast.

So here's to a year that may take on the feel of 2007-2008, when when everyone quietly rooted for our underdogs.  Maybe Pierce will start getting star calls again!  I loathe the fact that a lot of the teams this year are already out of the running, but 2010-2011 looks like it could be a real Clash of the Titans played out over the season and post-season.

The Celtics are still loathed by other players - the Celtics count on it ... their reputaion as the yappiest team in the league helps them take their opponents out of the best mindset