Count Our Blessings

[Bahku]

I see a lot of panic, or at least deep concern, over this team of late, and rightly so, considering how hurt we are physically. But I have to say, that despite the fact that we are missing almost half of our team due to injuries, to be 40/14 and leading the Eastern Conference going into the All-Star break, is absolutely amazing.

It's a testament to the solid core and "never-say-die" attitude of this team, and in the midst of the worry, I think it should be recognized and applauded. There is only one team at the present time, with a better record than us, (and it's not that much better), and they are a team who has had almost no injuries this year at all!

Don't get me wrong, I am just as concerned as anyone about our present situation, and the prospects of having to fight through these ailments for the rest of the regular season. But to be where we are now, considering all that's happened to thwart our journey, is in my eyes a profound accomplishment, and I could not be more proud of this team, and how it has handled adversity.

That, more than anything else, is what Celtic Pride is all about, and that is what will carry us through to Banner #18 when we finally have all our pieces in place ... not our weapons and tools and talents, but our heart and our perseverance. We really could not have asked for much more at this point in the season, and I think we should count our blessings, and be aware of what an accomplishment this is.

I love this ball club for many reasons, but none more than it's heart.

So how do you feel about this season's journey so far, and where we stand right now?

[Celtics4ever]

I think we have some depth concerns due to injuries but I think we are the best team in the league when healthy.  I trust Ainge to make a move when needed he had to learn from the Mikki Moore debacle.

[Bahku]

I think we have some depth concerns due to injuries but I think we are the best team in the league when healthy.  I trust Ainge to make a move when needed he had to learn from the Mikki Moore debacle.

Thanks for the reply, Celtics4ever, (TP) ... pretty lonely thread.

[thirstyboots18]

Our blessings include our bench, which is still one of the deepest in the League.  Those expected to be playing next week include:  Shaq, Delonte, Erden, Davis and Wafer...oh, yeah, and Nate. JO has had surgery and it is hoped can be back in a few weeks. Our rookies (after Erden, who has played and even started, major minutes) are Luke Harangody and Avery Bradley, who have also seen minutes during the regular season this year.  We all know Doc's aversion to playing rookies, so that has to be helpful during the rush to #18.  They may never get on the floor during the playoffs, but at least they have some experience if it becomes necessary.  Soooo, our team of usable players will be 10 deep, possibly 11, and have the capability of drawing to 13. 

Any team out there, including ours, can suffer more injuries.  What team has a deeper bench...even at this point?

That does not even mention our starting five...four of whom are on the All Star Team, and the fifth has rehabbed at breakneck speed from a devastating injury to retake his starting role.

[Mike-Dub]

I think we have some depth concerns due to injuries but I think we are the best team in the league when healthy.  I trust Ainge to make a move when needed he had to learn from the Mikki Moore debacle.

Thanks for the reply, Celtics4ever, (TP) ... pretty lonely thread.

Lol it was the middle of the night Bahku.  I'm just blessed to be a fan of a team that basically on every night they play is favored to win and more often then not do win.

[thirstyboots18]

I just started making a short list:

-All the members of our first string have a Championship ring.
-The first string has been playing together for three year.
-The first string has gone to the Finals two of the three years.
-Ray Allen is the all time three point champ.
-Paul Pierce is last years All Star three point champ.
-Paul Pierce has been the MVP of the Finals.
-Four members of the present team are representing the Celts   at the all star game.

            Those are recent, there are tons more...

On the bench:

-Shaq has 4 championship rings.
-Glen Davis has a championship ring and leads the league in charges taken.


As a team:

-Despite all the injuries, the Celtics have the second best record in the League, and the first best record in the East, at present, and if this holds up would have HCA at least until, and possibly through, the Finals.

-We have a terrific Coach and great personal chemistry on the team.

[ACF]

Sometimes, I still have to pinch myself:

- Kevin Garnett is a Celtic.

- Ray Allen is a Celtic.

- This team has been just plain solid, if not downright scary at times. I seriously think that if KG (and to an extent, Perk) had remained healthy we would be looking at our fourth consecutive Finals appearance this summer and possibly our fourth consecutive Banner.

- The way we win games is just a thing of beauty. We lock down our opponents, take them out of their game. We share the ball on offense and on any given night we have someone that could potentially go off. We play team ball, the way basketball was supposed to be played. I think Red, Reggie, DJ, Johnny, Len and even Dr. Naismith are looking down from the heavens and are feeling so proud.

- After so many years of mediocrity, I feel so blessed that we are finally relevant again. It feels good to be a C's fan.


TP for a really positive thread, Bahku.

[mmbaby]

TP for this great post and the positive feelings, Bahku.

It really is amazing how we are number one even with all the injuries. It almost doesn't seem to make sense. I remember how we were so frightened about the injuries at the beginning of the year and now we've become, well...used to it. We've had so many good players go down and yet our record is still the best.

I just don't see anyone beating the Celtics this year because there's no better chemistry on any other team. Mix that with the talent and heart and you've got the perfect storm.

[Mike-Dub]

Bahku you really are the Bill Walton of CelticsBlog.

[Bahku]

Bahku you really are the Bill Walton of CelticsBlog.

You mean I talk too much?

[Mike-Dub]

Bahku you really are the Bill Walton of CelticsBlog.

You mean I talk too much?

Lol the good Bill Walton.  The one who described the way Mike and Tommy are as announcers lol.  Not the one who talks to much while calling  games lol.

[j804]

Bahku you really are the Bill Walton of CelticsBlog.

You mean I talk too much?

Lol the good Bill Walton.  The one who described the way Mike and Tommy are as announcers lol.  Not the one who talks to much while calling  games lol.

I am now picturing and reading Bahku posts in Bill Waltons tone rofl

[Mike-Dub]

Bahku you really are the Bill Walton of CelticsBlog.

You mean I talk too much?

Lol the good Bill Walton.  The one who described the way Mike and Tommy are as announcers lol.  Not the one who talks to much while calling  games lol.

I am now picturing and reading Bahku posts in Bill Waltons tone rofl

TP.

[Bahku]

Bahku you really are the Bill Walton of CelticsBlog.

You mean I talk too much?

Lol the good Bill Walton.  The one who described the way Mike and Tommy are as announcers lol.  Not the one who talks to much while calling  games lol.

I am now picturing and reading Bahku posts in Bill Waltons tone rofl

I'm gonna have nightmares now.

[RebusRankin]

I have hope and optimism for the reasons stated plus last years run.

Wait so Bahku is Bill Walton? Haha, maybe they just meant he has a UCLA mind. Keep throwing down the brilliant insights and prose, big man (Bahku).