Can The Celtics win in the post season without Shaq?

[tgreanier]

We have been saying for weeks how important Shaq is to the postseason. Given how brittle his return was, it is not hard to imagine he won't make it through the whole postseason.

If that is the case, do you think the Celtics can win 18? Can they even get out of the East?

I know what I think, but thought I would like to hear all you other Celtics fans weigh in.

[Roy H.]

Never say never I guess, but I think it would be extremely unlikely.  I don't think a JO / Krstic combo up front is good enough.

[Chris]

Yes, but only if JO is healthy, and returns to the player he was earlier last season (and Krstic being healthy as well).  With a healthy and productive JO, they still have a very good starting center in the NBA, who may be the most complete center they have had in years.  When he is playing well, he brings strong defense, and above average offense for that position.  And, Krstic is a very solid backup to add depth.

Of course Shaq is absolutely a game changer, and gives this team a big advantage, but JO/Krstic is certainly good enough to hold down the fort, given the strength of the rest of the rotation.

[Jon]

If JO can be the player he was last year.  And to be honest, that isn't that far-fetched; he looks healthy.  He then takes Perk's role.  He can match Perk or be a net gain given his defensive capabilities and his offensive prowess.  Baby still closes out games and Nenad more or less becomes Rasheed, something that's not that far-fetched either. 

But I don't think we're going to have to answer this question.

[jaser]

yeah, never say never. and i think it all depends on which teams we are gonna be facing eventually.

gooo celtics!!

[JSD]

Never say never I guess, but I think it would be extremely unlikely.  I don't think a JO / Krstic combo up front is good enough.

Pretty much this. I'm putting a good deal of stock in Shaq being able to give us 15 to 20 a night. I'm optimistic too.

Even Shaq at 70% is huge.

[Surferdad]

No.

[PosImpos]

First round?  Yes.  Second round?  Probably not.  ECF and beyond?  No.

[PosImpos]

Even Shaq at 70% is huge.

Technically, Shaq at any percentage is huge.

[mc34]

As someone said, if JO and Krstic can be solid contributors, then yes. We go as far as our Big 4 takes us. We're by far the best team in the league when Rondo, Ray, Paul, and KG are clicking offensively and defensively. Shaq does make things much easier though

[Marcus13]

Hellll no.  What the hell?


They've been outplayed in the post by some of the worst frontcourts in the league in the last month.

[footey]

I think we could get to the finals if the others really stepped up, especially the big 4, but do not give us any chance v Lakers without Shaq.

[jv2764]

They dont win a title without Shaq playing 20 minutes a game

[vinnie]

First round?  Yes.  Second round?  Probably not.  ECF and beyond?  No.

This

[jdz101]

First round?  Yes.  Second round?  Probably not.  ECF and beyond?  No.

This

10 Tommy points says we beat Miami in the second round. You guys forget that krstic alone is better than their front court, because there's doesn't exist.