First and foremost, this is not a post to try to convince you that we're the favorites next year.  Nor is it a post to try to advocate some whacked out trade that will never happen.  But what I am here to tell you is that I do think the Celtics can contend again next year.  Here's why.

First and foremost, if the window is closed because the Big Three have declined, why did the Big Three all play better this year than they did last year when we came less than a quarter away from winning the NBA Finals?  Ray shot a career best from the field and three point line and was still throwing down dunks on the Heat.  Paul shot a career best from the field and looked much lighter on his feet this year than he did last year.  And KG, stats or no stats, was much more athletically gifted this year than he was last year when he could barely complete an alley-oop.  

If the Big Three are actually better than they were last year, then why did we lose?  Well, there are likely several reasons including better competition (the Heat) and lack of inside play, but the biggest reason has to be Rajon Rondo getting hurt.  

I know some people on this board and in the media are obsessed with chronicling our fourth quarter collapses.  But can anyone seriously look at Game 4 and think that in a game that went to overtime, having a healthy version of arguably the greatest playmaker in the NBA wouldn't have helped us close it out in regulation?  Might the C's tired legs have let their 10 point lead go to 5?  Absolutely, but that stuff happened last year and the year before too.  However, just because they might've played somewhat poorly in the 4th quarter with a Rondo, doesn't mean that they completely would've blown it.  

Similarly, a healthy Rondo (who looked even worse in Game 5) could've helped the C's hold their lead in Game 5.  And if that's the case, the C's would be heading back to Boston up 3-2 and no one would be talking about the C's being "too old" or the "window closed."

I agree with Danny Ainge's assessment that the Big Three are likely past the 2008 point where they could carry a team by themselves.  Often times in 2008, their best lineup was House and Posey with the Big Three.  They clearly need Rondo now to work.  However, that was the case last year when the C's went to the NBA Finals and almost won.  

So my point is simply this: if Rondo can get back to 100% and step up his game and the Big Three can maintain their level of play, this team can still be a contender next year.  

Would I bet on them winning?  Nope.  However, I think they can be at least as good as they were this year, and with potential improvements in Rondo and Green, potentially a little better.