Is this the last run of the Big Three?

[nickagneta]

KG hinted for the very first time during his press conference after game 6 Atlanta that this might be his last year. Paul Pierce in an interview aired during the game the other night said this is probably the last run of the Big Three as he didn't think management would be bringing them all back and even joked that they almost were broken up this season.

Given that all three players have some injury issues, that KG and Ray are both old for basketball players, that Pierce is the only one signed beyond this year, and that it looks as if they could go very deep into these playoffs, could this be it?

If KGs hips are hurting that bad and he doesn't want to play for anyone but Doc and only wants to play for a championship, could this be his last year?

With bradley looking secure as this team's future starting shooting guard and Rondo and Bradley being so young, even if Ray does want to more years, does it make sense to bring him back for what he will want(money and the need to start)?

Given this team probably won't realistically contend next year will KG and Ray even want to be here?

How long does Pierce truly have beyond this year and could the team try to force his retirement by holding the amnesty provision over his head?

The deeper into the playoffs they go, I think the more the likelihood this is it. If they make it to the Finals I don't see this group coming back next year. If they win the championship, I could see one, two or possibly all three players retiring.

[cman88]

Depends...who else are we going to sign with our capspace?

If kg can play at this level why not? Get youth and bridge the gap between the past and future...kinda like the spurs

[Who]

I thought this would be Garnett's last year when it looked like Danny was going to blow things up this summer and make a major move with that cap space (either FA signing or using it to make a big trade). However, with that not looking likely anymore, I expect KG to return next season. Possibly on a two year deal.

I expect Ray Allen to continue playing but possibly not for Boston. Maybe he stays. Maybe not. Not sure what happens with him but I expect Rondo, Garnett and Pierce to return next year.

[Who]

The deeper into the playoffs they go, I think the more the likelihood this is it. If they make it to the Finals I don't see this group coming back next year. If they win the championship, I could see one, two or possibly all three players retiring.

This I do wonder out. It would be the perfect curtain call to KG's career.

I'd still fully expect Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to continue on playing if they win a title. Possibly Garnett too but there is some real doubt there (if Boston won this year's title)

[Lucky17]

The deeper into the playoffs they go, I think the more the likelihood this is it. If they make it to the Finals I don't see this group coming back next year. If they win the championship, I could see one, two or possibly all three players retiring.

I think you can make a case for the converse: that the earlier this team is eliminated, the less likely "management" and the players will believe it worthwhile to try again next year with a similarly constructed roster.

[LarBrd33]

I don't know what to make of it.  It might be a motivational thing.  "This is our last year together... this is our last shot".  When summer comes and they have time to think it over... they might change their minds.

That said, it sounds like we traded Ray at the deadline, but the deal fell through.  Everyone talks about Ray like he's gone.  Maybe behind the scenes he has shown disgust with Ainge and the lack of respect he has gotten?  Who knows?  Even Jacky Macmullin has made comments that suggest Ray is done with the Celtics.  KG has continued to drop hints that he will retire.  Pierce keeps dropping hints that it's over (even dropping a hint that HE might retire)... who knows, really.  It's a bit strange to me that they are all convinced it's over.  With Pierce still on teh books, we really can't do BETTER than KG and Ray with our cap space.

[nickagneta]

The deeper into the playoffs they go, I think the more the likelihood this is it. If they make it to the Finals I don't see this group coming back next year. If they win the championship, I could see one, two or possibly all three players retiring.

I think you can make a case for the converse: that the earlier this team is eliminated, the less likely "management" and the players will believe it worthwhile to try again next year with a similarly constructed roster.

I don't know. A LOT of dominoes are falling right into place in order for this team to go far. Chicago loses to Philly because Noah and Rose are out and Deng is playing hurt. Miami loses Bosh. Can these types of things be counted on happening next year when the team is another year older?

[Lucky17]

The deeper into the playoffs they go, I think the more the likelihood this is it. If they make it to the Finals I don't see this group coming back next year. If they win the championship, I could see one, two or possibly all three players retiring.

I think you can make a case for the converse: that the earlier this team is eliminated, the less likely "management" and the players will believe it worthwhile to try again next year with a similarly constructed roster.

I don't know. A LOT of dominoes are falling right into place in order for this team to go far. Chicago loses to Philly because Noah and Rose are out and Deng is playing hurt. Miami loses Bosh. Can these types of things be counted on happening next year when the team is another year older?

True. But, what about the current roster's chance with a healthy Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox, and/or players acquired via sign and trade in exchange for non-core players and draft picks?

Maybe Noah goes down next year with a foot injury. Or Wade. Or anyone else.

To me, success is a convergence of some degree each of talent, hard work, preparedness, and opportunity. The first three can all (and only) be controlled or achieved on one's own.

I think the Spurs are a terrific model for contending while retooling, and I see no reason why the Celtics can't follow suit.

[fairweatherfan]

I think Ray's gone next season no matter what happens.

KG seems to be seriously pondering retirement.  It seems like it'd be hard for a guy`with KG's intensity to walk away, but I don't think he wants to rebuild anywhere.  I think he's coming at the playoffs like it's his last run, and if we win the ring I think he'll hang em up.

Pierce has mostly been dropping retirement hints to scare off trade offers.  He doesn't want to leave town, but I doubt he's gonna leave $32 million on the table over the next two years.  I think he sticks around regardless.

[GreenFaith1819]

Hope not.

I have read in several places here on the blog that Ray is most likely the first to go.

If he does leave, for whatever reason, it will be next to impossible to replace that outside threat - not to mention the leadership.

[pearljammer10]

I could certainly see KG retiring after this year if we win a title. Even though he is playing at an extremely high quality level, i could see him hanging up the shoes on a good note. I hope he doesnt because Id love to see him back... If Ray needs surgery, which by his play looks like he does, then I cant see him returning to any team.

[CoachBo]

I think it's the last run for Ray; I don't necessarily think it's the last go for Pierce and Garnett, and I suspect KG will be resigned unless he flatly decides to retire.

Really think a "blow up" is nonsense; there's nothing to do with the cap room and we've already seen that you can't rebuild through the draft.

[KGs Knee]

Honestly, I think they've convinced themselves this is it because it could be.

Maybe they end up back next year after all, but the chances have to be 50/50 at best.

Will Ray accept a bench role and reduced money?  Will KG want to continue without Ray?  Will Pierce want to continue without KG?  Thes are the questions.  One thing is almost certain, Pierce and KG will not play anywhere but Boston.

[nickagneta]

About Ray: I think team is committed to Rajon Rondo and if there was one of the Big Three that I would pick out and say that Rondo doesn't get along with on a personal level, its Ray Allen.

We saw their anger towards each other a couple times on the court. We have heard Rondo being quoted as saying that he's never sure if some of his team mates have his best interests at heart. We have heard the rumors of friction between Rondo and members of the Big Three but also Rondo is quoted as saying he admires and has tried to emulate KG.

If the C's are married to Rondo and there's friction between ray and Rondo, I don't see Ray back.

Of course all of the above is complete and utter speculation and is not based in fact in any way.

[Jon]

Could be, but I wouldn't count on it.

People talk about Ray leaving, but they forget two things:

1) There's no one worth this summer worth signing.  So there's no reason to renounce our rights to Ray.

2) Thus, we'll have his Bird rights. 

So while other teams might want him and he may even want to leave, the fact that the C's can offer him as much as they want can speak volumes.

And with ankles the way they are right now, I can't imagine any team blowing him out of the water with a mega offer.  So, assuming the best he gets is a 2 year MLE offer, I see no reason why Danny can't at least give him 1 year at 6-8 million or perhaps even a little more than the MLE for two years.