The more I think about the deep playoff run last year and the roster upgrades this summer, the more excited I am about this coming season. Reasons to be an optimistic fan-boy:

The starting lineup: Especially when Bradley returns, the Rondo-Bradley-Pierce-Bass-KG starting lineup that was so successful late last year should wreak havoc on the league. I am expecting another record-setting defensive season from this crew.

The bench: Jason Terry and Jeff Green are huge upgrades to the bench. If Green can come into his own, his ability to limit Pierce's minutes in the regular season should pay huge dividends in the playoffs. Courtney Lee (after Avery returns) should be a solid guard off the bench. And I love bringing Wilcox back as the backup center because he meshed so well with Rondo last year in the running game. That's 4 solid rotation guys off the bench. And if Sullinger can develop and get 8-10 minutes off the bench - that's some great depth.

Jeff Green: I just have a feeling this is going to be his break-out season. No rational reason, just a gut feeling. And I love the versatility he adds in backing up Pierce at the 3 or Bass at the 4 in small lineups. (Even allowing Pierce to shift to the 2 at times against bigger 2's like Kobe or Joe Johnson.)

Rondo: Rajon seems to take a leap every year. What's he got in store for us this season? Especially now that there's no doubt it's "his" team? And now that he has a whole new dimension he can add this year with player who should be effective in the running game - Bradley, Lee, Green, and Wilcox.

The "Closers": It's May of 2013, Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Five minutes left. The Heat trot out Chalmers, Ray Allen, D-Wade, LeBron, and Bosh. The Celtics counter with Rondo, Terry, Pierce, Green, and KG. I like the Celtics chances.