Would the Celtics be a title contender this year with Eric Gordon here instead of Rondo?
Straight swap.
New lineupPG: A.Bradley, Terry, Barbosa
SG: E.Gordon, C.Lee
SF: P.Pierce, J.Green
PF: B.Bass, C.Wilcox
C: K.Garnett, (Kenyon Martin), Jason Collins
Eric Gordon would give this team some much needed shot-creation and firepower offensively. A guy who can create off the dribble, get to the rim, draw fouls and nail long jump-shots at a high level. A genuine 20-25ppg threat. Has turned himself into a good passer and strong pick and roll threat.
A nice 1-2 scoring punch on the wing with Eric Gordon and Paul Pierce together on the wing. Plus, Garnett's offensive value as facilitator (high post shooting and passing) and sometimes shot-creator at center. A couple of offensively capable role players in Jason Terry, Jeff Green, Leandro Barbosa and Brandon Bass.
Eric Gordon is a good (but unexceptional) defensive player. He would be able to contribute about as much defensively as Courtney Lee can. Very good defensive player on chief rival D-Wade -- E.Gordon's lateral quickness and physical strength is very strong, very good at fighting off D-Wade's dribble drive game.
Is that team capable of winning a Championship?
I think it might be. It would have the defense and the offense needed to a win a title. Still a bit worried about the possession creation but, that team would be so good offensively and defensively, they might be able to work around that.