How will you survive the Celtic-ocalypse?

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

So, I'm just sitting here thinking through the Celtics' current situation. I think we all realized, once KG went down, that the end of the regular season was going to be ... difficult to watch. Sure enough, the KG-less D has been downright atrocious most of the time. KG has missed the past five games, and during that stretch the Cs have gone 2-3 and given up 100+ points 4 times. KG is supposed to come back before the end of the regular season, but I'll believe it when I see it. Regardless of his status, though, Boston has 9 games left, 6 of them against teams with sub-.500 records, but Boston, even when healthy, isn't known for putting away inferior teams.

Chances are, Boston's looking at a first-round matchup with the Knicks or Pacers, possibly the Heat. Pierce says he's confident against any team, and I know that a lot of CBers feel the same, but I have this feeling that the rest of the season is going to be ugly for Cs fans. The Knicks were laughing it up in their win over us yesterday, and I can see a few more teams doing that against us over the last 9 games (especially Miami, ugh). And Boston won't have homecourt in the first round.

So let me ask you:

1) How are you planning to survive the ugliness that could very well comprise the bulk of the rest of the regular season?

2) Do you truly believe the Cs have more than 1 or 2 postseason wins left in them?

3) If Boston's season ends in the first round, how are you planning to survive that?

[fairweatherfan]

I hope it doesn't come to any of that, but this kind of stuff is always nastier in foresight than hindsight.  If the season does end not with a bang but a whimper, we'll all be angry/sad for a day or two, then life goes on.

[Celtics18]

1).  By watching all the games and rooting for the Celtics.  That was an easy one. 

2).  Absolutely.

3).  I've survived worse.

[Roy H.]

2) Do you truly believe the Cs have more than 1 or 2 postseason wins left in them?

I do.  Even without Rondo, I think the team will reach another gear in the playoffs (so long as KG is playing).  I think we'll make it out of the first round.

[PhoSita]

I'll watch the 4-5 playoff games we get and try to enjoy what I can from them.  Hopefully the team will keep the games close, win a game (perhaps two!) at home, and perhaps we'll see some more big time scoring performances from Pierce, Green, and / or Terry.

Beyond that, I'm really looking forward to some of the Western Conference matchups.  Thunder - Nuggets and Spurs - Clippers are two matchups I'm really hoping to see.


I think you should extend this line of questioning to next season and beyond, though.  We may very well be seeing the beginning of the "Celtic-ocalypse" that could last for at least a few years.  It may be that none of the players currently on the roster will be part of the next contending core of Celtics.  How will we all hold on during that down time?  What will we hold onto in the coming dark age of rebuilding?

Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing Rondo come back from injury with a vengeance, eager to prove to everybody that this is his team and that they are better with him leading the way.  I'm also looking forward to Jared Sullinger building on the promise he showed for the half of this season he got to play.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I think you should extend this line of questioning to next season and beyond, though.  We may very well be seeing the beginning of the "Celtic-ocalypse" that could last for at least a few years.  It may be that none of the players currently on the roster will be part of the next contending core of Celtics.  How will we all hold on during that down time?  What will we hold onto in the coming dark age of rebuilding?

Funny you mentioned that, because this idea occurred to me while I was writing the original post, but then I forgot about it.

Yes, the real "Celtic-ocalypse" could very well be just over the horizon—in which case, the remainder of this season could be a warmup for that.

I really want to enjoy whatever's left of this season; to do that, I may just have to lower my expectations. A lot.

[Lightskinsmurf]

2) Do you truly believe the Cs have more than 1 or 2 postseason wins left in them?

I do.  Even without Rondo, I think the team will reach another gear in the playoffs (so long as KG is playing).  I think we'll make it out of the first round.

I agree if KG is healthy enough but that's a really big IF.

[Neurotic Guy]

I feel pretty grateful for the run of the last 5 years.  For a while I was wondering if I'd ever see another C's championshp, and then we get 1 championship, a Finals appearance, and a then pretty exciting/surprising ECF appearance. 

I am hoping for a few thrills during these playoffs but won't be devastated if we falter early.  As long as LA doesn't catch fire, I'll be good.

[ejk3489]

Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing Rondo come back from injury with a vengeance, eager to prove to everybody that this is his team and that they are better with him leading the way.  I'm also looking forward to Jared Sullinger building on the promise he showed for the half of this season he got to play.

I feel pretty grateful for the run of the last 5 years.  For a while I was wondering if I'd ever see another C's championshp, and then we get 1 championship, a Finals appearance, and a then pretty exciting/surprising ECF appearance. 

I am hoping for a few thrills during these playoffs but won't be devastated if we falter early.  As long as LA doesn't catch fire, I'll be good.

These sum up my thoughts pretty well.

[Celtics18]

I feel pretty grateful for the run of the last 5 years.  For a while I was wondering if I'd ever see another C's championshp, and then we get 1 championship, a Finals appearance, and a then pretty exciting/surprising ECF appearance. 

I am hoping for a few thrills during these playoffs but won't be devastated if we falter early.  As long as LA doesn't catch fire, I'll be good.

I feel that way now, but I suspect that once the playoffs come around, I'll be a bit more anxious.  I actually think they can win at least one round.  I'll probably be somewhat devastated if that doesn't happen. 

[Celtics4ever]

I made it through others, I will be fine and will be wearing my Celtics's shirts and flying my C's flag and proudly driving my car with a dumper sticker!

Chin up, head high is how I will survive.  Win or lose I am a Celtic Fan!

[Boris Badenov]

It's been a good run. I will be happy with the conclusion of the Big 3 era no matter what happens this year.

I will say though that I have no interest in seeing this thing get dragged out longer than it has to. I hope that KG and Pierce can walk away before they become even paler imitations of the players they once were.

And after that I would like to see us go into full rebuilding mode. I have no interest in seeing the Celts be just good enough to lose in the first round for another decade.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Im actually looking forward to the FINAL STAND which is next season. I love the Celtics, but I already accepted the fact that it will take more than just their grit and pride and heart to win a championship this year. If they exceed my expectations, I will be ecstatic and apologetic to the rest of the CelticsNation, but as it stands now, I'd be happy if they get out of the first round.

Im ready for what the season will bring this year. Next year though is a different story. One more final reload, a final stand and I expect so much better.

[2short]

How will I survive a team who has been decimated by injuries but  EVERY guy on the roster top to bottom has played their hearts out?
I lived through the per bird years, ml Carr trying to throw it for Duncan and  Rick pitino.
Well be fine

[SHAQATTACK]

barring more injuries,  next season could be pretty cool.   

Rondo, KG , Pierce, AB, Sully , Green all healed up.

could be interesting Final run for KG and PP