This team reminds me of the 1987 Sonics. A team of seemingly misfit parts clobbered powerful Dallas and WC champion Houston before bowing out to the 1987 Lakers.
Without Rondo, however, the Celtics will not beat Miami (or Brooklyn if the unthinkable happens).
I would take another three playoff series run this year and come back with the hopes of the team being together for a follow on run in 2014.