The New Eastern Conference Favorite?
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by Deuelio
Originally posted on www.returntoblazermania.blogspot.com.
If this proposed deal goes through, the Boston Celtics have certainly joined the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. They might have mortgaged the future to do so, but in the immediate future, say, the next two or three years, they've become extremely relevant.
Landing Garnett to team with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen gives Boston three superstars, including two in Pierce and Garnett who are still among the top at their positions. Ray Allen continues to be a good scorer and excellent shooter, capable of putting up big numbers.
I like that Boston is attempting a run at the Eastern crown. The (L)eastern conference has played the doormat to the Western Conference for too long and some balance would do the league some good. As would some good publicity for a change.
But, is it enough to get them to the finals and contend? Absolutely it is. For the next two to three years while KG and Pierce continue in their primes and Allen continues to be a very good NBA player, Boston has enough to challenge everyone in the East. The question is, have the Eastern contenders improved at all?
For the defending eastern conference champs, they haven't improved their roster at all. Lebron is still Lebron but as evidenced by the San Antonio massacre, he can't do it alone. Zydrunas Illgauskus, Drew Gooden and Boobie Gibson aren't enough. How could that team compete with a trio like Boston's?
Some say Detroit needs to blow it up and start again. I disagree, they're still talented enough to contend because their perimeter is still solid and 'Sheed would be a good matchup for KG. A Detroit/Boston final is a distinct possibility.
Despite having Dwayne Wade, Miami is in trouble. Their key players are getting older or aren't that good. Shaq can't dominate the way he used to and now that the refs will be scrutinized to no end (even more than they were in the '07 playoffs) Dwayne Wade will not draw a foul every time someone looks at him. His forays to the rim will not end with a whistle with every moan or arm flail the way they have in the past.
It all adds up to a good chance for Boston to make a run. True, they've sold the future to make a run now but when the fan base is threatening a mutiny, you have to at least attempt to get better. Danny Ainge has done that and now he can rest a little easier having essentially traded Brandon Roy for Sebastian Telfair and Theo Ratliff because those two helped him later land KG (if the deal goes through).
Of course, Doc Rivers still coaches the Celts and if you read certain writers, they'll tell you he is a grease fire. So having three great players might not do a bit of good. Only time will tell but for the first time in several years, things are looking up in Boston.
