Green giant, The Boston celtics

H o o p s C o r n e r . c o m

HoopsCorner

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January 16, 2008

One of the biggest news in the NBA this year is the Boston celtics winning pace. Even though they had Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to start the season, surely no one imagined they would be winning at a record pace.

Usually most teams that win the way Boston is doing have always been squads with key personel in place for years. The threeall-stars mentioned earlier have each been legitimate leaders of their own squads and do know first hand the agony of defeat. Hence their past lessons are helping them gel quickly.

Too quickly, in fact.

The true beauty behind a high caliber team being adored by its fans, is that most of those same fans were there when the team was a bottom dweller. They watched over time as the team rose though the ranks and are now being rewarded for their loyalty.

Not so for Celtic fans. Sure they were there when the team was struggling. However this isn't quite the same squad from last year, plus the transformation at least in my opinon was to quick to savor.

All last season they only managed 24 wins, so far this season, they're already working on clinching # 31.

However for us, is seems the quick rise to the top also fortells the short lifespan this powerhouse. Management will have to see realistic title chances in the playoffs (finals appearance) to keep this group together ($$$). Even then they're only used to 8 figure wages. NO easy feat.

For starters, the chemistry hasn't been refined over years of development. The playoffs usually exposes those flaws.

In addition, to that, out of the celtics 3 super stars, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen weren't let go from their former teams without reason; despite all their achievements, targeted goals were still not being met.

But it's not as if Boston isn't aware of those facts. Their formula to the top is simply to get this mini dream-team to work together without having an intra-squad rivalry.

As unimaginable as it might seem, Paul Pierce (Antoine Walker), Kevin Garnett (Marbury, Wally), and Ray Allen (Glenn Robinson, Sam Cassell) were at some point in their career also having intra-squad rivalries within their teams.

So far it seems everything is meshing well. The Celtics are making up for their lack of familiarity with deft teamwork, and of course, top shelf efficiency.

Their record says they should be one of the best ever, but their sudden rise is the reason why they're still not the favorite to win it all. 8-10 years ago the Bulls or Lakers with a similar record, would've been heavily favored by now to win all.

Why the double standard...? Their Bulls and Lakers' constant trials over time had helped patch up their weaknesses, and afforded everyone a good glimpse of their character.

Comparatively Boston is still a very green giant. Their end of season shape will give more clues to their eligibility, But as of yet, their record still only speaks of the regular season.

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