Columnists :: The Boston Sports Beat
It’s championship or bust for Celtics by Brandon Simes
Managing EditorMonday Oct 5, 2009 Celtics owner Pagliuca calls current squad ’one of the best teams we’ve ever had’
This could be it for Boston. After this season, it’s possible the Celtics won’t compete for another World Championship for at least a few years. With Ray Allen a free agent this summer and Paul Pierce also free to leave either this summer (if he so chooses) or next (the more likely option), the window for the aging Big Three Redux is closing. But, if their creaky bones allow them to compete for the entire year, watch for Green 18 to rise to the rafters at the start of the 2010 season.
NBA TV is running a series of training camp specials. Both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Celtics have now been observed in their natural element. And the contrast is striking. While LA slogged through dribbling practice and lay-up drills, with Lamar Odom huffing and puffing from such routine stuff, the Celtics actually played a full-fledged scrimmage among themselves in front of fans. Kevin Garnett looks relatively spry with all things considered, Ray and P^2 look to be in fantastic shape, and The Young Three, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, and Glen "Big Baby" Davis, all appear to have improved their physical form as well. This is a determined team.
My confidence in this team is not alone, either. At Friday night’s South End Baseball casino night fundraiser at the Red Fez on Washington Street, Celtics owner and senate candidate Steve Pagliuca stopped by to meet voters. In a side interview with South End News, he gave strong praise to this year’s crop of Celtics.
"I think we have one of the best teams we’ve ever had," he said.
After seeing my first glimpses of this competitive bunch, I have to agree. If healthy, this team will win it all.
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