There is just something about the way this season has been set up. I have a very good feeling about where we are going. I’ll hit you right now with the opposing arguements so you can understand that I already know they are there. First we have that the Big 3 are older, thus may not be as ready come the post season as they have in the past. Then we have the fact that Glen Davis got a little self absorbed and seemingly (although I beg to differ) put himself above the team. Last but certainly not least, the unknown health of KG’s knee coming down the stretch.
What I see, is a much different picture. Of everything negative that has happened, the Celtics have arrived at a positive outcome. First things first, Kevin Garnett injuring his knee last year. This was obviously a tragic story that diminished the C’s chances of going far into the playoffs. What did the Celtics get though? Well Big Baby got starters minutes and improved his game. Then Perkins was forced to become more of a scorer to pick up for some of KG’s lost points. Look at Kendrick Perkins game now, and tell me he has not improved on offense. He is much less tentative, and looks at ease whenever he gets the ball with a chance to make a move.
Now as for Big Baby- we haven’t even thought about him. As fans we have somewhat forgot that the team that is out there right now is not the team that will be there for the remainder of the season. Davis’ miscues just before the season started should bring him back fired up and ready to prove himself. Not only that, he has been working on his game from his left hand, so he will have a new arsenal to bring to the court. A second layer has been added to how this should help the team as Shelden Williams has gotten good playing time, and is slowly but surely learning his role while in the game. This will give Davis someone to compete with for a spot in the rotation, which in turn will only make both players better. In reality, Davis is the better player, thus will get the minutes, but it still should give both players the extra motivation if they didn’t have it already.
Kevin Garnett’s knee injury did affect himself, and his ability on the team as well (as weird as that may sound-(sarcasm)). He is, however, at just the right time finding his stroke on his jumper, and getting his stamina up to where it should be to play an NBA season. He has been more aggressive, and is getting the flow back down of the game as you can tell with his defensive rotations that were missing to begin the season. He is also regaining chemistry with the starting 5 and is very noticeable with his assist total rising. This is all just in time for the Celtics road heavy December.
Bring back Baby in the near future to make the bench deeper, have KG getting back to form, Ray finding his range that everyone was worried about, Perkins is now an offensive threat, Pierce is playing lights out, and Rondo… I didn’t even mention Rondo. Number 9 is worry free for a long time. With his new contract, we no longer have to worry about him playing for himself, trying to get a bigger contract. It is all said and done, now all he has to do is play basketball.
With allllll of the things you can think of to begin this season, the team is still 14-4. Are you kidding me? This season is good so far, but I have a feeling there are much better things in store. With the whole team healthy, and playing at their full potential, this team has the feeling they are destined to go very far.
Perkins (Photo by Steve Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
KG (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)