This is far from a bold prediction. The only other team that anybody could argue would stand in the Celtics way is the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons play the ultimate five man game in the NBA. Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Antonio McDyess are savvy veterans who know how to play the Detroit Way. That way has not made it back to the Finals in three seasons though.
Sure Kevin Garnett is no longer the Kid, Ray Allen is increasingly becoming one sided, and Paul Pierce is not as quick as he once was, but this team also dominated the Eastern and the Western Conferences last season. The Celtics won an NBA high 66 games and decimated a very talented Lakers team with a suffocating team defense.
Garnett will always be a team player and Allen and Pierce may be far enough from superstardom to revel in the role as teammates who are set to make a run at a dynasty. These are the last years of their careers and they already have all the money and accolades they need. Going out a champion, even after winning last season, is probably the only thing on their minds.
It is surely the only thing on the mind of those Boston fans who embraced the trio last season at TD Bankworth Garden. What’s more is that the Celtics got a draft day steal in Bill Walker. Walker was once a heralded prospect out of high school, but three knee injuries knocked him down into the second round. He is still full of talent and could be ready to blossom this season like Rajon Rondo did last year in the finals.
