Before we embark upon the postseason, it is worth one more look back on how far this team has come in one short year. Here’s a tale of the tape.
Wins in 06-07: 24
Wins in 07-08: 66
Defensive ranking 06-07: 24th (opp. FG 46.8%)
Defensive ranking 07-08: 1st (opp. FG 41.88%)
06-07 High point: Gerald Green wins dunk contest
07-08 High point: It just keeps getting better
06-07 Low point: 18 game losing streak
07-08 Low point: 3 game losing streak
April 2007 Storyline: Tanking for lottery balls
April 2008 Storyline: Resting stars for postseason
Doc Rivers status in April 2007: Hot seat
Doc Rivers status in April 2008: Coach of the Year candidate
Danny Ainge status in April 2007: Last chance summer
Danny Ainge status in April 2008: Leading Executive of the Year candidate
Paul Pierce status in April 2007: Pondering future outside of Boston
Paul Pierce status in April 2008: Pondering his place is Celtics history
Rajon Rondo status in April 2007: Solid rookie season; very shaky jumpshot
Rajon Rondo status in April 2008: One of the best young players in the league
Leon Powe status in April 2007: 12th man
Leon Powe status in April 2008: 6th man
Team plans for May of 2007: Headed home
Team plans for May of 2008: Home court advantage
Celtics Fans 06-07: "Fellowship of the miserable"
Celtics Fans 07-08: Giddy anticipation
Let’s get this party started.
It’s that time of year again. Time to hand out the hardware to the Celtics. Sure, you know KG is the MVP, Posey is the 6th man, and Big Baby is the Rookie of the Year. But what about some more obscure awards?
Unsung Coach: Clifford Ray
All the credit for the defense goes to Tom Thibbodeau and the rest of the credit goes to Doc, but how about the big man’s coach? Heading into the season, the frontcourt depth behind the starters included Brian Scalabrine, a broken down Scot Pollard, and two undersized power forwards with little to no NBA experience. Leon Powe and Big Baby Davis have grown up fast under the watchful eyes of Coach Ray. He also deserves some praise for bringing along Perkins the last few years, and developing Big Al Jefferson to the point where he could be traded for KG. Give it up for the big man.
Best Player Blog: Rajon Rondo
Sorry Rajon, but this one kinda goes to you by default. I mean, we had Big Baby’s blog in Italy, but that was pretty uninspired and short lived. However, if I ever need to find a steak place in just about any NBA city, I know I can consult your blog for the best places. Also, thank you for letting us know that people still use the term "straight" as in "My last place was straight, but it was kind of small." And I am going to try to get all my friends to start saying "coo" instead of "cool." I think it will catch on.
The Celtics once again exceeded expectations and beat both the Spurs and Rockets to begin a brutal West coast trip. Here are some assorted thoughts from the last week or so.
De-Fense
As usual, the secret to the Celtics’ success has been defense. Tracy McGrady was impressed. "I’ve never seen defense like that. If they play defense like that night in and night out, then the NBA is in trouble because that defense was at its finest." (Boston Globe)
Most of the credit has gone to Kevin Garnett, but don’t overlook the man with the plan, Assistant Coach Tom Thibodeau. Doc has given him free reign on the defensive side of the ball and the players have all bought in to the system and the team concept. Tom’s contract is up at the end of the year, and we can only hope that he doesn’t get a head coaching position somewhere. I’d like to see him patrolling the sidelines in Boston for quite some time.
March Madness?
I can’t remember a time when I was so tuned out for March Madness. I couldn’t care less how the top prospects do because barring unforeseen circumstances the Celtics will be picking 30th. I just can’t sort through that many prospects so I’ve decided to check back in May or June when the "experts" have things a little more solidified.
You’ve seen the commercials. By now you should know the drill. CSN is running a promotion poll to decide which Celtics player should be named this year’s 6th Star. (By voting you could win playoff tickets or a $300 gift certificate to Sullivan Tire and Auto Service) I thought it might be fun to break down some of the candidates for the award and discuss it here.
First of all, here are the guidelines we’re given for choosing a deserving winner. "Vote for the player that has exceeded expectations and that best defines Celtics pride." To clarify, "6th Star" should not be confused with "6th Man. " The winner can be a starter (and has been in the past). On the other hand, I think we can eliminate Pierce, Garnett, and Ray Allen, simply because we expected them to be great.
I would assume that the part about "Celtics pride" is to ensure that only players with heart and a great attitude win the award. (Note: Mark Blount won the award in 2004 – before he signed his contract extension and then unofficially retired without telling anyone)
Sam Cassell and PJ Brown haven’t been around long enough to warrant consideration. Scot Pollard, Gabe Pruitt, and even Brian Scalabrine wouldn’t seem to have played enough to be seriously considered either. But that still leaves quite a list of eligible players. Let’s look at each of them.
Eddie House
My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends–
It gives a lovely light!
– Edna St. Vincent Millay
Enjoy it while it lasts. That is what keeps running through my mind when I think about this Celtics team. This is far and away the best Celtics team since the original Big Three last played together. After beating the Pistons, they might be the best team in the NBA. For fans, it seems like just yesterday that we were sobbing over ping pong balls. Months into the season, I’m still pinching myself at our good fortune.
But how long can it last? How many shots at the golden ring do we get with three stars over 30? What future have we sacrificed in order to enjoy the present? As the Miami Heat have proven, as quickly as it comes together, it can fall apart just as fast. I want to enjoy the present for all it is worth, but I can’t help but look forward towards an uncertain future.
First of all, let me be clear. Given a choice between taking a few shots at the title now versus a few more shots sometime down the line, I’ll take the shots now. Every time. You never know what tomorrow may bring and potential frequently has a way of falling short of expectations. Legitimate chances at the Championship are precious and rare, so I’ll cherish the ones I get.
