Celtics Poised to Make Title Run Again This Season

Celtics fans hope to enjoy this sight again this upcoming NBA season

    I couldn't start a sports blog and not write about the Boston Celtics. That would be like John Madden commentating during a game a not finding a way to work Brett Favre into the conversation. Losing in a game 7 conference final to the eventual NBA champion Miami Heat definitely left a bitter taste in the mouths of many if not all of us Celtic faithful. I, for one quickly got over the loss and am very excited for the upcoming season. Some of you may say "Why? It isn't even pre-season yet!" I know this, but the Celtics seemed to make all the right moves that they needed to make this off-season to be a title contender.
    The Celtics' biggest issue to me last season was their lack of size. They were awful at rebounding because of it. That was easily the most frustrating thing about the team for me to watch last year - seeing them give up not one, not two, (cough LeBron reference cough) but sometimes even three or four offensive rebounds. How many chances are you going to give the other team to score? It was pathetic.
    The other issue to me was their lack of quality players coming off the bench. Greg Stiemsma, who was lost to the Timberwolves this off-season through free agency, is a great interior defender. His problem was he could only manage to stay on the floor for three minutes before he got himself into foul trouble. I liked Mickael Pietrus off the bench early on, but he seemed tentative at times and went through a lot of cold spells shooting the ball. Then, Doc Rivers deciding to have Ray Allen come off the bench I felt was a good move...at first. It would've worked out much better if a) Allen would've stayed healthy and if b) Allen could play defense.
    As much as it pained me at first to admit it, Ray has definitely become a one dimensional player. Run around a bunch of screens, get behind the three point line, catch a pass and shoot the ball. He is not, yes I repeat not a dynamic player anymore.
    That being said, Allen's departure from Boston in early July still stung a little bit. At the same time though it was also almost like a weight was being lifted off of the team's shoulders because let's be honest - Ray just isn't the same Ray anymore. I don't have much else to say about it now other than hey...best of luck with Lebron down in South Beach.

Jason Terry's newest tattoo

    Although no one really knew if Allen would stay or go Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge seemed to see it coming. Just before Ray left the Celtics signed former Sixth Man of the Year G Jason Terry to a three year deal. Terry is a significant upgrade over Allen in my opinion, and will be a legitimate threat coming off the bench unlike Allen was all of last year. He is a more dynamic player than Allen is at this point in his career by far. Oh, and Terry can actually play defense. Another big plus.
    Along with Terry the Celtics also acquired G Courtney Lee through a three team sign and trade deal with the Rockets and Trail Blazers. Lee will add another spark coming off the bench that this team has been missing in recent years.
    Boston addressed its size issue this off-season through both the draft and free agency. In the draft they used their two first round picks to take a pair of seven footers in C Fab Melo and F Jared Sullinger. They then signed another seven foot center, Jason Collins, in late July. Lets hope this helps solve some of those rebounding woes that I spent countless hours yelling at my t.v. over last season.
    Starting G Avery Bradley will be returning to the lineup off of an injury this year as will C/F Chris Wilcox. F Jeff Green received a new deal and will also be back on the hardwood this season after missing all of last year. The Celtics also resigned forwards Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass along with G Keyon Dooling. Starting PG Rajon Rondo and team captain SF Paul Pierce are also still with the team, locked into contracts through this season.
    All of these moves have once again, in my opinion, made the Boston Celtics a serious contender to win the NBA title. I am more than excited for the season to start (even though its still about two months away, I know I know). If they can stay healthy this season I see no reason why this squad can't bring another championship trophy back home to Title Town, U.S.A.