As I was browsing through posts on Ball Don't Lie, I noticed Rasheed Wallace's interesting conclusion about the potential of this year's Celtics squad. For crying out loud, the man thinks that his team can "catch the Bulls record." And you know what? He might be right. Two seasons ago, the C's captured a whopping sixty-six wins. And last season, with an injured Garnett, they won sixty-two. Might I remind you that the 62 was with an injured Garnett, who could've "definitely" - to quote Rasheed - led them to several more victories. Call me crazy, but the Boston Celtics could have, very realistically, won seventy games.
Rasheed mentions the talent on the current Celtics roster in resemblance to that of the Hall-of-Fame Bulls team. The depth of this squad is just astounding. A front line of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace is a daunting match-up for any team, and dare I say it, even my beloved Lakers. Pierce, a warrior, is, in my mind, the heart and soul, the CEO, if you will. He's been there from the very beginning; he's been around long enough to experience the ultimate highs and lows of the NBA. From the year when he was injured and came back to an 18-consecutive loss mess to winning the Larry O'Brien trophy relatively shortly thereafter. He may arguably be one of the most determined in the league when it comes playoff time.
Ray Allen came in as accomplished, but not accomplished enough. There's no doubt that prior to joining the Celtics he was a fantastic player. However, he didn't have the illustrous moments in his career to be dubbed a "superstar." Arriving after the climax of his career, Allen knew the clock was ticking for a championship. His shooting seemed to do the trick for the Celtics. Time and again, we've seen Ray knock down the clutch three or drain that ever so important free throw at the last second to change the outcome of the game. Down the stretch, Ray has turned out to be rather reliable.
Kevin Garnett is simply a beast. One can't help but notice his profane vocal outbursts during games after converting an "and1". If one didn't know any better, you'd think that KG had been with the C's for the longest tenure. You can always count on KG to come to practice with a unique passion to play, and just as importantly, to win - and he'll do his best to ensure that happens. Garnett also adds that key extra ounce of swagger that propels a team to prosperity.
As for Sheed, well, we all know his story. With a team like that, who's going to stop you from winning all 82?
The Lakers, Cavs, Magic, Spurs, Nuggets, Blazers, Jazz, Mavs and Bulls. Sheed, don't get me wrong, the confidence is good. But don't let ostentatious hubris distract you from the fact that there are very talented teams out there who can compete with your Celtics. Namely Kobe Bryant and Lebron James have the cast to really give you a run for your money. San Antonio is the master at boring their way to victory. Carmelo and his energetic buds might just sprint past you. The Bulls really challenged y'all in the playoffs. According to Mark Cuban, the Mavs are looking like a great team on paper. The Magic added Vince Carter to a team that made it to the Finals last season. Jerry Sloan's gritty Jazz could easily bump and bruise you so badly, that you don't achieve your goal of 72.
Which brings me to my other point. You may not feel like it, but you future Hall-of-Famers are old. And with old age comes frequent injuries. There's no way the four of you could stay healthy. Even with a healthy diet and good conditioning, a couple of you will be spotted in suits on the bench throughout the year. In fact, I don't even know how many games the starting lineup on paper will play together.
In conclusion, while this year's Celtics team does have the potential to be a record-setting squad, chances are that's not going to happen.
The frustration on Kobe's face captures the mood of Lakers fans everywhere
Andrew Bynum may be one of the most hyped big men in the NBA. For years now, he has been pursuing the pillar of his potential. Yet, something always seems to have gotten in the way. A couple years ago, when the young man was beginning to emerge as a legitimate center he suffered a devastating injury midseason and was gone for the remainder of the year. Then, last season, just as he was averaging superb stats, everything came crashing down for the youngster - literally. When he hit the deck - against the same Memphis team - Lakers fans everywhere held their breath. Only a year ago, when he was expected to miss only a couple of months, fans didn't want to speculate another diagnosis. Unfortunately, when he did come back during the playoffs, it was hard to notice his presence.
In the past, there have been questions about his dedication. If I'm not mistaken, two years ago, at the beginning of the season, Bynum had a starting role. Had he kept the job, it would have been a perfect way to ascend his career into prosperity. However, after showing up late for practice, the Zen Master yanked him out of the starting five and kept his bottom warm on the bench. This wasn't the only time Bynum took a negative step in his career. While he was injured last season, Andrew took a visit to the Playboy Mansion. Not only did he visit the Angeleno landmark, but with an injured knee picked up a playmate. Besides the fact that he should be spending every second possible rehabilitating, watching tape, or doing something - anything - related to basketball, he shouldn't do something to hurt his knee - or cause controversy - while he's injured.
Though some may disagree, much of the Lakers' success this season hinges on how productive Drew is. He has always been the variable in the equation, the extra element to take the Lakers over the top. The fact that he scored more than twenty points in an exhibition game is progress - but against one of the worst defenses in the league, still does not account for very much success. Think about it: If Kobe's not having a Kobe-esque night, Fish is tired, Pau is in foul trouble, and Ron gets ejected - a very likely scenario, mind you - who will pick up the slack? Surely, Lamar can't carry the pack. Nonetheless, I do remember numerous games where Kobe, regardless of how great of a night he was having, could throw the ball just over the rim and get a finish from the big man.
Anyway, here's a message for you Drew: Please, work your butt off this year and make this season the best year of your career. The Lakers have a lot of expectations - as do you. You are an up-and-coming star, we're all simply waiting for you to arrive. You've even had the greatest Lakers center to tutor you - and I don't agree with your decision to move on without him this year. But, fine, if you're intimidated by Kareem, that doesn't matter. You need to condition yourself extremely well, because three consecutive years with injuries can hurt your career quite drastically. Show us what you got, kid.