Areas of Strength:
Defense and experience. Trading Ray Allen is a possibility, but the Celtics will likely have their All-Star core back intact, with Doc Rivers back on the bench. Despite their late-season and second-round struggles, the group was still dominant when it was on the floor together. There's will be some drop-off next season, but keeping the group together will ensure that the Celtics remain Eastern Conference contenders.

Needs Work:
Depth and scoring. With their big three getting another year older, the Celtics need to surround them with a young and versatile supporting cast to keep the veterans fresh for the postseason. Re-signing and giving a bigger role to Jeff Green, who's younger and more talented than anybody they can get on the free agent market, is crucial.

Two Stats That Matter:
13.2 -- The Celtics outscored their opponents by 13.2 points per 48 minutes when their four All-Stars were on the floor together, 13.1 in the regular season and 13.7 in the playoffs.

48.6% -- The Celtics led the league in field-goal percentage, but were the worst offensive rebounding team in the league and had the seventh highest turnover ratio.

The Way To Go:
With the 25th pick, the Celtics aren't likely to get somebody who can contribute right away. But with perhaps just one year left with Garnett and Allen, they've obviously got to plan for a future with Rajon Rondo as their leader. That's how they've got to approach free agency as well.

2010-11 Team Stats:
Offensive: 104.0 (18th)
Defensive: 97.8 (2nd)

Players Under contract:
G: Rajon Rondo
G: Ray Allen (player option)
G: Avery Bradley
F: Kevin Garnett
F: Paul Pierce
F/C: Jermaine O'Neal
C: Shaquille O'Neal (player option, retired)

Free Agents:
G: Delonte West
G: Carlos Arroyo
G: Von Wafer
G/F: Sasha Pavlovic
F: Jeff Green (Restricted)
F/C: Troy Murphy
F/C: Glen Davis
C: Nenad Krstic

-- John Schuhmann