Hungry Celtics Reloaded for 2007-08

Sept. 25, 2007

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• New Jersey Nets

Over the next nine days, NYKnicks.com will be previewing each of the four other Atlantic Division teams as well as each of the five other NBA divisions. We begin our series with a look at the Boston Celtics, a team that has historically been one of the Knicks biggest rivals and could emerge as an obstacle to the playoffs again in 2007-08.

No team in the NBA transformed its roster more during the off-season than the Boston Celtics. By bringing in superstars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to play alongside perennial All-Star Paul Pierce, the Celtics front office instantly transformed a team that finished last in the Eastern Conference -- with the second worst record in the entire NBA (24-58) -- into an immediate championship contender.

The biggest acquisition was that of Garnett, for whom Boston traded Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a 2009 first round draft pick, a return of Minnesota's conditional first round draft pick obtained in a previous trade, and cash considerations. That was a steep price, but Garnett, the last American-born player to be named MVP in 2003-04, is worth it.

Over 12 NBA seasons, "The Big Ticket" has averaged 20.5 points-per-game, 11.4 rebounds-per-game, and 4.5 assists-per-game. A 10-time NBA All-Star, Garnett has also been named to eight All-NBA and All-Defensive teams.

Not to be overshadowed was the draft-night acquisition of Ray Allen from Seattle for forward Wally Szczerbiak, guard Delonte West and the draft rights to Jeff Green. Allen is one of the NBA's all-time best jump shooters and three-point artists. A seven-time All Star, he averages 21 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game over his 11-year career, and provides the perfect long-range option to compliment Garnett's inside presence.

Then, of course, there is still Pierce, a six-time all-star who can slash to the basket with the best of them. Over his career, "The Truth" has averaged 23.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. His scoring average is second in Celtics history behind the legendary Larry Bird. Having spent his entire nine-year career with Boston, Pierce now has the best supporting cast around him to go deep into the playoffs since he paired with Antoine Walker from 1998-2003, and then again late in 2005.

Rounding out Boston's roster is a solid group of role players, led by veterans Scot Pollard, Eddie House, James Posey, Kendrick Perkins, Brian Scalabrine and second-year defensive wizard Rajon Rondo.

	vs.
Wednesday, October 17 7:30 pm KNICKS @ CELTICS (Preseason) TD BankNorth Garden Boston, MA Monday, October 22 7:30 pm KNICKS vs. CELTICS (Preseason) Madison Square Garden TV: MSG, NBA TV Thursday, November 29 8:00 pm KNICKS @ CELTICS TD BankNorth Garden Boston, MA TV: TNT Monday, January 21 1:00 pm KNICKS vs. CELTICS Madison Square Garden TV: MSG, NBA TV Wednesday, February 13 7:30 pm KNICKS @ CELTICS TD BankNorth Garden Boston, MA TV: MSG Monday, April 14 7:30 pm KNICKS vs. CELTICS Madison Square Garden TV: MSG, NBA TV

Pollard, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, helped his former team to the NBA Finals with his leadership off the bench. He is expected to play a similar role for the Celtics this season. House, who played for New Jersey last season, also fills a similar role as a key figure off the bench who can fill in for the occasional start without missing much of a beat. Posey, a member of Miami's 2005-06 championship team, is a fantastic two-play player who is as strong on defense as he is on offense.

Perkins, a young 6-foot-10 center, will be given more minutes now that the Celtics are without Jefferson, and will look to combine with Garnett down low. Scalabrine, at 6-foot-9, is a rare big man who has long distance range, making him a match up nightmare on the nights where he catches fire.

Meanwhile, Rondo led the NBA in steals per 48 minutes with 3.36 last season. Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, he also ranked fourth in the NBA in steals per turnover with 0.93 and finished 10th in the NBA with 128 steals in 2006-07, despite playing just 23.5 minutes per game.

There has also been an influx of youth to Boston's roster through the additions of Gabe Pruitt, Glen "Big Baby" Davis, and Brandon Wallace in the 2007 draft.

The Celtics are led by head coach Doc Rivers, who enters his fourth year amongst great scrutiny of Celtics fans. Although he won the coach of the year honors during his time with the Orlando Magic, he has underachieved in Boston, leading the prestigious Celtics organization to a 102-144 record in his first three seasons.

Not since the days of Bird has Beantown been as electrified as they are by the potential of the "Boston Three-Party". With Garnett dominating down low, Allen pulling up for outside jumpers and Pierce playing his slashing game, there are few teams that can match up with Boston's offensive talent.

Expectations are high for Rivers' squad, and the Knicks will get an early taste of them as they face them twice in the preseason and early on in the regular season with a Nov. 29 match up at the TD Banknorth Garden.

BOSTON CELTICS AT A GLANCE

2006-07 Record: 24-58 (5th in Atlantic)

Head Coach: Doc Rivers

Key Additions: Ray Allen (G), Glen Davis (F), Kevin Garnett (F), Eddie House (G), Scott Pollard (C-F), Gabe Pruitt (G), Brandon Wallace (F)

Key Losses: Ryan Gomes (F), Gerald Green (F), Al Jefferson (F), Wally Szcerbiak (F), Sebastian Telfair (G), Delonte West (G)