Where Do We Go From Here: The Boston Celtics 2008

[RingRider]

http://noontimesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/celtics.jpg

 

The Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, were coming off their 2007 Championship and it looked like The Boston Celtics were firmly established at the top of the NBA foodchain; ready and equipped to do battle with Kobe Bryant and perennial foe, the LA Lakers while holding LeBron James down over in Cleveland.

 

But that's not exactly the way it played out. The Big Three were magical for the 2007 season, no doubt about it...but when the era was over, having brought the city only one championship, there are many Boston fans who consider that roster underachieving. As KG, Pierce and Allen all seemingly aged overnight, it's fair to wonder if GM Danny Ainge held on too long or put the right pieces around his core to bring home more titles...

 

So I'll be putting myself to the test by taking over the Boston Celtics in 2008. I'll be starting at preseason, so my roster is basically set:

 

[RingRider]

So here's where we are a month in:

 

 

We have some problems and are under performing. Rebounding is a problem and my coaching staff really like play KG center and Perk at PF...I don't really understand that call...but my coach is rated highly, so I'll trust the moves as I usually sim a month at a time.

 

I have concerns about my bench as well. Starbury is terrible and he's my only backup ball handler. I could really use a defensive bruiser down low as well. Glen Davis, Mikki Moore, and Scal are not that guy.

 

Update for after the new year:

 

 

We're leading the East, but I don't feel we're as good as the Lakers...I trying to find the right power move to make before the Trade Deadline.

 

Here's how the guys are performing:

 

 

Nothing to panic over...but we're not very deep. My starting five are logging a lot of minutes and I'm concerned about the potential for injury with no viable backups.

[RingRider]

Big trade:

 

 

I've totally remade my bench. I'm thin on big men, but I think Bogut is a substantial upgrade over Perk, and I love the Sessions, Bogans, and and Ridnour additions. Sessions and Ridnour are really the same player...I would've preferred a dual forward or a big man--but we got the money right and didn't have to involve a third team. Additionally, I shed some contractual commitments I didn't really want. That said, I did mortgage my draft capital big time.

[RingRider]

<p>So with KG and Ray Allan making the All Star Team, I held off making any more deadline deals and rode the team I have. Here's how we finished:</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="cy0TYds.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cy0TYds.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

We just edged out Toronto for our Division and the number 1 seed in the East. The team never got above "AVG" cohesion...Scalabrine isn't happy with his playing time (but he's Scal--he only gets garbage time!). </p><p> </p><p>

Here's a look at our final players stats:</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="mtNYWNr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mtNYWNr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

And the path through the Playoffs! Let's see if I can repeat where the real life team failed (granted...KG never got hurt on my play-though....knock on wood!).</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="Rn9RJBt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Rn9RJBt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[RingRider]

<p>The story of the 2008-09 Playoffs...</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="QBQvZ5x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QBQvZ5x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

In a shocking first round, both Kobe and LeBron take early exits! We coast thru New Jersey and find ourselves looking at a tough Indiana team hot of the heels of smothering King James....</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="soxCaWd.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/soxCaWd.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

And we handle the Pacers handily, but now find a much more difficult challenge in a young, hungry Toronto team that's playing way above expectations. These guys gave us fits all season and we fought them tooth and nail for the division and the first overall seed. I was hoping they'd be eliminated by someone else and we wouldn't have to face them...</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="A5gMnPK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/A5gMnPK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Like a self-fulfilling prophecy...the Raptors look to take on Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire's red hot Phoenix Suns for the NBA Championship while we go home and lick our wounds.</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="kYeHnCU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kYeHnCU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

The Suns take home the prize!</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="hqdefault.jpg" data-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FxoygHn3OeU/hqdefault.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[RingRider]

<p>End of Season Awards</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Kevin+Durant+Oklahoma+City+Thunder+v+Los+Angeles+N3nElHjO6G_l.jpg</span></p><p>

<img alt="lt0S7BA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lt0S7BA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

<img alt="9eNHs3y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9eNHs3y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

<img alt="JsNrzkH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JsNrzkH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

We walk away with KG and Rondo getting recognized for their superb D...but doesn't take away the hurt any less. With Andrew Bogut happy to test Free Agency, we have an off season to consider. Time to break up the trio and find a Center and make another run with this core?</p>

[thecoolestjedi12]

<p>The All offense Suns took a title home?! Bron went home that early. Kobe not even in the conference finals?! What a ride. </p><p> </p><p>

As for your trio, I think KG i your weak link, maybe move him on and keep Bogut, allowing time for Rondo to find a shot while Allen and Pierce carry the offensive load. I say go after Bogut and dump KG to be quite honest.</p>

[thecoolestjedi12]

Might even be worth to invest in the Lebron lottery down the line <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[michgcs]

Wow that was a BIG trade you made! Sucks that it didn't quite pay off, but hopefully you could keep Bogut for a reasonable price and add some bench depth through free agency.

 

 

Good luck and I wish this game lasts long enough for us to see how the Big 3 breaks up LOL

[RingRider]

<p>So I decided to get very inventive this offseason and attempt to walk the fine line of keeping the big 3 in-tact while simultaneously rebuilding...</p><p> </p><p>

We make a stunner trade for the 1st overall pick of the draft...</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="wmXj1rz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wmXj1rz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

and it goes down like this...</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="K0W6PL5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/K0W6PL5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Welcome to the Boston Celtics Steph Curray....</p><p> </p><p>

A second trade:</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="HhwQgO4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HhwQgO4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Bogut resigned and we signed some great Free Agents to round out a good bench and we head into camp with this crew:</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="JNfFsCy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JNfFsCy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

I worry that there won't be enough minutes to go around. The preseason will definitely feature some roster battles but overall I'm excited to have the OG big 3 while starting the next big 3 with Curray and Bogut. Hopefully I can parlay my Knicks pick into a young stud wing player to lead the next era as KG, Pierce and Allan phase out.</p>

[RingRider]

<p>We start the season going 3-1 but the big news is Ray Allan has broken his ankle and will be out for over 50 games. Ramon Sessions steps up as the starting PG with rookie sensation Steph Curry moving over to SG. This will give Kirk Hinrich (and Jarret Jack and Anthony Parker) much bigger roles off the bench.</p><p> </p><p>

To compound matters, Bogut sprains an ankle making him DTD. Marcus Camby will have an opportunity to step up as we're a game behind Toronto with a lot of basketball ahead of us. The silver lining is Curry winning Rookie of Month for November and Paul Pierce is playing out of his mind; averaging 21.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists within 36.6 minutes/game. He leads our team in +/- and is shooting .470 percentage.</p><p> </p><p>

As we start December and Bogut returns, it's Sessions turn to go out with an injury, dislocating his shoulder. Hinrich will take over starting PG duties for a good 20 days while we await Ray Allan's return. We're weathering these injuries for now however as we currently lead the East in mid-December.</p><p> </p><p>

...And I spoke too soon. Bogut goes down with a stress fracture--44 days. I love Marcus Camby's skill set, but I didn't sign him to hold up for 40 minutes a game. Between Powe, Haslem, and Moore, I'd like to see a big man step up off the bench to let KG and Camby rest...these guys aren't getting any younger...</p>

[RingRider]

<p>Here's what we look like on Jan 1st of 2010:</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="h3oktoM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/h3oktoM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Overall, I'm pretty happy with everyone's performance... I don't see anything major to pursue at the trade deadline...getting everyone healthy should do a lot for us.</p><p> </p><p>

In fact, here's our injury situation:</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="4mnR18J.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4mnR18J.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Unless the bug continues, we should be at full strength at the right time.</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="TYvpzyP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TYvpzyP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Our depth has been tested, but it's hard to argue against us weathering the storm however. We're a game back from the league leaders (Lakers, OKC, Portland, and Indiana). With Curry having one his second Rookie of Month and Knicks sucking and most likely handing us a top-10 pick, I feel good about our present and future.</p>

[RingRider]

<p>And midway through January, injuries strike again. KG has broken his arm...65 days. He should be back for the Playoffs...but while we wait for Bogut to return, Camby and Powe are starting down low and Udonis Haslem will have an opportunity to step up off the bench.</p><p> </p><p>

Shortly before the All Star break OKC comes to us looking to move Jeff Green. I like the idea of Jeff Green as a starting PF over Powe so we agree on a deal:</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="3fgbQ0A.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3fgbQ0A.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

I'm good with moving on from Jack knowing that I have Allan, Curry, Sessions, and Hinrich for backcourt depth. Anthony Parker could pick up some guard duty too.</p>

[RingRider]

<p>So we finish the year 51-31 but we're back at full strength heading into the playoffs.</p><p> </p><p>

Here's how our guys performed:</p><p>

<img alt="Yl42Lee.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Yl42Lee.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

We finished with the 3rd seed and will face off with our rivals Toronto, a team that bounced us out of the Playoffs last year and improved this year.</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="gpJVsme.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gpJVsme.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

The Bosh/Westbrook combo is nasty. Luke Ridnour has turned into a good little player for them too...why can't we get guys like that! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Here' a look at the Brackets overall:</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="0iwtSTg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0iwtSTg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[thecoolestjedi12]

I'm loving the team and I expect a easy sweep of Toronto with the team you are fielding right now.

[RingRider]

 

We make a statement against Toronto and we're on to the New Jersey. The Nets are coming off a shocking series, solidly defeating the #2 seed, LeBron James and the Cavs.

 

Here's a look at what we're facing:

 

 

This starting 5 is up there with any in the league....

 

 

But we're just grooving right now...

 

 

This Philadelphia team doesn't scare me at all.

 

 

Hubris! Gah! KG hurts his knee early in the series and he's out... so the cookie crumbles.

 

And your 2009-2010 NBA Champions:

 

 

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/0813/nba_g_love_jefferson_288v.jpg

[michgcs]

<p>Damn, awesome for Al Jefferson to lead the Wolves to the title! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

EDIT: Does this mean the Wolves won the KG trade? LOL</p>

[RingRider]

Damn, awesome for Al Jefferson to lead the Wolves to the title!

 

EDIT: Does this mean the Wolves won the KG trade? LOL

 

I did love Big Al when he was a Celtic. Imagine what could've been if the ping pong balls fell a little different: Durant would've been a Celtic alongside Al Jefferson and that would've been the big 3....

 

As far as winning the trade, we're tied 1-1 in Championships. That said I strongly feel that with KG healthy, we would've become champs. Serves me right for relying KG to be healthy.