by Christian Fann

Created on: January 21, 2009

Do I feel that the Boston Celtics will win another NBA championship? Looking at the situation the way it is, the Celtics have a somewhat weaker path to the title this year, than they had last year. Last year the Celtics with the additions of Garnett (to the frontcourt) and Allen (to the backcourt), caught the entire NBA by total surprise.

Most of the Celtics' success came as a result of much of the NBA trying to contain the "Big 3". Also, it came from the fact that, let's be honest, most of the NBA didn't know what to really expect from the Celtics as a team. Many people didn't really know if they were the "real deal" so, psychologically, I think the Celtics were discounted on some levels. In other words, they may or may not have been seen as a legit threat to the NBA title.

Looking at this year, the Celtics started off VERY strong, going on that nineteen game tear, after that, however, they started to slip a bit. They lost to the Lakers and I think for the first time in a long time, the NBA started to say to themselves, hey, this team CAN be beat. Even if fatigue had a lot to do with their recent slump (if you can call it that), they weren't the bullies on a black horse like they were seen before. The Celtics got rid of James Posey which I think was a HUGE mistake. I mean, he's won titles with both Miami and Boston, giving both teams that range from the three point land that they needed. Posey, because of his length, could also match up with all-star forwards.

Overall, I feel that Boston CAN win another NBA title, but that their path to victory is more obscure (once they enter the playoffs), than it was last year. Cleveland has gotten nothing but stronger. They added Mo Williams to their point role, which takes the heat off of LeBron from having to handle the ball so much. Orlando is another team to take into consideration. While they have retained many of the same stars from the season before, they are still a force to be reckoned with. With their extremely impressive feat of hitting twenty-three three pointers (a record) in one game as all the proof they need of their clout. Detroit has seen better days even with the addition of Iverson, but let's look at it; they've made the playoffs six years in a row. You can NEVER count a team like that out.

Boston DOES have its hands full this year should they repeat I would be very surprised. I haven't even talked about the west coast. LA/New Orleans/San Antonio all powerhouses, stand in their way. And ALL of those teams have arguably gotten stronger.

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