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After a disappointing, frustrating, injury-riddled 2006-07 season, the Boston Celtics became an easy target for ridicule, and for good reason - they had amassed the second worst record in the league, a record that included a franchise-high 18-game losing streak. However, the future is far from bleak for the Celtics, especially after acquiring Kevin Garnett on July 31, in the blockbuster deal of the year.

Failure to execute down the stretch of games - a trademark of inexperience - cost the team more than anything else. Going into 2007 training camp, the Celtics have completely revamped their roster. The youth movement of the last few years turned into a series of pieces to be used in trades to acquire the veteran help that Paul Pierce so desperately wanted by his side in Boston. Inexperience will no longer be an issue as Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen have amassed 22 combined All Star appearances alone.

Paul Pierce has anchored the Celtics' offense for nearly a decade, averaging 25 points or more per game in five of his last seven seasons, and averaging 23.6 overall in his nine-year career. Ray Allen will bring the experience of a seasoned veteran along with a multitude of other benefits. A former Olympian, All Star, and perennial 20-per-game scorer, Allen will give the Celtics a second strong offensive option alongside Paul Pierce. Kevin Garnett has long been one of the best all-around players in the NBA. Having won an MVP award, an Olympic gold medal, and made both the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams eight times each, Garnett gives the Celtics a player the caliber of which they have not seen since the Larry Bird era. The starting lineup will be rounded out by point guard Rajon Rondo and center Kendrick Perkins. Rondo was impressive in his rookie year, showing an ability to run an offense (averaging 5.8 assists against 2.1 turnovers as a starter) and on defense (leading all rookies in steals at 1.64), making the All-Rookie Second Team. Perkins has never shown much of a scoring game, but his passing has become a strength and an asset on offense. He has shown solid rebounding and shot-blocking ability that should compliment Garnett's front court presence nicely.

The bench is still in need of work and as of the end of July, the Celtics do not appear to be done making moves (they do not have a full roster and still have their mid-level cap exception to use). Before suffering a season-ending knee injury in January, Tony Allen was finally realizing his potential both offensively and defensively (averaging 16.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 steals as a starter). He is slated to be the sixth man with a chance to provide a spark off the bench to an already loaded frontline. Brian Scalabrine, while not flashy, can be a solid role player when he is used in a limited role. In his 2006-07 rookie year, Leon Powe showed a good deal of toughness and grit down low; he should be able to provide the Celtics minutes at the big man positions. Low-risk high-reward draft pick Glen "Big Baby" Davis, having slimmed down by losing roughly 40 pounds, will have an opportunity to show why he was at one time considered a top-ten draft talent. Rookie Brandon Wallace impressed the Celtics with his defense and energy in the summer league and will have a chance to earn minutes. Second-round pick Gabe Pruitt has upside, but is not ready to step in as the full-time backup point guard. With some money to spend and the draw of being able to play with the Garnett-Pierce-Allen trio, the Celtics will have a good chance of still adding a significant piece or two for further help off the bench. Assuming the Celtics do fill out their bench, it is a safe bet to say that they are instant title-contenders.

Learn more about this author, Art Vandelay.
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