by Jason Pace

Created on: November 05, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Anytime you have 3 All-stars on the same team you're in a pretty good situation. So for the next 3 seasons, they will be a team to take seriously simply because of Pierce, Allen, and Garnett. Thats about 68 points a night guaranteed, along with say 12-16 assists, and maybe 20 rebounds. When a team can get that kind of production from just 3 players they have an opportunity to win.

What will be key is team defense and point guard and bench production. Because no matter how many points you score you always have to be able to stop people in the fourth quarter at the end of games. I believe they will have good team defense, in the first game of the season, they made good rotations and recoveries after getting beat. The defense of this team will be fueled solely by Garnett and the energy he brings to the table night in and night out. Garnett and Kendrick Perkins are both capable shot blockers that can hold down the lane so it takes a lot of pressure off of Rondo, Allen, and Pierce.

Point guard production is a big thing, even though plays will typically be ran for the Big 3, Rajon Rondo will need to make good decisions with the ball, score some, and play good defense. Rondo has shown flashes of potential to be an offensive threat, but we'll have to wait and see how he'll do as the season progresses.

Bench production is as important as anything with this team becuase they don't have a huge bench that they can go to. I like Brian Scalabrine, but I don't think he is quite good enough to get 20 minutes a game unless he improves his 3-point shot some. The addition of Scott Pollard was a good one, he is a good defender, so when either Perkins or KG goes out, Pollard can come in and give them 15-20 minutes a night. He doesn't need to score. James Posey was HUGE for this team, he's solid defensively and is a pretty good shooter to rely on. Eddie House is a proven shooter that shouldn't be left alone, so he will have to knock down open shots becuase he'll be getting quite a bit. Tony Allen has the potential to a good scorer, he has the moves to get to the rim and he can finish. The knee injury he suffered last season definately set him back, but if he can stay healthy he could fit in nicely with this team and make them much deeper. Leon Powe will also be good coming off the bench because he is a strong defender, is very physical, and helps bring more toughness defensively.

As long as this team can stay healthy, there is no reason they shouldn't be playing in May for the Eastern Conference Title. The future looks very bright this season with a good chance to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

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