2010 NBA Draft Needs: Boston Celtics

There were times this past NBA season when the Boston Celtics just looked old. It was as if they rapidly aged right before our eyes. I can remember at the beginning of the season some people were talking about a 65 to 70 win season, they finished with just 50. The Celtics have been here before, watching a dynamic trio quickly age, with Robert Parish, Larry Bird, and Kevin McHale in the late 1980's. The modern big three, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett are all over the age of 32. Add to that Rasheed Wallace at the age of 35 and you can see why the Celtics need someone who doesn't remember what parachute pants are.

Celtics management needs to first of all decide whether they want to re-sign Ray Allen, who is a free agent after this season. This decision will greatly impact their needs on draft day. If they let Allen go the Celtics will need to pick up a shooter, possibly someone like an Avery Bradley out of Texas. They could also address the need for a shooter through free agency.

If Allen returns than the Celtics will probably need to address some need in the backcourt. This is where a player like Virginia Commonwealth University's power forward Larry Sanders known for his shot blocking ability could come into play.

We haven't even addressed the Celtics need for a back up point guard to give Rajon Rondo a breather from time to time. A player like Armon Johnson out of Nevada could fit the bill here.

Whatever the case may be the Celtics need to secure a good player that will actually stay on the roster and be able to contribute. With names like Gabe Pruitt, and J.R. Giddens littering recent drafts it is important that Boston manages to make the 19th pick count. Boston's General Manger Danny Ainge might have to get creative to keep the team competitive in the near future. Only time will tell if he has the talent to make it happen.

Sources:
www.nba.com 2009-2010 Celtics Roster