Why the Boston Celtics Won't Win the NBA Championship
The Celtics, even after adding superstars, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to go along with their own longtime resident star, Paul Pierce, will not ... repeat, not, win the NBA title in 2007-08.
I know many Celtics fans who are enjoying the early season resurgence of the most legendary franchise in pro basketball history, (myself included), will not like what they are reading - and may disagree vehemently - but the fact of the matter is that the Celtics, for all of their wonderful additions, have several factors working against them in the quest to win an NBA championship this season.
Here is a look at all of the reasons why I believe it will be at least another season or two before the Celtics hoist their league-leading 17th NBA championship banner.
Point Guard
Everyone knows that the Celtics are starting second-year player Rajon Rondo at the point and that Rondo is entering his first full season as a starter after showing flashes of brilliance occasionally in his rookie season last year.
My worries about Rondo are simple - and legitimate. Can he hit the outside jump shot enough to keep his man honest? Will he crumble under the immense pressure of the playoffs? Will Rondo be able to stop the likes of Chauncey Billups or Jason Kidd if they meet in the postseason?
These are very legitimate questions that only time will provide the answers to. However, if you ask me, I can't see Rondo staying with Kidd, Billups, or God forbid the Celtics reach the Finals, either Tony Parker or Steve Nash.
Injuries
I won't even waste much time talking about injuries except to say that if any of Boston's new 'Big Three' goes down with a significant injury, the Celtics' season could turn out to be a disaster instead of the dream season it currently looks like.
The Celtics have a rookie power forward, (Glen 'Big Baby' Davis), behind Garnett and a shooting guard who plays the backup point guard spot in dead-eye shooter Eddie House. Even though Boston has James Posey, a solid veteran at small forward, to back up Pierce, Posey's strengths are at the defensive end of the floor and the drop-off in scoring would be a significant loss to the Boston's offense.
Donut
Just like a donut, the Celtics have a big hole in the middle of their lineup - at least at the offensive end of the floor. Boston's starting center, Kendrick Perkins, is mediocre at best and a definite liability on offense. Say what you want about the 'Big Three's,' amazing talent, all I'm going to say is that former Celtics great, Robert Parish could likely come out of retirement and school Perkins right now.
Lack of Time Playing Together
Now I won't say it's never happened, because it has occasionally, but throughout my three decades-plus of watching and later - reporting - on pro basketball, I have rarely seen teams win an NBA title that haven't played together while developing team chemistry for at least a couple of seasons.
I can recall a few teams winning the title through this type of strategy, but generally, teams that hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy at season's end have been through more than a few wars together.
Prediction
I've got to keep it real and admit that I can see the Celtics reaching the NBA Finals this season if everything goes just perfectly for them, but no way do I see them winning the tile this season.
As a matter of fact, I'm going to say the Celtics fall just short of reaching the NBA Finals by losing to the Detroit Pistons 4-2 in the eastern conference finals.
Despite being a Celtics fan that goes all the way back to the John Havlicek, Jo-Jo White, and Dave Cowens eras, I say it's better luck next year for my beloved C's.
Published by Eric Williams
I am a nationally syndicated sports columnist and one of the nation's top sports handicappers. I am also a national sports radio personality and freelance journalist who has written articles covering nearly... View profile
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10 Comments
Post a CommentWell guess what Celtics won the NBa Finals in 2008. That was a stupid comment you made
This is why we play the games. LOL.. I predicted that the celtics would win the championship. Then again, I also said that the reds would win the world series last year. LOL. So much for being brilliant. Still, a well written piece
Eric - What say you now that the Celtics C-R-U-S-H-E-D the Lakers for their 17th championship?
the fab 3.cetlics is going to bury the lakers tonight
Excellent points. Sarcasm noted.
Its easy to come out and say that a team wont win the Championship. Heck, there are a lot of teams, the odds are way in your favor. Too bad you were very wrong.
I hate it when writers come out with worthless predictions like this. Its not too much different than me writing an article on why some football team wont win the Superbowl next year.
Of course the Celtics won't win the Championship!!! First of all, they do have a good squad that has played efficiently together. all year long. So props for that. But, with that being said, Kevin Garnett is a little bit overrated. Yes I said it. Why??? Because he often favors mid to long range jumpshots rather than banging down low b/c he never put weight on his extremely thin frame. Although he won't have to contest Shaq this year, there's a handful of other real big men that physically he just can't handle. Plus, his shooting % always drops about 5% in the playoffs.
Additionally, the Celtics don't have much experience ballin together in the playoffs and who is the go to guy??? Pierce or Rondo?? They will make it to the Semi-Finals at best before they're inexperience shows.
Even more telling. What does it say about the Knicks if Perkins can destroy them for 24 points?
dude your a freaking idiot.yes rondo cant contain nash but i dont see the suns containg paul peirce ray allen and the best power foward in the entire freaking leage kevin garnett. plus the have big baby who is a monster rebounder. and every one on the team are good defenders.plus the celtics added veterans eddie house and james posey both of whom can nail the 3 ball.
Time will tell, great reporting-some die hard Celtic fans would disagree.
some great points