The Lockout gives the Celtics a Chance at Banner 18


Tonight I should be laying on my recliner watching the Celtics on NBA ticket. I should be cheering on Rondo as he Rondo's people. I should be watching Garnett scowling at everyone. I should be watching Paul Pierce hit step back jumpers. I should be watching Ray Allen be awesome at life.
Yes, the lockout has crushed many a Celtics fan heart. But let's look at the bright side. It has also given us a chance at Banner 18.


The homer in us wants to think the Celtics had a chance this year. If this had happened or if a certain Perk had stayed, we would've won last year. Nonsense. We're old. When a player is in their mid 30's every year is doubled. When those players have as many miles as Garnett, Pierce, and Allen it means they aren't going to last a season. For those of you wanting the old Celtics back (Posey, House, Powe), here's a reality check; It isn't 2008. I'm as nostalgic as anyone, but those days are behind us.

However, what we do still have is the best and most playoff tested starting lineup in the league. I don't care who we put at Center, if we have Rondo, Pierce, Allen, and Garnett playing at full strength we can and should win the title. That will only happen if we have a 50 game season. These guys need to be fresh. Sure the role players like Jeff Green and Big Baby are key. As is the newly added JaJuan Johnson (what a name). But the team success is contingent on how many minutes and how affective the big 4 can be.

I fully expect there to be a season this year. There is too much at stake for them to cancel it. Stern wants to end his tenure on a good note. The players (unfortunately) will eventually fold to the selfish owners demands and take some kind of 50/50 split. We are going to have a season. The question is how long will it be. Here's hoping it's 1999 again and we play 50 because this could be the Celtics last chance at a title for a very long time.