The adage, "What a difference a year makes," is especially true for the 2007-2008 Boston Celtics.
A year ago at this time, Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge were hoping to get the first pick in the NBA draft, yearning for Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. Instead, the Celtics were stuck with the fifth pick, even though they finished with the second worst record at 24-58. What seemed like a dismal sign for the future was transformed into a reason for excitement when Ainge executed trades for Seattle's Ray Allen and Minnesota's Kevin Garnett. Creating The Big Three (Allen, Garnett and veteran Celtics star Paul Pierce) also helped lure key free agents like James Posey and Eddie House.
Surprisingly, the new-look Celtics immediately gelled on the court, racing to the league's best record. Today, Boston is expected to shore up its' only weakness by signing 38-year-old Sam Cassell, whose contract was recently bought out by the Los Angeles Clippers. If he clears waivers and signs with the Celtics, Cassell will serve as a backup to starting point guard Rajon Rondo, who is rapidly developing his his second NBA season. Last week, Boston signed veteran big man P.J. Brown to provide depth at the center and power forward spots.
It is an exciting time for the NBA. Boston is 46-12 and appears poised to contend with Detroit for the Eastern Conference title. Yet Cleveland made a significant move by acquiring Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith and Delonte West to help LeBron James. In the Western Conference, Phoenix added Shaquille O'Neal, the Los Angeles Lakers dealt for Pau Gasol and Dallas brought in Jason Kidd. For the first time in several years, there is reason for anticipation for the NBA playoffs. It should be dramatic, especially since there is not a clear-cut favorite to win the championship.
If the regular season ended today, my prediction for the NBA finals would be Boston and San Antonio. I know that the Lakers are a popular choice since acquiring Gasol to team with Kobe Bryant, but I think the Spurs have more depth and more on-court chemistry with an array of solid role players. Your thoughts?
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