Successful or not, Celtics a compelling drama
This rumor is bound to surface eventually, so I might as well start it here:
In order to deflect attention from wayward referee Tim Donaghy, NBA Commissioner David Stern ordered Kevin Garnett to accept a trade to the Boston Celtics. Otherwise, the commissioner would have forced Garnett to follow Michael Jordan and spend a year playing minor-league baseball in the Twins organization.
Conspiracy theories aside, however it came about this week's trade sending Garnett to the Celtics was fantastic for the NBA. Even without the Donaghy scandal, the NBA badly needed some positive buzz.
The league tried to celebrate LeBron James' ascent to the NBA Finals in June, but that hype backfired when the Spurs' low-scoring sweep of the Cavaliers drew the worst television ratings in decades.
This is just a guess, but I don't think James co-hosting the ESPYs did anything to enhance the NBA's popularity.
Just when the league needed it most, longtime buddies Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge collaborated on a deal that has people talking.
Whether the Celtics win the championship or lose in the first round, a lineup of Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen offers compelling drama.
For those who live west of the Mass Pike, the question is how Garnett's move will affect the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.
Well, it depends on how much money the Celtics want to spend on a supporting cast.
As it stands now, second-year pro Rajon Rondo is the point guard, Kendrick Perkins (4.5 points, 5.2 rebounds) is the center, while Brian Scalabrine, Tony Allen, Leon Powe and a couple of second-round draft picks make up the reserves. Boston added journeyman Eddie House on Wednesday, but he's not a point guard and won't help much.
The payroll commitments are about $1 million below the luxury-tax threshold. So basically, whatever money Boston spends on additional salaries will be doubled by taxes.
The Celtics' power trio should have a few good years left. Pierce will be 30 when the season begins, Garnett is 31 and Ray Allen 32.
The biggest problem is that Pierce and Allen are similar players -- wing scorers who often become one-dimensional. Replace Allen with Jason Kidd and Boston is a title contender this season. The Celtics' current lineup needs help.
If the team's owners aren't afraid of the luxury tax, there are plenty of decent players still available.
How about Brevin Knight at backup point guard and Chris Webber to help out down low? Matt Barnes, Ruben Patterson and James Posey still are looking for jobs. Even restricted free agents Sasha Pavlovic and Jarvis Hayes could be there for the taking.
If Boston stays on a budget, it's probably looking at Troy Hudson or Keith McLeod as the best option for a backup point guard. Melvin Ely or Scot Pollard could work at center, though the Celtics reportedly are chasing the ancient Dikembe Mutombo, 41.
So pending some new arrivals, the guess here is Boston ranks third in the East behind Cleveland and the Bulls, with Detroit close behind in fourth. Miami still could be dangerous, Toronto should keep improving, and every team in the East probably has legitimate playoff hopes, with the exception of Atlanta.
The Bulls didn't land Garnett, but they feel good about their chances and still have room to grow with Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah inside.