Does K.G. Make the Celtics Contenders?

The Boston Celtics finally pulled off a blockbuster trade for Kevin Garnett. G.M. Danny Ainge was consistently abused in the media for his inability to turn the Celtics Franchise around in a watered down Eastern Conference. Ainge looks good at the moment for improving Boston talent ten fold. Ainge now has Celtic fans expecting a trip to the NBA Finals. Danny Ainge can rest for the next few months, but once the 2008 NBA season begins the pressure will be on the Celtics to produce on the Basketball court. The Celtics sent PF Al Jefferson, PG Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, C Theo Ratliff and two first round draft picks for Kevin Garnett. The trade was an absolute steal for Boston. Head coach Doc Rivers main concern should be if Ray Allen and Paul Pierce could stay healthy for an entire season.

The talents of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are obvious. The question is what areas are the Celtics lacking in? It should be a given that Boston will make the NBA Playoffs, but the main ingredient needed for the Celtics to advance deep into the Playoffs is a strong bench. Boston's bench is very young and inexperienced and is void of any veteran leadership. Brian Scalabrine and Michael Olowokandi are the only players on the bench with more than five years of NBA experience. Scalabrine if healthy can be counted on for some positive production off the bench. On the other hand, Olowokandi has been a complete bust since he was drafted and if the Celtics roster stays the same Michael will only be playing out of necessity. The Celtics will have to rely on 1^st and 2^nd year players to give them points off the bench for 82 games and throughout the Playoffs. Leon Powe, Gabe Pruitt and Glen Davis will have to mature fast in order for Boston to advance come Playoff time.