Celtics...looking up

For years, really since the death of Reggie Lewis (or if you want to go further back, Len Bias), the Boston Celtics have tried everything. From Dino Radja, Eric Montross, Antoine Walker, Chauncy Billups to Paul Pierce nothing has worked (with the exception of a few diamond in the rough seasons and a conference finals trip). Part of that was M.L. Carr's complete de-construction of this great franchise and Rick Pitino's ineptitude and poor decision making, but poor drafting and lack of execution have killed this team for over 10 years.

With all of that said, things are going to get better up here in Beantown. Yes you read that correctly. The team that plays 3 good quarters and then leaves for the 4th, there is promise and it lies in the hands of 3 young guns and the pick-less limbs of Mark Blount. You're thinking I'm nuts at this point right? During tonight's Cletics loss to the Cav's 98-96, something amazing happened. Something that may never have happened in C's history. Three rookies hit the floor...at the same time. Delonte West, Tony Allen and Al Jefferson all suited up and took control of Boston's up-tempo offense and something amazing happened: they closed the gap. Of course Ricky Davis and Raef helped, but the kids moved the ball. Delonte West, in his first game of the season, showed why Marcus Banks will soon be an object in the rear view mirror. west showed a hunger and command of the point guard position. Jefferson continues to improve offensively, but his rotation on defense needs to get better. Tony Allen also kept his stock rising in Boston with an energetic 9 minutes with 4 points, 2 rebounds and key blocked shot that got the C's moving to regain the lead.

As a whole, the things the rooks did won't show up in the box score, but if you watched the game, these kids know how to play and coupled with Gary Payton's experience, Raef's size and Paul Pierce's shooting, this team looks good. However, this team caves when they face super star talent. Lebron just torched this team tonight. The C's had a hard time picking him up of screens and his inside game is so advanced for a kid one year removed from high school. Also Raef got in early fould trouble and Blount continues to show that his bank account is fat while his game is not (his 19 pts. were great, but his 3 rbds were horrific). And will soemone show him how to set a pick. and while you're at it, get in paint and bang. You're one of the few 7 footers in the East. Bang hard. You got schooled by Big Z tonight. A guy who has ankles made of metal for crying out loud.

Paul Pierce looks lost. Like he's the leader, but almost wants to defer to Ricky Davis every night. Which is fine. This team won't be pushing for a title any time soon and by the All Star Break, could be either in the lead of the East at .500 or in a horrific slide and in the basement. Is it time to deal Pierce? Does he need a change of scenery? Is he the future. There's a guy in Toronto that plays a similar game and has incredible fire (although I think his welcome and fire have worn in Toronto and can you blame him?). The guy? Vince Carter. I think Vince is more suited to Boston's plans and game style. He's an up tempo shooting guard who can handle the ball, play defense, and shoot the lights out from outside. Have you seen Pierce handle the ball? Scary. And I'm a big Pierce supporter.

Doc Rivers is the coach for this team and Danny Ainge is the man to run this team. Now I know you think I'm drunk. But it makes sense. This is a very young team and I give Doc sooooo much credit for putting the kids in tonight and givng them the chance. I hate the play it safe and develope in training camp strategy. West, Jefferson and Allen are the future of this team. Get used to seeing them and they should play more. You can mortgage the present for the future. For the love of all that is holy, this has been happening for 10 years now, what's one more season when it actually means something. Oh, and for the record. I love Gary Payton. Thoughts?

Sparky