Can the Celtics Win Again

I have watched the Celtics quite a bit in the last month. They look strong. Injuries have been a problem but that is to be expected with an older team. The assumption is that all the nagging injuries will be timed to be ready for the playoffs. Shaquille O'Neal has been a nice addition. I am not sure if his value is as much as his fun and amusement for the fans is but I have enjoyed having " The Big Shamrock" in the fold.

The fact that the Celtics have four of their starters on the All Star Team indicates how strong they are. Rondo, Allen, Pierce and Garnett are all stars in every sense of the word. Garnett, the heart and soul of the team is a player everyone hates, except those that bleed green.

A special word here also about Glenn Davis. This player is perhaps my favorite. A player of at least 250 pounds with hands as soft as his under the basket and with a very clean 18 foot jump shot is a wonder. His body control is first rate and he leads the league in charges taken. How could you not love this player.

With all this in mind can the Celtics repeat. Of course they can. In fact were I betting I can think of no team that is more likely to win the title. The NBA playoffs with their gaps in play are probably designed to be more forgiving of an older team than the regular season.

That said Miami, Orlando and Chicago are all legitimate contenders for the title. The Celtics need to finish first. Having Miami and Orlando the presumed 2 and 3 teams beating each other up is much preferred than playing one of them in the semifinals. Chicago with my vote for MVP Derrick Rose will be a challenge but still has to be the preferred semi final opponent.

Whoever comes out of the East will play one would assume the Lakers. I think the East is stronger this year. San Antonio is 42 and 8 but still does not seem as good as the Eastern teams. The Lakers are gliding but any team coached by Phil Jackson will be ready when the time comes. Dallas is Dallas so cannot be considered a threat.

Do I think the Celtics can win. Absolutely. Do I think they will win. It will be hard but they are as well suited to win as any team.