Sports Talk with MC

by MC

It’s finally close to happening.

Very close.

Kevin Garnett coming to the Boston Celtics, and, potentially, forming a triumvirate in green composed of himself, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce could very well signal the reemergence of the Celts as a force in a lethargic Eastern Conference.

Some critics on the internet have said that the C’s are in the process of making a shrewd move, saying that the unification of Allen, Garnett, and “The Truth” is a sure fire ticket to the playoffs, and, on the grandest of stages in terms of expectations, an NBA title. Others have bashed the move, saying that Danny Ainge only made the said move to save his own neck, and that Boston’s youngsters like Rondo, Jefferson, Gomes, and Green should have been allowed to jell together towards becoming the future of Beantown.

In my opinion, it’s the legacy of the Boston Celtics franchise, in this case, that has worked towards the team’s detriment.

The C’s have won an NBA record 16 NBA championships. The team’s space in Springfield is littered with countless names ranging from Cousy, to Havlicek, to Russell, to Parish and Bird.  In the 1990’s, the franchise struggled through subpar seasons with players like Dino Radja and Sherman Douglas and coaches like Chris Ford and Rick Pitino at the helm. Later on, Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker arrived, making them competitive for a while, until, well, Danny Ainge arrived and sent guys like Marcus Banks, Mike James, and Walker himself- packing.

Now, the Boston Celtics are at a crossroads. Boston can endure several more years in the doldrums and wait for their babies to grow up, or, they can forget “the future” and make deals which, although financially strapping, could make them win in the short term.

It’s because of the Celtic ghosts, who are so used to winning, that Danny Ainge is making this gamble.

Garnett is a bona fide star, but he’s already 31, and could potentially opt out after next year (after, potentially, 1 season in Boston). Pierce is 30, and Ray Allen, 32. How much longer can these men last? Make no mistake about it- the Celtics are not the Miami Heat, but hey, they could have tried to keep, at least, Al Jefferson. He seems to be a Zach Randolph type player (skillwise) whose upside is massive.

As for the TWolves, it is evident by all this Garnett shipment talk that the team’s in the process of rebuilding. Even if they don’t admit it, it’s seemed like Minny’s been in the dumps for the last two years anyhow, so, it’s pretty obvious that major repairs are in order. The TWolves are set to get a couple of things that work in their favor- youth, expiring contracts (i.e. Theo Ratliff), and a draft pick. As good a set up as this seems, one can’t help but ponder at “what ifs” related to a Garnett deal involving teams like Phoenix, Dallas, Golden State, or Atlanta, and not Boston. Could the TWolves nabbed a Shawn Marion, or, a Joe Johnson, or, even a Dirk Nowitzki, along with picks and an aging contract, had they tread a little bit farther, and/or a little bit longer? The tantalizing possibilities that may have existed with other squads are now all but gone, and better left to the imagination.

Once all the humdrum about refs in casinos, and yes, this deal, is done, one big question will remain unanswered come November. That question need not be stated explicitly.

In order to understand the nature of the conundrum, one simply has to gaze up into the rafters of the Boston Celtics’ home court, wonder when the next set of curtains will come, and wonder whether management’s weaving had produced the right set of guys to go to the mattresses with.

Tip off. Garnett gets possession. He pulls up for a jumper.

Hit or miss? Only time will tell.

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