|  Last season [2008-2009] was a pity, Celtics lost to the Magics because of the absence of Kevin Garnett, both an inside threat, great defender and mental leader of the team. Glen Davis stepped up and saved them from elimination and forced a game 7, unfortunately they couldn't continue the great performance and lost to the eventual Eastern Conference Champions.
During the Summer, The Celtics made the best deal this year, by signing Detroit's Rasheed Wallace. This means that they are officially the number one contender for the NBA Championships. I think that they are well equipped to Dethrone the 'Queen' James and possibly annihilate the Lakers from the surface of Earth. Why do I say that? Keep reading.
After signing Rasheed, they have now made an upgrade from Kendrik Perkins and transformed into Rasheed, a better offensive player with more skills, he's got more experience, he can shoot the middle jumper better, he can shoot the Free Throw much better, and he can shoot the 3, helping the Celtics spread the floor and giving them an extra source of offence and decreasing the pressure on the Big 3's shoulders. That means there will be less injuries hopefully.
Rasheed doesn't just improve and help out the starters, the Celtics now don't need to worry about the 2nd unit, they won't need to find a good backup center or role player who is willing to work hard, and do the dirty work such as rebound and defence. Because they got one, Perkins. After the arrival of Rasheed, Perkins has been moved to the bench, helping the Celtics maintain a lead in the game, perhaps even increase it, partnering with Glen Davis, who has improved a lot last season. These two big guys will carry the load of the 2nd unit and lead the charge. They will be hard to stop. All the Celtics need to do is find a better backup small forward or guard. Then they will be unbeatable.
Compared to the Lakers, the Celtics are almost identical, perhaps better. Both teams have their twin towers, a good point guard, with Laker's Fisher playing better now, but Celtic's Rondo improving and will be playing better in the future.
Let's compare them 1 by 1,
PG - Rondo - Fisher in terms of experience and scoring, Fisher can shoot from everywhere whereas Rondo is still improving his J. However, Fisher is unable to keep up with Rondo's speed and energy, this is where their backup guard comes in.
SG Ray Allen - Kobe Bryant, well, in terms of scoring, I think that Kobe can perhaps score in more situations than Ray Allen, he can probably defend better. But when it comes to scoring spree, Ray Allen is the man. Kobe is good at 3s, but not as good as Allen.
SF Paul Pierce - Ron Artest, I do not know about this, Pierce can perhaps score better, but in terms of defence and toughness, Pierce will not be able to beat Ron, I think that this is a balanced match up.
PF Kevin Garnett - Pau Gasol, Garnett wins this one, hands down. Pau can shoot some mid-ranged shots occasionally, but Garnett shoots at a further range, stretching and luring Pau away from the Paint and leaving more space inside. Pau is also not as athletic as Garnett. This would be a great match up to watch.
C Rasheed Wallace - Andrew Bynum, this is a classic match up of Old School vs New School. Rasheed has the experience and wider range of skills, better shooting and that will stretch the defence, however, Bynum's style is dominating. I think that Rasheed will win this one with his constant trash talk and pissing Bynum off. Bynum may also get into foul trouble and then, Lakers are going down. If Odom leaves the team, they will not have a good backup C, unless they stop using the twin towers which means the better for the Celtics. Both ways, Celtics wins this round.
Reserves, In terms of offence, I think that the Lakers do better, they've got Farmar and Shannon Brown for guards, they also got Walton who can do something once in a while. Not to mention Sasha Vujachic [can't spell his name, sorry] who will rain down the 3s if you're not careful. If Odom chooses to stay, then that will be their best weapon as the leader of the 2nd unit.
On the Celtic side, this is even better. Perkins, Davis, they can score, rebound, defend. They can be a great duo fatty. There is also Eddie House, who can also rain down the 3s, just like Sasha. There is the athletic Tony Allen. This team will definitely storm through the season and hopefully take back what belongs to them. THE CHAMPS ARE BACK!
Let's all cheer for the Celtics and wish for the best!
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