NBA 2013-2014 Season Preview: Boston Celtics

Last Season: 41-40 (Finished 7th in the Eastern Conference)

Prediction: 49-33

Key Losses: PF Kevin Garnett, SG Paul Pierce, and SG Jason Terry

Notable Free Agent Signings: SG Marshon Brooks, PF Kris Humphries, and SF Gerald Wallace

The Boston Celtics have had an extremely active off-season as they begin the process of reconstructing their team. The price of rebuilding this storied franchise? The loss of their heart and soul, Paul Pierce, and future NBA hall of famer Kevin Garnett.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce

“The Truth” has worn the Celtic jersey with pride for all 15 years of his career and it came as a major shock to all Bostonians, and NBA fans alike, that the Boston captain was traded to the Brooklyn Nets at the beginning of the offseason.

Considering the years he put in with the Celtics, through thick and thin, you would have thought that he would remain a part of the home team at the TD Garden for the rest of his professional career. However, Celtic front office executives didn’t think they could rebuild with Pierce’s large salary so he was sent to Brooklyn.

Pierce’s fellow teammates, Garnett and Jason Terry, were also traded as well, and while the loss of Terry isn’t too substantial, the intensity and leadership that Garnett brought to the table will be sorely missed.

Known for his trademark physicality and passion for the game, Garnett would often invigorate his team with his play and act as a mentor to less experienced players. At the height of his career, he was unquestionably the best player in the league, but now, after turning 37 in May, many considered Garnett’s presence in the locker room to be more important.

Regardless of his age, Garnett is still an above-average NBA player and his departure is certainly a loss for the Celtics.

So, why do I have the Celtics pegged to do better next year?

By trading away Pierce, Garnett and Terry, the Celtics gave up three of its oldest players on its roster. While the loss of these three, plus the departure of coach Doc Rivers, will certainly hurt what chemistry the Celtics had, I believe the arrival of Marshon Brooks, Kris Humphries, and Gerald Wallace from the Nets will benefit the Celtics more than people think.

Boston still has its all-star point guard, Rajon Rondo, as well as decent, well-rounded players like Brandon Bass (elite mid-range shooter), Avery Bradley (classic “3 and D” player), and Jeff Green. Green played at phenomenal level towards the end of last season, and many expect the 2013-14 campaign to be his breakout year.

Sophomore Jared Sullinger also became a fan favorite, as he impressed Bostonians with his hustle and effort on the boards before he suffered a season-ending back injury. If shooting guards Jordan Crawford and Courtney Lee can lock up their inconsistencies on offence and defence, they could be quality players who would be starters on any other teams.

Even without the additions from the Nets trade, Boston would remain a threat to teams in the Eastern conference, even if it was just a small threat. With the additions however, Boston becomes a much larger one.

Marshon Brooks surprised NBA critics and fans alike during his rookie season in 2012. A late pick in the first round, Brooks averaged close to 13 points (12.6) as a starter for the Nets before regressing last season due to injury and the signing of Deron Williams.

However, the Providence product has matured since his rookie year and under the guidance of Rondo, will become a solid back-up for the Celtics and could emerge as one of the league’s premier guards.

Kris Humphries has been second-guessed and considered a joke his entire career. What the Celtics got with Humphries, however, is an underrated power forward who is in his prime and is capable of putting up a double-double every night (he averaged one during the Net’s ’11-’12 season).

The ex-husband of Kim Kardashian will provide the Celtics with a solid 30-minutes of play, where he will be an above-average defender and dependable offensive threat. While certainly a downgrade from Garnett, a Humphries/Bass might emerge as a strong weapon for Boston.

Gerald Wallace has always been one of my most favorite players to watch, and it wasn’t because he had ridiculous hair. A physical specimen, what Wallace lacked in skill, he made up in pure effort. Capable of averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds (he did it in Charlotte), Wallace could throw the ball down with authority and play aggressive defence, making him a top player in the NBA.

Gerald Wallace

Unfortunately, the label of “top player” vanished last season as he forgot how to shoot the ball, shooting less than 40% from the field. Now, to put that in perspective, Danny Green shot better from beyond the arc last year. He also sagged off on his rebounding and played poor defence.

It was by far his worse year in the league and with $30 million owed to him over the next three years, the Nets were eager to unload his contract.

So while the Celtics get an overpaid veteran, it is possible that he could bounce back from his poor performance and revert back to the old Gerald Wallace.

And if not, it would be useful to keep him around to mentor Jeff Green, who has a similar body type and skill set to Wallace. When Green is aggressive (which he often isn’t), he is virtually unstoppable. Having a physical 12-year veteran to further mentor him could do wonders for his confidence and mold him into a franchise player.

As much as I enjoy watching Celtic fans tear up over the departure of their beloved captain, I imagine that they will all be pleasantly surprised with the performance of their new team.