Celtics Links - 5/29/07

I read through that article, and while I agree the time to hesitate is through, I also think they're a little more negative regarding the situation than they need to be...as our many sites.  It certainly sucked to not win the lottery or even finish second in the lottery.  However, as I said on this shortly thereafter, this can be a competitive team.

At celticsblog.com, Jeff said most of these guys have limited upside.  However, there is enough upside there to still be excited about the future.  Al Jefferson is a guy you can stick down at the 4 and build around with Pierce.  Green has upside, but still has a lot to prove.  Considering some of the crappy shooting PGs out there, I think Rondo could be a solid option combined with Delonte West at times at the point guard position.  Maybe I'm just looking at things with rose-colored glasses, but I really think there is a lot to work with here.  

This past season was a whole lot of ugly, but it also gave the younger guys a ton of quality minutes and serious on-the-job training.  I'd have no problem packaging Ratliff's expiring deal, Green and a pick (maybe Telfair too) in a deal for some serious talent.  No matter what they have to work a deal for Ratliff, considering his expiring deal.  But in the meantime, the talent IS THERE.

I think the one big thing that has been lost in the shuffle is how good Al Jefferson can be. And people are writing off Pierce even though his head is in the right place and he had one tough season health wise. I think he'll come back hungry. I want to see what Rondo can do over a full season. And my obsession with Brewer is growing. Finally, what is the point of following a team if it makes you miserable? I'm not saying we should give Rivers, Ainge, the players, and the organization a free pass. But what the hell? Let's see what happens. That said there is a difference between contending for a title and hoping to make the 2nd round of the playoffs.