Why the Experts are Wrong

In the days leading to the opening of the new season much has been said and will still be said on how Boston would fare. Few have been positive while as expected many are again counting out Boston as a legitimate title contender.

The arguments being rasied are valid: age, health and a shortened and compact season. Although if you look at it age and health has been a recurring theme against the Celtics and the lockout induced season just adds a more compelling reason for people to doubt the chances of the Celtics.

Then again ever since KG had that knee injury it seems everyone is half expecting for any of the Big 3 to just keel over and hurt themselves. Even the window closing talk is hard to comprehend considering how season after season they've been a consistent source of production and stability on both ends of the court. Can an off season drastically change a players ability without any other tell tale signs aside from age?

Admittedly in an advanced age there will be limits as to what the body can still physically endure and this has been the focal talking points to the arguments on what the Big 3 can offer. But you have to look at it this way: this is no longer KG and the Twolves or Ray Allen leading the Bucks or Sonics or Pierce anchoring a young Celtics squad. These are players who've seen better days but when fitted together works like a well oiled machine. This is the KG now who won't put up MVP numbers but will torment you at the defensive end and will hit those open jumpers. This is the modern day Ray Allen who won't erupt for 20 or 30 points a game but will wear you out running around screens before pulling up for a 3 pointer. And this is Pierce, who may not work as often as before in creating high percentage shots, but has wisely extended his range at the 3 point area to add to his offensive arsenal.

Boston won't dazzle you with their athleticism or entertain us with it's high octane offense. With a veteran core that complements each others weaknesses and relies on team defense they will win games through hard work and teamwork. Think of them as another version of the Billups led Pistons. No Superstars, no one playing harder than the other, all equal in effort and production. In this set up that Boston has created, you have to separate the Man from the Superstar and look at them as role players. Yes they are the core, which is why they have Rondo to make things easier on offense and in defense and which is why they've been assembling a reliable bench to help out. It is the sum of all these parts that makes them a success despite the odds.