Regardless of Outcome, Change Is Coming

ESPN.com - Celtics face an uncertain future

Regardless of what happens in the series, the times they are indeed a-changin' in Celtic Nation. Ray Allen will become a free agent. Doc Rivers may decide he's had enough. Paul Pierce could become a free agent if he opts out of his current deal. Tony Allen, Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels also will be free agents along with Brian Scalabrine, Michael Finley and Shelden Williams. Daniels and Robinson were supposed to be key reserves, but Rivers clearly has lost faith in both of them and their futures in Boston look dim. The only players with firm commitments for 2010-11 are Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo, Glen Davis and, ahem, Rasheed Wallace.

One way or another, Paul Pierce will be back in Boston next year but I'm not so sure about the rest of the free agents.  We could, in theory, maintain the core by keeping the starters and swapping out the entire bench (give or take a holdover or two).  Would it be enough to compete next year?  I doubt it.  But I'm not sure what other (attractive) choices they have.  Next year might just be a ...wait for it... "bridge year" for Boston.  (Sorry Sox fans - I couldn't resist)