ESPN The Magazine: Boston Celtics Preview - don't bet against C's

ESPN The Magazine's preview takes a look at the "conventional wisdom" vs. "actual wisdom." Gotta agree with Abbott's take here.

Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets top magazine team predictions - ESPN The Magazine - ESPN

Conventional wisdom Only a crazy person would pick a team that was old four years ago, then replaced Ray Allen with a sprinkle of has-beens and never-will-bes.

Actual wisdom Only a slightly less crazy person would bet against them. One of those replacements is seasoned gunner Jason Terry (career 38 percent 3-point shooter), and he'll likely jump-start that 25th-ranked offense. Also, last we checked, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were still elite defenders -- tying career lows in defensive rating last season (94 and 99, respectively). Don't be fooled: A Big Three lives on in Beantown; now it just features a locked-in Rondo (career AST percent of 40). And it still matches up with any team. -- Henry Abbott

Well said.