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Anthony Davis saga will make or break Boston's vision...

Unless the New Orleans Pelicans get an Ainge-Presti move to grab a couple more superstars, the pressure will mount on the beleaguered franchise to deal their superstar. Coach Alvin Gentry is running Anthony Davis into the ground with more minutes and responsibilities than is placed upon a small army.

Given his history of nagging injuries, AD is going to need help. They all do...from Wilt to Kareem to Jordan to Lebron to Durant. Nobody wins alone.

Plenty of other franchises ARE willing to mortgage their assets and future for AD because they have nothing to lose except more games. The bidding will be fiercer than banking on a Kevin Garnett fire sale, backed by Theo Ratliff's expiring contract and GMs dealing as former teammates.

Could the Celtics and their war chest of assets could potentially make or break their long-term championship vision? There are 30 teams seeking the perfect window that requires collective brilliance, a lot of luck/good health and of course elite superstars

1. What if the Warriors sweep through every small-ball challenge and the switching defense and three point deluge from Houston's gunners. Then they fortify their bench and gain home town discounts from Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and a couple more young, strong players. Boston and the the rest of the NBA might have to throw all their chips at someone like AD who might be one of the few superstars who can wreck the Golden State dynasty. Maybe Celtics' brass feels that only Boston's system, coaching and fellow stars like Kyrie Irving and a healthy Gordon Hayward can get over the top with a player like AD who could become one of the top 20 players of all time. The temptation to deal Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, 1st-round picks and other salaries could be the only option to compete for a single title.

2. Suppose Joel Embiid is certifiably healthy and durable. Ben Simmons is already a matchup problem and Markelle Fultz a potential difference maker. If the 76rs were to land Lebron James, would the Celtics have any choice but to counter with AD and throw away their blueprints on a 10-year plan?

3. What if the LA Lakers snagged Lebron and Paul George, or decided that Lebron and Julius Randle with an emerging Brandon Ingram and passing genius Lonzo Ball could win a title next year. If they did bolt out with something like a November 16-game winning streak out West, would Boston feel that it's own young core could fall behind?

4. It's also possible that the Spurs or Rockets could find a way to team Lebron with Kawhi Leonard or James Harden. It's hard to see Trader Danny standing pat if they are merely in the conversation to get out of the East....again.

5. Maybe the Tatum-Brown combination doesn't progress more than being strong role players. Suppose the hierarchy decides they would rather have the evolutionary Hakeem Olajuwon, starring Anthony Davis, rather than invest in two wings that would be more like Jerome Kersey and Rasheed Wallace. They are great athletes but even if they become Jimmy Butler and Paul Pierce, it's still the better move to take Olajuwon. Unless Tatum is a blend of Kevin Durant/Ray Allen, the Celtics might have to consider what his future means compared to AD's incredible and more proven prowess.

6. Worst of all, what if Gordon Hayward's ankle never allows him to be anything resembling his all-star self? And suppose Kyrie Irving's knee leads to surgery and is the beginning of the end. Nobody wants to dwell on this scenario, but more peripheral moves like signing Marcus Smart or Terry Rozier could prove inconsequential if the team cannot keep its best players healthy. Some deals would have to be made, and AD ranks at the top.

The possibilities with Anthony Davis are a spiral galaxy of infinite forces, and there's always the chance his prime years could fade into obscurity in New Orleans. It's equally as likely that the Celtics' grand scheme to field a young, evolving team could run into injuries or other problems.

AD could shift the axis of power in the NBA. One way or another the Celtics will feel the impact.

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