The NBA has taken main stage like nothing I have seen in my lifetime. There are many contenders that range anywhere from a team with a few great players to teams with many good players. The hype is there, but no one really knows how it is all going to shake itself out.
No one outside of Celtics Nation actually believed the C's had what it took to make it to the Finals last year. They didn't deserve any credit but I gave it to them anyway for the way they started the season, and the way they showed greatness in spurts throughout the season. I have a gut instinct that says this year will go the same way (atleast from an "NBA Analyst" perception).
People aren't going to believe in Boston because A) There is too much hype in Miami and Los Angeles and B) The Celtics will not end the season with the best record. What people forget is neither hype nor regular season records matter when the playoffs start.
What we do have is a group of emotional players who could not accept the outcome of last season. Lets think about this for a minute....
Kevin Garnett has 2 years remaining on his current contract. Don't you think he understands this may be it for him (assuming all talks of a lockout next season are accurate)??
Ray Allen is in the same boat, although he may have more to give after his 2 year contract runs up with the C's.
Rondo is a competitor. With comments coming from him saying that the Celtics are the team to beat in the east because they are the defending Eastern Conference Champions.. That means something.
Jermaine O'neal came to Boston because he thought it was his best opportunity to win a championship. He understands his legs are wearing on him, and there is only so much left in his basketball lifespan.
Shaq did the same. He settled himself to take the VETERANS MINIMUM and a BACKUP ROLE to win a championship. I don't care what his intentions are, whether they be to keep up with Kobe or whatever. He wants to win and in my opinion he wants to go out on a winning note.
Paul Pierce lost in LA and he is probably hearing it all summer long. The Truth is a winner at heart and he understands that raising 1 championship banner in his career for the Celtics just isn't enough.
I am very excited for the upcoming season. I don't care what anyone says about the Heat, Magic, Lakers, Bulls, Nuggets, whoever.. At the end of the day I have a very good feeling about a team and fans that are extremely hungry for redemption.
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