Celtics Clinch East, Knock off Lakers in NBA championships

Yes, I said it.


Confident? Yes. Cocky?


Yes I am. But so are they, and so they should be.


So much so that they even have an empty banner hanging in their practice facility in preparation for their 2010 championship banner. During NBA TV's study of the Celtics pre-season, Doc Rivers claimed that "there is a real passion and excitement at camp. The championship is all that we're working for."

Can they do it? Well, let's see...

Critics didn't think the big three would gel with each other in their first season. But they cruised through the regular season, winning the east by a large margin, and then embarassed the Lakers in the finals.

Last season, with an injured Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe as well as the loss of arguably the best provider off the bench (James Posey), the Celtics made it all the way through to the Eastern Conference Finals. It took a resurgent Orlando Magic seven games to beat them. Seven games!

If we were healthy, I'm pretty sure we would have just added another chapter to the already storied Boston-Los Angeles rivalry.

But with the start of a new campaign, we have new fuel to add to our hopes of championship glory don't we?



Well, what are we up against?




The Lakers have definitely gotten better with the addition of the notorious Ron Artest. But, they will probably have a harder time in the West with the key addition of Richard Jefferson and a healthy Manu Ginobli in San Antonio. The Mavericks look better and the Nuggets will probably show a lot of potential. But let's be honest, it's STILL Kobe's playground.

Cleveland and Orlando have also added fortified reinforcements to help booster their chances of a championship. Bron has Shaq, but will they help each other out? Can King James take it to the next level? Orlando added Vince who will bring some more razzle-dazzle to Orlando. But will Dwight start dominating the paint night in and night out? This whole 'dominate once every three games' is getting old. (Yes that's for you too Mr. Stoudamire).

But it seems like Boston has made all the right moves. Adding a defensive big man, Rasheed Wallce, who can shoot the ball will trouble the Shaquille O'Neals, the Dwight Howards and the Pau Gasol/Andrew Bynums.

Marquis Daniels is the perfect answer for the void created by the loss of utility man James Posey. Daniels can shoot, dribble and defend. He can play the 1 or 2, giving valuable minutes on the bench to Rondo, Allen and Pierce.

Also. Let's remember that Rondo and "Big Baby" Glen Davis are only getting better and better. They both displayed superior performences in the play offs. Their numbers and efficiency have improved since they got in the league. This pre-season, Ray Allen said that "Rondo is taking over."


And, most importantly.... We have a healthy Kevin Garnett.

The only detremental factor that will cause some hindrances to our championship run is for the roster to stay healthy. An article in yesterday's USA Today stated that this will be the last shot the Celtics have at a championship due to this very reason.

Yes the Celtics are old. Yes, injuries will keep the Big three out for a few games here and there. But they are deeper than they were last season. They are hungrier than they were last season. They will win this year.

All in all, it's a recipe for a championship. Expectation is high and confidence is at it's peak.

So go ahead Celtic nation, swagger on.

I will sport my celtic pride at Conseco, the day after my 25th birthday. I will also join your fan nation in Boston at the Garden this spring. I will drink my Sam Adams and reflect the intensity that KG and Rasheed bring every night. And I will cherish a cigar in memory of the great Red, and light it when we bring home that 2010 banner.