Last season’s record: 62-20
Key Losses: Leon Powe, Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore, Gabe Pruitt
Key Additions: Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, Shelden Williams

1. What Significant Moves were made during the off-season?
The signing of Rasheed Wallace was the most talked about move made in the off-season, but at the age of 35, his tenure in Boston with significant contribution at the most will be two seasons. The most significant move made was management’s decision not to re-sign forward Leon Powe. That coupled with the fact that Powe then chose to sign with Boston’s inner-conference rival in Cleveland gives this move great significance. Especially if/when the two teams meet in the Eastern Conference finals.

2. What are the team’s biggest strengths?
Not sure where to start here as the Celtics have the best starting five for the third straight season. Their point guard will be an all-star this year, their center looks like one of the best defensive big men in the game, the Big Three are all going to the Hall Of Fame and still can’t be doubted. The bench has scorers, guys who will hit the glass, middle-relievers and big men to step in and perform their roles. The coach has proven he can take this group of egos to the mountain top and the ownership is one of the most dedicated to winning in the league. The team’s biggest strengths could be elaborated on for hours and hours on end as they are from top to bottom the best team in the league and barring any injury will host a second parade in three seasons.

3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?
Dislocated shoulders, creaky knees and weak ankles. The 2009-10 Boston Celtics are by comparative standards a very old basketball team. Looking at it with a glass half full philosophy you might say that means experience and leadership. When the glass is half empty they are a team that very well could trudge through the regular season and tire themselves out by June. It isn’t a crippling issue, as the Celtics are considered to be championship contenders for the third straight season, but one that could easily creep up if Doc Rivers doesn’t do a good job of limiting his player’s minutes.

4. What are the goals for this team?
Anything less than an 18th banner would be a major disappointment to the players, management and longtime, loyal fans. This team is built for a ring in 2010, not 2011 or 2012 for nobody knows what could happen to the bodies of Boston’s veteran all-stars. Both Orlando and Cleveland have brought in big names that will alter those respective team’s style of play. The Celtics simply added veteran role players to come in, perform within their limits and win basketball games.

5. What is the team’s greatest X-factor?
Every team has many “x-factors” that are crucial dividends on whether or not they will find success or failure. For the Celtics there are several questions. Will Rondo mature or distress? Will Kevin Garnett’s knee hold up? How will Marquis Daniels and Rasheed Wallace fit in?

The biggest x-factor, however, is Paul Pierce. As important as Kevin Garnett, Rondo and Ray Allen are to Boston’s success, Pierce is still the captain and one who is getting up there in age. There is currently nobody on the roster who can replace him and guard the opposing team’s small forward admirably. His scoring is obviously irreplaceable and so is his on-court leadership. Pierce slowed down a little in the post-season last year, either because of general fatigue or rumored leg injuries.

The team’s x-factor therefore is the amount of regular season minutes Paul Pierce will have to play.

Recent Headlines

• Jamison’s Return Makes Quite An Impression
• Game Notes: Cleveland vs. Washington
• Exclusive Interview With Taj Gibson
• Exclusive Interview with Grant Hill
• Hoops Addict Podcast
• Buzzer Beaters
• Game Notes: Detroit vs Washington
• Rashad Mobley on KRNU
• Guest Appearance On The Fan 590
• Exclusive Interview with Ben Gordon