Season Prediction

["Ross . James" <JRoss@drc.com>]

  Although I'm optimistic about Pitino's long-range plans for the
Celtics, this year's edition is very young, very inexperienced, not very
tall, and not-yet very talented.  Fortunately, many of the younger
players have tremendous potential and a very positive up-side (for the
future).  However, there are way too many "ifs" and "maybes" for the
odds to favor this version of the Celtics being very successful.  The
first third of the season is likely to be difficult as the players learn
each other and the complicated plays.  The final third of the season is
likely to impacted by fatigue as a number of these younger players "hit
the rookie wall" (an 82+ games season is significantly different on the
body than a 30-35 game, college season).  I sincerely hope to be wrong,
but (with my head this year, not my heart) I predict a 23 win season.

  Possibly (and hopefully) the team will become fairly competitive next
year, and the force the year after that.  This hopefully long-range
projection is based on:  this season's experience of young talent
working together and learning Pitino's system;  the opportunity for
another high draft pick next year;  the possible acquisition of at least
one high-quality free agent next year;  and the realization that the
Celtics are another year closer to finally moving Dee Brown, Dana
Barros, and Purvis Ellison.  In two more years, Pitino will hopefully
have had the opportunity to assemble a team comprised of players that he
really wants, not (as is currently the case) the best players he has
been able to assemble under a very difficult set of circumstances.  --
Enjoy the early season, Pitino-induced euphoria, Celtic fans.  But get
ready to another rough season, and seat to be plentiful at the Fleet
Center later in the season (can we all acknowledge the many
"fair-weather" Celtics fans out there?).  --  Bestest,

  Jim