I'm Already Excited

[bird <birdwl@earthlink.net>]

Unless you want to sit around and wait to see if the team is "good enough"
  to root for, welcome to the bandwagon.  The Celtics may not extrapolate 
their current 5-2 record into a 50-win season, but they don't have to 
(though, of course, that would be nice).  Joe, I think if you get a chance 
to watch the Indy game, you ought to do it, as it may change your 
perception a bit.  Like others have mentioned, though the C's were in 
danger of losing last night, they always responded -- in ways previous 
years' teams weren't capable of.  Sure, sure, easy opening schedule, teams 
were tired, had injuries ... big deal.  In the end they don't weigh wins, 
a W is a W is a W.

I admit I was leery of the "third scorer" option -- that is, find a third 
scorer to complement P & W instead of looking say, for a big man or a 
point guard.  However, I find with Obie the best thing to do is accept, 
take your medication, and move on.  Four three-point bombers and a stick 
center?  Sure.  Antoine as power forward?  Okie dokie.  Eric Williams as 
defensive stopper and team cornerstone?  Um, yeah, sure, OK.  We're going 
to live *and* die by these sorts of things, no question, but at least 
there's a plan being stuck to, not a mongrel hybrid that never seems to 
accomplish much.  The team is exciting to watch: they're running, playing 
much better defense, the captains are producing, 1/3 of the Rookie Corps 
is stepping up, the Center Troika actually does look decent (even if the 
minutes at the position are befuddling), Kenny Anderson is playing 
well (?!) -- it's all a bit much for me.

Will it continue?  I don't know; that's what the other games are played 
for.  I have a lot more confidence in this team, though.  It may be 
difficult to make the playoffs because many Eastern teams have improved 
(Indy, Detroit, etc.) -- but, many look awfully vulnerable, as well (New 
York, Miami).

(The Celtic "Tird")