2003/4 Celts predictions

[R Howe <regmanw6@xxxxxxxxx>]

Put me down for wins to be in the mid 40's range,  46-36. I think we will sputter and be inconsistent for the first month or so, but by the Holidays the Celtics should have the bugs worked out to their capability on offense, and roles clearly defined by then. At worst, barring injuries to the front court or Pierce, we should be around a .500 club. Anything worse..... well I would not want to be in O'Brien's shoes. 
 
I think Danny should give this current group at least to the trading deadline to see how "HIS" roster changes to date may be trending as far as making that one step back to go two steps forward. It will also give him time to showcase and build up value to whoever he may want to use in a trade at that time, plus that seems the best time to deal for max value in return whether in players or expiring contracts and draft picks. I kind of liked what I saw of the last two pre-season games, better interior passing, less selfishness and confidence from Pierce to his teammates, the pushing of the offense seems to help Pierce in creating better one on one situations and opening passing lanes for him. This to me is key, as long as Pierce has confidence in the rest of the team and not trying to do too much on his own, and the team responds by also playing unselfish and converting the opportunities that they are given then I think this can be the start of something special 2-3 years down the road
 (barring injuries of course). 
 
Strengths:
 
-- A rested and more mature Pierce, Should be a 22pt per gm, triple double threat and almost automatic double/double machine. 
 
-- A deep and versatile Front court. Should actually be able to exploit match ups at the 4/5 spots, when was the last time we were able to think of such a thing? A healthy Baker (mind and body), Battie, along with a mad dog Blount and solid LaFrentz and even McCarty. I think this rotation makes us much deeper, more versatile, with better rebounding and defense potential and an improbable improvement over our "love him or hate him" Walker and a winged Batman of last year. 
 
-- Overall more athletic, should serve us well over a long season, hopefully will translate to higher percentage shots, and reduced and more productive minutes for Pierce.
 
-- More roster flex. A deeper, younger squad going forward. Upside to this team seems improved, don't know maybe an illusion, but I feel more hhopeful that we are closer to being only one or two players added or developed to actually mount a challenge for Banner 17.
 
Weaknesses:
 
PG - I like Bank's ball handling, defense and tough attitude. He will be fine with time. Next year he should be a positive factor. In the meantime James and maybe a mid season vet acquisition? will have to be the bridge to get us there. I do not think this position will be as weak as we might fear (more athletic, better defense), and I think Banks might actually develop pretty quickly and be a sometime positive factor by mid season. overall though the position will be bottom half when compared to other teams in the conf.
 
SF - Hard to say, more athletic, Jones and Brown with fall-back to EWill when they are not in sync or need a half court option at the position.
 
Lack of an automatic 2nd scoring option to Pierce. I think developing a threat that compliments and opens the floor for Pierce to operate will make or break this season. 
 
Overall just like what seems to be developing. Should be a interesting year or two.
 
GO Celts!!
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