more old posts [Was: RE: ''You wonder where Ainge is taking the Celtics'' - MacMullan (Globe)]

[Kestutis.Kveraga@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Kestutis Kveraga)]

--- You wrote:
I doubt you were thinking that thought in 2002 when we were 2 games away
from the finals and the Celtics had the greatest comeback in NBA history and
Pierce was really the Truth. If you were you're a better basketball
visionary than me.
--- end of quote ---

And here is what I wrote on June 1, 2002:

"On a less cheery note, this series highlighted our flaws very well - the
static, easily predictable offense, lack of size and rebounding, too few
reliable scoring options, no true point guard (Kenny, aside from a creative
pass once every few games, doesn't qualify). On the Nets, KMart, Kittles, Van
Horn, Harris, Kidd, and Jefferson all have the ability to score and even
Williams and MacCulloch are dangerous in the box. Delk and Rogers were supposed
to help with scoring, and Rogers occassionally has, but that's not enough. Eric
Williams and Kenny, their decent scoring games last night notwithstanding,
aren't reliable enough either.

Alas, the most we can hope for next year is Rogers's being re-signed and Delk's
rediscovering his alleged offensive prowess (not being misused by Obie would
help).  Perhaps Eric will return to health and provide more offense, Kenny will
maintain his current production, Cook will develop into a Tinsley/Parker, and
Kedrick, into at least a Richard Jefferson, but that's less likely. I'm really
hoping they re-sign Strick, but probably in vain. The sad part  is, if the
majority of these things don't work out, we will not reach even the ECF next
year. Pierce and Walker can't carry us into the Finals alone - we now know
that. They're not Shaq & Kobe, no matter how much they improve for next season. 

Looking ahead to next season, Orlando (if the rumours of Grant Hill's return to
health are true)  and Milwaukee(if the coaching issue is resolved) will likely
be better , the Nets and Philly will be there, Detroit and Indiana may very
well improve through additions and growth  for next season. And that's just the
predictable ones. There will undoubtedly be some surprise team(s), just like
the 1-2-3 teams in the EC this year. If we stay the same, we will undoubtedly
regress relative to the Eastern Conference. Wallace and Co. have their work cut
out for them this offseason. "

+++ Boy, little did I know that Wallace's main accomplishment that offseason
was going to be the trade for Baker!  
Kestas