observations on the new Celtics

[Kestutis Kveraga Adv04]

After two quite meaningful, basically must-win, preseason games, I've come to the conclusion that Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are fairly decent basketball players. 

OK, that might have been an understatement... KG is just awesome. The closest thing to Bill Russell since... Bill Russell, without the aloofness. Most of his awesomeness is not even in his play but in the other stuff he does. He roots for every scrub, he slaps every hand coming to the bench, his intensity and hustle is off the charts... What a superb, quality individual.

Ray Allen, while more subdued, is also a man one can respect for something other than being a great basketball player. 

All of a sudden, we have a star nucleus that we can actually root for without any reservations about their character. The increase in IQ and maturity on the team is palpable, even with Tony Allen still doing a lot stupid things on the court (hopefully, just on the court).

The veterans off the bench are doing what they're supposed to be doing. Posey, he who is inferior to the Great Tony Allen, is doing the little things that Veal was supposed to be doing. Eddie House drains shots like Vin Baker. Heck, even Veal hit three shots in a row, which must be some kind of a record for him in a non-empty gym. We also have a perpetually injured All-Interview-Team  All-Star with wacky sideburns who is going to be a lot of fun in the studio this year. 

Speaking of the studio, I hope they keep Tommy there. That way his ranting is minimized and his insights are maximized. 

One other thing - there is a chance the Celtics might finally become an uptempo team, at least more often than in the past. The reason for this is that KG gobbles up every rebound in sight and IMMEDIATELY outlets the ball to Rondo. What he doesn't get, Perk will, and he is also very good at the outlet pass. Rondo wants to run as do Ray Allen and KG. Pierce, instead of being the guy who half-assedly brings the ball up the court, can be the trailer. 
Kestas