NBA JAM: BOSTON CELTICS

In our continuing rundown on the NBA season, Neil Acharya looks at the Atlantic Division, specifically the Boston Celtics.

Last season: 33-49
Coach: Doc Rivers
New faces: Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff
Funny-looking white guy: Brian Scalabrine
Blogs: CelticsBlog, Celtics 17

If the owners of the Celtics are worth their salt, the entire season will be a dedication to the godfather, the dearly departed Red Auerbach. In celebrating his legacy, the Boston faithful will hope that this year’s squad with many new faces can bond just that much quicker.

Last year was one of upheaval for the Celtics. Some major deals were made with the Timberwolves and Blazers, so a lot of guys are looking forward to their first full season with the club. Theo Ratliff is out with an injury to start the season, but Boston has considerable depth at centre with Kendrick Perkins and Michael Olowokandi.

Power forward Al Jefferson's breakthrough last season was waylaid by a major ankle injury. With the injury behind him, Jefferson may be able to live up to his potential that got him taken in the first round out of high school two seasons ago. Small forward Wally Szczerbiak (pictured) was having career highs in points, rebounds and blocks before being traded by Minnesota last season and experienced a drop-off in the 32 games he played in Beantown.

If Wally he can regain his first-half form of last season, the Celtics are going to be hard to handle. Shooting guard Paul Pierce needs no introduction. The man Danny Ainge is building this club averaged a career-high 26.8 points and that was with all the madness around him; imagine what he can do without those distractions. Pierce also has an emerging backup in Delonte West.

Telfair, who went straight from high school to a losing team in Portland two years ago, will be Boston's starter at point and with only two years under his belt on a losing team in Portland. It will be interesting to watch him grow under the tutelage of Pierce.

Perhaps tomorrow, during the tribute to Red prior to the home opener vs. New Orleans-Oklahoma City, Pierce may realize the legacy that rests on his shoulders. What has been lost since the closing of the Boston Garden, may be reclaimed, after all it has been a long time coming. Perhaps if the Celtics ownership do what is right in honouring Red, something can be salvaged and light a spark in November that can blaze on through till spring. If that happens, there's a a chance the new-look Celtics could give New Jersey a run in the Atlantic Division, or failing that, finish a strong second.

R.I.P.., Red Auerbach 1917-2006

Related: Saturday Wrap: R.I.P., Red (Oct. 28)


Previously:
Pacific Division: Golden State Warriors, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com.