End of The Run

The Celtics wrapped up their season last week in disappointing fashion, but true to form, the team played much like it did the entire second half of the season.

One can point to the trade. Others can point to the aging roster. You could say Shaq was the X-factor that never formed, or you could say that certain players didn't show up (read: Baby) and that led to their downfall.

Doesn't really matter now does it. Wrap it up. The run is done.

Mark Murphy of the Herald gave out the Cs playoff grades this week. Can't say I disagree.

Bill Simmons had this to say in reference to the Cs trade and their subsequent collapse:

"I thought the Celtics had lost their identity, that they believed in two things: their overall toughness, and Doc Rivers' concept of ubuntu (togetherness). The trade undermined both beliefs. They didn't know what they were."

If you ask me...I know they don't have a lot of roster flexibility...but I think Danny should move to blow it up. If not, they need to make some drastic moves that would involve moving more of their core. A year down the road, I don't think this team -- even if healthy and with a refurbished bench, is going to be able to play a seven-game series against the younger, more athletic teams. Not as long as KG, PP, and RA continue to log the minutes they are.

It has also become much more obvious how important it is for Rondo to develop a consistent 10- to 15-foot game. Otherwise, why wouldn't you play off him EVERY game. Just clog the middle and dare him to shoot. Teams can play a zone against the Cs when he is on the floor and double the shooters. And as Ray and PP get older and start missing...it could get really ugly.

Don't get me wrong. I am not blaming Rondo at all. He is a dynamic player and a big piece -- but there are a lot of little things wrong with this team. Rondo's inability to shoot; Garnett's on-again, off-again allergy to being anywhere near the paint; PPs need to handle the ball and dribble the shot clock down to 7 before deciding what to do; Jeff Green's inability to wake up and use his tools; no consistent big men, etc....

I'd say a lot of things would have to go the Cs way in order for them to win another championship with this core group...and I don't know if the chances of all those things going right are high.

One last link...Bob Ryan agrees with me.