Celtics Set to Make 1 More Run at Championship

The Celtics sent a sign to their fans last night that the band will be brought back for at least one more run at a championship. With the selections of Texas guard Avery Bradley in the first round and Notre Dame forward Luke Harangody in the second, Danny Ainge has set up his team for a bid to return to the NBA Finals. It may seem like a stretch to believe that a 19-year-old wing and a 6-8 power forward will put the Celtics back into title contention but these are just the first steps towards hanging an eighteenth banner in the rafters of the Boston Garden. Another small step was announced last night with the news that Rasheed Wallace is retiring. Wallace's retirement does create a void in the Celtics frontcourt - which already was hurting with the injury to Kendrick Perkins - but the money that 'Sheed is leaving on the table will be available to use on a big man. In the coming days, expect Celtics coach Doc Rivers to announce he will be back with the team for at least one more season and that Paul Pierce will opt out of his current contract. Pierce is expected to give up a big payday of over $21-million next year for some long-term security (expect to read the numbers 3-years and $45-million for the Truth) which will create additional salary cap space to recruit a big man to replace Wallace. Do not be surprised when Ray Allen and Tony Allen also decide to remain in Boston. When it's all said and done, the Celtics will still have Pierce, the Allen's, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, and the two rookies under contract with about $12-million in cap space available to fill out the roster. Ainge will also have the veteran's minimum exception to entice bench help - which was a key in bringing in Eddie House to help the 2008 team win the championship. That $12-million is highly unlikley to add a marquee big man such as Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, or Carlos Boozer but the C's could invest in players such as Tyson Chandler or David Lee (I will go with Chandler for now) while also recruiting a veterans like Kurt Thomas and James Jones (sson to be bought out in Miami) to come to Boston. So, for the hell of it, let's look at my latest projection for the 2010-11 Celtics roster: 5: Kendrick Perkins, Tyson Chandler, Kurt Thomas 4: Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis, Luke Harangody 3: Paul Pierce, James Jones 2: Ray Allen, Tony Allen, Avery Bradley 1: Rajon Rondo, Bradley That is a team that has championship experience, depth, and enough atleticism off the bench to match the other contenders. As El Prez and Barstool Sports would say ... cue the Duckboats!