Injuries Hurting The Celtics

Injuries are something that any basketball team has to deal with. That is especially true with a team like the Celtics that rely upon players who are on the wrong side of 30. The injuries are starting to pile up against the C's and it is hurting them on the court. Entering today's game in Boston against the Heat - a contest that will determine first place in the Eastern Conference - Doc Rivers will be without Shaquille O'Neal, Marquis Daniels, Jermaine O'Neal, Semih Erden, and Delonte West. Nate Robinson will play but he is not at 100% after suffering a knee injury in Thursday's loss to the Lakers. Playing the Heat is a tough enough task with a healthy team but going against LeBron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh with Von Wafer, Avery Bradley, and Luke Harangody expected to see some floor time is not a recipe for success. Danny Ainge has hinted that the team will look to add a player to the roster to bolster their depth, most likely when an opposing team executes a buy-out of a veteran. However, with their control of the East slipping away to Miami, Ainge should look to move one of his few trade chips - rookie guard Avery Bradley - to shore up his bench. One trade that makes sense for both teams and that works financially is moving Bradley to Detroit in exchange for veteran swingman Tracy McGrady and rookie guard Terrico White. The Celtics would also ship a second round pick to the Pistons and then release White. The Celtics add a veteran for their bench who could play minutes at both guard positions and also at small forward. After years of failing in the playoffs, McGrady would earn his first chance at a championship. The Pistons add a promising young guard as they look to rebuild their team. Adding McGrady - and assuming the health of their injured players - would give Boston the deepest team in the NBA and would make them the favorites to win the championship. 5: Kendrick Perkins, Shaquille O'Neal, Semih Erden 4: Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis, Jermaine O'Neal 3: Paul Pierce, Marquis Daniels 2: Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, Von Wafer 1: Rajon Rondo, Delonte West, Nate Robinson Obviously Rivers would not employ a 12-man rotation in May and June but with such an old team, that kind of depth would offer insurance against an injury when the games mean the most. It could mean the difference between Banner #18 and another gut-wrenching loss in the playoffs.