G.A.P. in the Championship

I hate to say it, but I was wrong. After being plastered on every sports magazine in the pre-season, the Celtics did indeed live up to expectations. "Dream Teams" full of all-stars don't often fulfill their lofty goals. But Boston, with their 46-12 record, is inching closer and closer to a NBA Championship.

My problem wasn't Garnett, who I think would do anything to win after 12 years of futility in Minnesota. I think Ray Allen wouldn't care if he had to share the ball with two other "super-stars". My problem was with Paul Pierce. The Celtics were, after all, "His" team. Could he co-exist with his new Boston All-Star team? The answer was yes. Even though they are below their career average for ppg , they are still just as good. The "leader", Pierce is the highest scorer, averaging 20 per game, the the other two are around 18. In fact, all three haven't had scoring averages like this since their first 3 years in the league.

The next problem with Boston was the bench. They did everything they could do in order to get the team that they have now. Including trade away their depth. Now, with their average 56 points coming from 3 of the starters, depth isn't as important as it once was. Eddie House, and Glen "Big Baby" Davis have both been solid off the bench, even though Davis is still a little streaky.

Finally, and possibly the biggest problem was the point guard. Who would deliver the ball to G.A.P.? The biggest question mark at the beginning of the season: Rajon Rondo. The answer today: Rajon Rondo. He has started in all 54 games this year, after starting in 25 last year. He ranks in the top 25 in steals, steals pg, and assists pg. It shows what playing with 3 all stars can do for a career.

So can three championship deprived all-stars work together and pull it off? Or will they end up like Gary Payton, Karl Malone, and the Lakers? My guess is no, they will not win it all this year. But hey, I've been wrong plenty of times.