Random Thoughts With 2 Games to Go

Photo courtesy of Larry Johnson WEEI

The Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. There's no doubt that the Sixers were trying to tank, not the players, but the front office. Trading Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner at the deadline for flotsam and jetsam was the tip off that they were definitely looking to rack up more losses than wins. Evan Turner was the 2nd overall pick in the 2010 draft, which was another tanking year for the Sixers. It wasn't like Turner wasn't producing for them. He was averaging 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a steal a game for them.

I'd say that they are just going in circles. Get a lottery pick, give him a couple of years to develop. Trade him for nothing and then start all over. Danny may have his flaws, but overall, he's done a pretty good job as the Celtics I can't see why there may be some unhappiness among the Philly fans.

That brings me to thoughts on the Celtics fans. Rondo said recently that the fans in Boston are a big reason why he would want to re-sign with the Celtics. Fans do make a difference. Even in a rebuilding year when the team didn't have the best season, the fans still turn out and support the team. I can honestly say that if the Heat go into a rebuilding year most of the Heat "fans" would go back into the woodwork and would jump on another bandwagon.



Many Celtics fans have cheered for the Celtics for decades. I started cheering for the Celtics in 1969 and love them as much today as I did back then. I loved this year's team. They played hard and rarely gave up. They were in most games and refused to give up. They had their problems closing out games but they have continued to fight in almost every one of them. This team was much more fun to watch than year's team.

I love the young players that we have seen develop this season. Kelly Olynyk is going to be a very, very good player. We have seen flashes of it this season and next season, I can see him breaking out. Jared Sullinger has lived up to expectations and is going to be a very good player. Avery Bradley is developing into quite a good offensive player to go along with his stellar defense. Phil Pressey has been a revelation this season as has Chris Johnson. We didn't get to see a lot of Vitor, but he shows some promise as does Colton Iverson, who toiled away overseas this season.

I'd love to see all those young players back next season along with Rondo and our two shiny new draft picks from this year's draft. I know that the last time Danny had draft picks and young players he used them to bring in veteran all-stars and that brought us a championship. He may go that route again this time as well. But, I kind of want to build the way OKC did with draft picks and young players. Since Perk was traded there, I've watched all their games and they are a really fun team to watch. I wouldn't mind watching a young Celtics core grow together into champions.

I love the camaraderie among these guys. After one game last week, Gerald Wallace slipped in when a teammate was being interviewed. Last night, both Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger were causing mischief behind Kelly Olynyk while he was being interviewed and threw a towel over Kelly's head. I love that kind of interaction that shows that they have great chemistry. I'd love to see them have a chance to grow together. But, that's just me.

The Celtics have just 2 more games left. They should beat the Sixers who are in full out tank, even with just 8 players available. The Wizards game could go either way. The Celtics will probably end up with a 5th or 6th pick. The Lottery has never been good to the Celtics and so I have no reason to believe that they will move up and get a top pick. They will also pick mid first round as well. They should get a couple of good players or maybe Danny will trade the picks for an established star. Buckle up and hang on. It's going to be a very interesting off season.

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