I agree with Wyc and Danny about this team not being a championship team at the moment. Because the C's are not a contending team without Rondo. In my view you can't put much stock into the Celtics first round outing. They were without Rondo, so why should we be shocked that the Celtics lost to the Knicks? If you add Rondo the Celtics probably  beat the Knicks. Do the Celtics beat the Pacers or Bulls of the East? Maybe they do, but they don't beat Miami. The Celtics are not that far away like were led to believe.I think Wyc and Danny are lowering our expectations.

The East is wide open outside of Miami's dominance. If the Celtics can grow next season with Rondo and with the guys that were supposed to be great with Rondo. Then this team can shake things up. Some many roads the Celtics can take, and that's where the questions creep in about this team contenting. The age of Pierce and KG hinder this team in the public's eyes. But what those two need is Rondo and Green taking this team over with a flawless takeover. So many things can go right for this team, and so many things can go wrong. All parties are to be held accountable if this team falls next season.

The only way the Celtics contend in my eyes is if they go big,and the likely chance of that happening is zero. The chance of getting a quality big also seems very unlikely. It seems like they'll have to part with Pierce to make that happen. Unless they find some takers when it comes to other players that the Celtics could move. To sum up my mini rant, or venting time. The Celtics won't be a lottery team, and they won't be a 7th seed. They're likely a team that will make it out of the first round, but the likely chance of making it further than that is iffy. How can the Celtics get big is where I rest.

"We don’t feel like we have a championship team [at the moment]; It’s pretty obvious, we lost in the first round," said Grousbeck. "We have to see who is with us, we have to see what offers there are for people, we’ve got to decide what to do. It might be a multi-year plan. We’ve never intentionally lost games and we don’t intend to trash things now. We've got players -- [Rajon] Rondo, [Avery] Bradley, [Jeff] Green, [Jared] Sullinger, Brandon Bass, the younger guys are not going to let us win the lottery anyway. That’s a good roster. We hope that Paul [Pierce] and [Kevin Garnett] are back with them and we hope we can reload along the way.

"I don’t know what will happen, I’ll know more about the plan in early July. At the moment, we just have to see what the options are."

I'm glad that their not happy with this team, because I'm not. But I also know this team doesn't have a bunch of scrubs on the roster. I know I may over sell Rondo, but why shouldn't I? He's led this team to a NBA finals in 2010, and close in 2012. Plus he's a NBA champion. He knows how to get it done. The 54 million dollar question is how can this team reload, and how can they do it on low funds because of the cap, and the luxury tax. Plus the elephant in the room Paul Pierce's final year. Is it worth 15 million bucks. Like I said so many roads to take, but one will lead the Celtics down the road of greatness, or mediocre basketball. This team no matter what won't be considered contenders, and hopefully if the Celtics reload as they seem to try to do that ever season. We will have to sit back until the Celtics prove themselves in the regular season. Then maybe we can see if their for real or not.

Sullinger said he was playing on one leg, and if that's the case, we should expect more from the second year power forward. A lumbar disc issue forced Sullinger to undergo season-ending surgery. His history of back issues scarred other teams off, but Ainge assured us that it's all fixable in time.

"Everybody says back with a question mark, you might as well put an X through that," Sullinger said on Thursday morning at a Stay in School assembly at Northeastern’s Matthews Arena in which the Celtics honored 1,500 middle school students from Boston public schools. "Because I had surgery and I’m taking my time getting back right, it won’t be a recurring injury."

"Honestly, when I was playing, I was playing on one leg," said Sullinger. "My right leg was pretty much dead. I couldn’t push off, didn’t have any strength behind it. With the right leg being the way it was, and still being able to produce the way I did, I guess it sets a bit of a foundation, but mentally I know I can play better."

Sully surprised all of us in rookie year that was cut short. Checkout today's 'Morning Joe' for my thoughts on Sully and his second year alongside Rondo.

ESPN BOSTON

REHABBING WITH RONDO: Sullinger said that watching point guard Rajon Rondo rehab from ACL surgery has only given him additional motivation and a shoulder to lean on. "We talk off and on, just trying to get each other’s minds right. Situations like this, you go through it alone, it’s kinda tough. But when you have someone by your side that’s trying to get back to where they were as well, it really helps you out." As for how Rondo is doing: "Rondo's doing great," said Sullinger. "Right now he’s rehabbing, and doing what he’s supposed to."

So glad to hear that Rondo has taken Sully under his wing.

This is stuff you don't see everyday in the NBA. It's heartbreaking,and touching at the same time.

Courtney Lee

Lee came into his own after Rondo's injury. It didn't last long for Lee. After he suffered the ankle injury he never fully came back. He formed a special combination after Rondo's season was over not the intention by Ainge. The pit-bulls didn't last long. Green became a starter, and they moved Pierce to shooting guard. Lee was supposed to be an upgrade for the Celtics. He was younger then Ray, and his defense and ability to run,and to hit jumpers off the dribble was something that the Celtics wanted,and needed. They got it from him in stretches, like most inconsistent players they show what they can do in flashes.

Lee will make 5 million next season. I see him as trade chip. Especially if the Celtics can bring in  someone like Pietrus. They can use Lee to trade for a big man, that they desperately need. The post isn't about trading Lee. It's about if he can gel with Rondo. He has a chance to, and it's up to Lee as much as it is Rondo. Lee is a better scorer when you compare Bradley and Lee. Lee isn't that far behind on defense when he wants to play hard defense. Bradley's non stop.

2012-13 averages: 7.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 24.9 mpg, 46.4 FG%, 37.2 3PT%

I think Lee will stick around in Boston, and I think he can have a better second season. At this point Lee could be Rondo's backup with Williams in limbo with his legal troubles.

Jason Terry

Terry showed up in the Celtics final three games, when the Celtics scrapped their way back into the series against New York. Terry like the others had an up and down inconsistent season. Terry ran his mouth during the off season, and throughout the season. At times it was annoying, and at times it was moving. Jason Terry will be a year older, and it's hard to say if he's the right fit in Boston. He's another player who needs the ball to be effective.  Terry, who will turn 36 before the start of training camp, has two years and $10.7 million remaining on his deal. Will he be a trade chip like Lee? If I had to move one of them, I think Terry perhaps. The age of Terry is why,but on the other hand. Terry didn't look that old in my eyes. He was clutch in the final three games in the New York series. That's what he's here for in Boston.

2012-13 averages: 10.1 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2 rpg, 26.9 mpg, 37.2 3PT%, 43.3 FG%

Terry didn't play great with Rondo. Then again like most of the role players on the roster, they  didn't get a chance to correct the wrongs that hurt the Celtics in the first three months of the season. Terry will be a guy who probably won't play a lot with Rondo. But when they do play on the court. How will Terry be effective. Terry can spot up and hit three balls. Terry will likely have another chance with Rondo, and with building a good working relationship with Rajon.

Jared Sullinger

It's hard to say if Rondo and Sully built some kind of connection. Sully played hard when Rondo was healthy,and when he was gone. Jared was a steal for the Celtics,and all of us hope the back is okay. Sullinger appeared in only 45 games,but they were not in vain. He learned a lot, and he captured our minds with hope of a better future. Sully could provide the Celtics with much needed rebounding,and someone who can score in the post. Sully reminds me of David West,and hopefully he can develop into a player like that, if not better.

The Celtics have Sullinger under contract for four years remaining on his rookie deal Next season he'll earn $1.4 million,and that's a damn steal. Jared seems to have that hard hat mentality that gets KG excited. Sullinger will work hard for Rondo and the Celtics. His second year should show improvements in his game.

2012-13 averages: 5.2 ppg, 1.4 apg, 1.1 rpg, 12.5 mpg, 43 FG%, 38.3 3PT%

Sully isn't the type of big that will throw down alley-oop passes from Rondo. That would be a plus, but in the landscape of the NBA. Sully is the kind of big that the Pacers have in West,and a big like the Grizzlies have in Randolph. They can't out jump anyone, but they outwork most. Sullinger has the ability to one day become an all-star if he continues to work hard.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

I have finally come to terms with something. For the longest time I thought my hate for the Lakers would never be surpassed by anything else in NBA basketball. The time has come. I have an unhealthy amount of hate for the Heat and Lebron.  Beneath the logs, a flame sits to
crackle and heat and bake in my stomach, that's what it feels like when I watch the Heat, and when I think about the Heat.

I hate everything about him. I hate the way he walks up the court.  I hate the way he talks to the media.  I hate the way you raise your arms up like you did nothing wrong when the refs call you for a foul. Which doesn't happen very often. I wish I could find more profound words when it comes to James and the Heat. It's come to a point for me that watching them makes me hate basketball. I feel like their given so much freedom, and they are allowed to do whatever they like.

Did the refs have anything to do with the outcome in game 1? Not at all. The Pacers made a very poor mistake in the final 2.2 seconds in overtime. Paul George over played James, and Vogel perhaps made a mistake by not having Hibbert in there to guard the rim. I think the Pacers don't have much room for error, and losing game 1 could mean their fate. It was just one game, but when your that close to stealing a game, you can't lose that chance. The Pacers seem to know the Heat so well, and they have every advantage except they don't have a prolific scorer. But maybe Paul George can be.

What I saw tonight was a Heat team very weak. I see the Heat winning this series in 6 or 7 games, but what's next for them is more than likely a Spurs team that is similar to the Pacers, but that much better. The Spurs have a top five point guard in Tony Parker, and he can abuse the Heat. The Spurs still need to beat a very tough Memphis team,and the Pacers still have a chance. Even if I think the Heat win in 6 or 7.

I saw this comment yesterday from facebook, but I couldn't find a link for the comment. Anyway, I wouldn't mind Pietrus back at all. He's not the best player in the world, but I'd rather have Pieturs then Crawford coming off the bench. Pietrus was three happy at times, but he was a good team guy, and he has a trait that I speak about a lot. He's a character guy, and there is just something about character guys that help NBA teams that want playoff success.

Mickael Pietrus: "They need to bring KG and Pierce back and just sign a couple of guys, and now that I'm injury free, I hope they will consider bringing me back, I love the Celtics fans and I hope to be back in a green uniform soon, so we can bring the championship back where it belongs."

Some say the evening sunset is the most amazing sight. I will say that watching a basketball player playing at their very best is something that most basketball fans believe is an amazing sight. Rondo has painted many sunsets through the years.There  are always moments, games, plays embedded in my heart.  When I’m asleep it always feels like I'm there in the moment.

The Big Four, and Big Three era has given many dreams, and many nightmares. Jeff Green made a lasting impression with me when he out played Lebron James for 47 minutes, until James hit the game winning jumper to give the Heat a 105-103 win in Boston. Jeff Green had an epic 43 points, and he showed us what he's able to do on any given night. Green was strong after that game. He did have some inconsistent stretches, but they didn't stick long. Instead of 4 or 5 games stuck in limbo with 8 points here, or 11 points there. Green would have one game here and there that set him back. Every player has games like that no matter how good you are.

It's still unclear if Green has become a player that the Celtics can fully depend on. I believe he is, but he still has one big test in front of him. Can he play with Rondo? Can he take the mantle from Paul Pierce? Is he on his way to becoming an All-star? Jeff Green is almost there, it's really up to him if he wants to take the next step. His confidence level is through the roof. So what issue is head of Green? Both Rondo and Green demand the ball to be effective. Green does have a nice catch and shoot three-point shot, and jumper. Plus Jeff Green is alley-oop catching machine.So they can make it work, but they need to build something together.

Jeff Green had a solid postseason, averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists over six games against the Knicks.That's what they need from Jeff as regular season averages. Jeff Green in so many ways is a poor mans Lebron, but not when it comes to rebounding or defense, and not even passing. Green can score with so much velocity,and power,and his first step is amazing.

The 2013-14 season will determine Green's future in Boston. Jeff should be a bit better after being one year removed from heart surgery, his endurance and strength should be much better. I think Jeff Green could be the ace in the hole for the future. If Rondo and Green don't build something this summer. Then all hope is lost in my eyes. Rondo honestly needs to build relationships with every player that is in Boston for the long term. But nobody seems as important like Jeff Green these days. For our sakes, and Rondo's honestly. Lets hope Green is the perfect second option for Rondo. I hope he's Robin to Rondo's Batman. 

(Part 4 will cover Lee, Terry, and Sully.)

Pierce scored 46 points -- the fifth-best playoff performance in the storied franchise's history -- as the Celtics beat the defending Eastern Conference champions 120-87 in the decisive fifth game of their first-round series to advance to a second-round matchup with the Pistons. This was Paul's first epic playoff game. This made him into a  marque player in view. He won basically game seven behind 46 points He carried the Celtics.

"To feel what some of the old guys were talking about, that we've heard about. To finally be a part of it and to build our own era," Walker explained. "That's what I was celebrating."

This was not only the first playoff series win in the Paul Pierce era in Boston. It was the first series win in over ten years since Bird dawned the jersey. What I remember most from Paul's performance, was the 8 for 10 three-point shooting. Just amazing. I couldn't find any clips on Youtube. Thankfully this game is all up stairs.

Courtesy of New Orleans Pelicans blogger Michael McNamara:

Just heard strange rumor from EC source: Celtics talking about possibility of Pierce and Bradley for Eric Gordon.

Pierce’s contract is only partially guaranteed. Best case scenario: Pelicans can move Pierce for something. Worst case: Buy him out for Five million and have even more cap space this summer plus the young perimeter defender they crave in Bradley. Interesting

Apparently Celtics discussing a handful of scenarios regarding Pierce. Would rather get something as opposed to buying him out

To be clear, if somehow this deal did go down, Pierce would never play for the Pelicans. Would be moved or bought out

About 90% of Celtics fans are disgusted with this idea even being discussed. Cant say I blame them. Pelicans fans about 80% in favor.

Nothing new right? Another rumor surrounding the Celtics and a trade. A bad trade at that. Eric Gordon is a solid young shooting guard, but his injury history alone is a reason for a no deal. We can't let go of Pierce for an injury prone shooting guard.The only thing that intrigues me is that Pierce could get a buyout from this and return. I'm not sure if Pierce can comeback to the Celtics right away. I know there is a waiting period after buyouts, but anyways not a good deal at all.

Chris Wilcox

Wilcox was almost traded this past season. The deal fell through because Wilcox found a loophole with his bird rights. Instead the Celtics used Collins in the deal that brought over Jordan Crawford from the Wizards. Wilcox  underwent major heart surgery for an enlarged aorta, and it's amazing he came back at all. Wilcox falls into the inconsistent category. He was another guy with so much potential, and he showed flashes of being a threat inside time after times, but he could never play well multiple games in a row.

The question is if he can play well with Rondo, and the answer is yes. Some of us hold onto to that, because game after game in the 2012 season. Wilcox and showcased a great working relationship. If they can duplicate that again. Then Wilcox is a keeper. Wilcox may be a keeper either way. Wilcox may return because of lack of big men signings for the Celtics.

2012-13 averages: 4.2 ppg, 3 rpg, 13.6 mpg, 71.9 FG%

Wilcox could make more in Boston next season because of his bird rights. He made just 1.3 last season, and that's not bad all on the pocket category.

Avery Bradley

Bradley was another guy that worked very offensively with Rondo running the show. Bradley's ability to score without the ball was something that was welcome because the C's didn't have someone that way, or at least someone who can score off of screens in the paint. Ray Allen was drilling three's off of screens. Bradley's offensive game wasn't even close to 2012's from. He was focused on the corner three and it wasn't ready for the sales floor yet. Hopefully it's recalled by next season, because it's not there yet, and it could be apart of his game in 2013-14. Bradley seems to get better every season in some area.

Bradley just needs to go back to basics when working with Rondo. Just cut into the paint, and Rondo will find you. These can co-exist together. Bradley played better when Rondo was around. I hope Bradley learned a lot from his poor playoff performance against the Knicks. He showed us signs in the final 9 minutes of the Celtics season.

2012-13 averages: 9.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 28.7 mpg, 40.2 FG%, 31.7 3PT%

His field goal percentage is bad, and his three-point shooting even worse. Bradley wanted to aid the Celtics with the three-point shot because Ray was a big factor from the corner three, or any three for that matter. Bradley needs to stick with what makes him a good player. I think he'll eventually get that shot down, but right now Bradley shouldn't abandon his natural game.

Recap

Both of these guys can play along side Rondo. The question is if there good enough to hang with him long term. Many folks are banking on Bradley being the future, and that's what I hope for. But can his defense keep him in the starting lineup. That's if he can't improve his shooting. Wilcox has a strong working relationship with Rondo. I don't know if that will translate again on this team like it did in 2012. But if the market for big men dries up. Wilcox should return. I wouldn't mind seeing Rondo and Wilcox playing together again. I decided to give Jeff Green his very own Morning Joe in part three.

Josh McRoberts said he'd "love" to return to the Bobcats as an unrestricted free agent, but he "made it clear money is biggest factor" in his free agency. Well, I hope he likes a cold hard dose of reality. He won't get crazy money. The Celtics are in need of scrappy tough big men, and McRoberts can provide rebounding and scoring for the Celtics. He made over 3 million in 2013, and I don't know if he's worth anymore than that. I would take him for about that much. No more than that per season.

He's a guy who can help for the right amount of money. Maybe a sign and trade option with the Bobcats. He won't have the answers for the Celtics,but he could be apart of the solution. He can stretch the floor, and he can play off of the offensive glass. He's defiantly one of the best options out there on the free agent market for big men.

Going into the 2013-14 season the Celtics only have one free agent. That free agent is center Chris Wilcox. All of us believed that Danny built this team with Rondo in mind, and maybe he did, but it didn't pan out that way. Assuming that this is Rondo's team next season. With the current cast and characters do the Celtics have the right guys in place? Is Courtney Lee the best option for the Celtics. So let's rundown the roster, except for Pierce and KG. Will leave those guys out of this debate.

Brandon Bass

The 2013 season wasn't picture perfect for Bass. He lost his starting job more times then I can remember. He eventually returned to the starting unit because of the rash of injuries, but with Rondo's return and Sully. Will Bass stick with the starters? Highly unlikely for the undersized power forward. Sully got the starting gig over Bass before he was lost with season ending surgery on his back. With Rondo back, I assume Bradley takes back the shooting guard spot. Moving Pierce back to small forward, and perhaps Green starts at the four spot,or Sully. 

Bass didn't come close to following up his good 2011-12 season. Bass opted out of the final year of his previous contract after his first season in Boston, but re-signed with the Celtics for three-years, at $19.4 million for three seasons He could have tested the waters, but he didn't and at the time it seemed like he took a discount, but I think the money is right,or a bit high for what Bass has done so far.

2012-13 averages: 8.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 27.6 mpg, 48.6 FG%, 

That rebounding number should be so much higher, and I don't know if the Celtics can continue with a undersized guy like Bass in the starting unit. Brandon is perfect off the bench. He was intended to be that player since coming over to Boston in the Glen Davis trade. Bass has been a starter by default, but in the 2012 season it's the way it should have been. The return of Green really effected Bass in my view during the 2013 seasons. Green is a better offensive player, and the offense was set up for him in the Doc Rivers system. Bass is an awesome spot up shooter from 15-17 feet out, and I think he passes on shots that he should take. Even if Bass is undersized. I think his area of weakness is his ability to stay aggressive. When he's aggressive he's grabbing rebounds,and dunking the ball inside.When aggressive he deserves to start.

I wouldn't mind those averages off the bench. But as a starter, the Celtics can't afford that if they want to compete for banner 18. Bass is the perfect power forward off the bench.

Jordan Crawford

Wow, that's the word that comes to mind when I try to put together a story about Jordan Crawford. The Celtics made the trade on deadline day for Jordan. They gave up Barbosa who Crawford was virtually replacing. He was replacing the injured Barbosa, and Collins was apart of the deal. For me Crawford never duplicated what Barbosa brought. Crawford has an unorthodox  approach to his game. I don't like it to be honest. His basketball I.Q is not there from what I saw. If this guy is apart of our 8 man or 9 man rotation. Then will see another first round or second exit. The bench needs to have someone who can play with some kind of consistency. The sad thing about this is that I think were stuck with him. I don't know who else would want Jordan, unless packaged in a deal maybe.

2012-13 averages: 9.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 21.6 mpg, 41.5 FG%, 32 3PT% (with Boston)

I wouldn't mind another go with Barbosa if he's able to recover from the ACL injury. I just don't see a building block with Crawford. He never played with Rondo,but the way Crawford plays it doesn't seem like he would mesh well with Rondo. Crawford doesn't play off the ball much,and he needs the ball in his hands a lot to be effective. Off the bench that could work, but with Rondo not at all. If the Celtics can move him, or whatever else they want to do. I say move on from the Crawford era.

Terrence Williams

Williams was playing in China when the 2012-13 started. With the Celtics seeing a rash of injuries, losing two player's to ACL tears. Danny had to react fast. Right before Danny acquired Crawford, he signed Williams on a 10-Day contract. Williams didn't have crazy moves on the court, and he wasn't going to score 15-20 points on any given night. But Williams is steady,and pretty consistent in his role. He showed a lot character off the bench, something the Celtics need to keep. He's not making a lot per year, and he showed that he's more than capable of backing Rondo as a back up point guard. 

Williams can give the Celtics something that Crawford can not. He can score off the bench when needed, and he can run the point guard position effectively if he needs to. I don't know if he's the answer to the Celtics year after year issue of not having a legit back up to Rondo. We've seen guys like West, and Nate Robinson fail in some ways in past seasons. Dooling was an  adequate replacement, but that was short lived. 

Williams is a keeper in my eyes. I don't see him playing much with Rondo if he's backing him up. Terrence could though if needed. Williams is just a no risk guy that feels a roster spot.

The Recap

Bass is the perfect fit off the bench. As a starter the Celtics will go nowhere. As for Rondo and Bass. Rondo can use Bass when he drives the lane. Bass is a good spot up shooter, and Rondo can kick the ball out to him for an easy jumper. Bass is a keeper off the bench. As for Crawford, the Celtics won't need him with Rondo back, he just doesn't seem like the type of player that will gel with Rondo. Williams on the other hand feels the role of backup to Rondo. Terrence is a keeper.

(Stay tuned, tomorrows Morning Joe will cover Green, Wilcox, and Bradley.)

Buy photos	Sam Jones Called "Mr. Clutch" by many of his peers, Sam Jones was one of the linchpins of the fabulous Boston juggernaut of the 1950s and 1960s. His uncannily accurate bank shots, lightning quickness, and cool demeanor helped the Celtics win 10 NBA Championships in the 12 years he played with the team. During his career Jones racked up 15,411 points at a 17.7 points per game clip, and shot .803 from the free-throw line. Selected to the All-NBA Second Team three times and an All-Star five times, he was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984. more... Ken Regan/NBAE/Getty Images
Complete Bio | Career Stats | Complete Stats
G FG% FT% Rebs RPG Asts APG Pts PPG 871 .456 .803 4305 4.9 2209 2.5 15411 17.7
Full Name: Samuel Jones Born: 6/24/33 in Wilmington, N.C. College: North Carolina Central High School: Laurinburg Institute (N.C.) Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1984); All-NBA Second Team (1965, 1966, 1967); NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time Team (1970); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Member of NBA championship team (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969) Height: 6-4 Weight: 205 lbs. Drafted by: Boston Celtics, 1957 (eighth overal

I have this issue framed at my house. I couldn't pass up on this SI issue. I usually pick up anything Celtics that I see. But this issue was special. This was Rondo's big moment. He had fully arrived.

Beware Boston's Big 4 from SI

"The hand appeared between Jason Williams's ankles as if it were reaching from the grave in a horror movie. The Magic point guard was bending down to pick up a loose ball when a second hand joined with the first to rip the rock away. Williams could not mask his anguish as he turned to face a sight that's become more frightening to NBA players than a slasher in a hockey mask: Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo."

I love the way this article starts. It's a great visual in my opinion. Here's the actual clip. 

The 2010 run was remarkable, and Rondo became something more. Checkout the article.

There are two sides to every coin, just as there is a before and after. Maybe the coin didn't flip the right way, and maybe the after hasn't been great since the flip of the coin. In the summer of 2010 the Celtics were freshly off of a NBA Finals loss, and the state of the team was up in the air. Doc as usual messed around with the thoughts of leaving the team, and retiring because of his family. Associate  Head Coach Tom Thibodeau was inline for the Celtics job if Doc walked away. Tom was going to get a head coaching job regardless of Doc's decision.

Doc's decision was to stay, so with that. Tom was offered a head coaching job with the Bulls. In his first season he won coach of the year, and he led the Bulls to the best record in the NBA. The Bulls did lose in five games to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, but coach Thibs made it. The 2012 season for Tom didn't end the way that he had wanted. Rose tore his ACL in game one against the 76ers. The Bulls lost in the first round. The 2013 season was a test from game 1. The Bulls never got Rose back, and the Bulls fought tooth and nail to survive, and to reach the second round. Tom is a defensive minded coach, and he's very technical when it comes to the game of basketball.

When it comes to Doc. He's a man who can motivate a group of guys. When it comes to X's and O's Doc isn't the best. Doc still uses Thibodeau's defensive schemes. Doc is a master of words, but I question a lot of other things from Doc. He came into the 2012-13 season not ready. The list of Doc River gripes that I have could fill more than one page. I wouldn't want any other coach for this team, except Thibodeau. I often think about what if Doc walked away.   Many people have written that the Celtics wouldn't have brought in free agents if Doc wasn't the coach. Players seem to like him, and they want to play for him. I just ask Doc to have the ability to change. Doc hasn't in my eyes. Doc played ant toyed with the lineup more then he should have this season. I get that he had to because of injuries at times this past year. He had no clue after Ray's departure. He didn't change the offense, and it continued to show even greater decay in the playoffs.

I think the Celtics may have been better off with Thibodeau because the Celtics don't know if Doc will quit from year to year. But I like Doc despite the flaws that I believe he has as Celtics coach. What about you? Thibs or Doc?