Celtics Title Town

The expectations put on the Celtics are different compared to the last four seasons. The media has taken them off the title contender list, and their now placed on the teams that can scare you list. The media loves their lists. You know in the Celtics locker room they're full of confidence. Me personally I think this season is fair game for a lot of teams. The lockout has dropped the offensive numbers for the entire league, and you can't say their is a clear cut favorite in the West, but maybe in the East you can. The Heat have fallen on hard times with the Wade injury, but their doing just fine without him. I think they will have issues when he gets back. James will have to defer to Wade, and that will takeaway from their groove right now. The only team in the East that has clearly set its self ahead of everyone is Chicago. Every team has battled injuries this season, and the last team standing may win the title , even if their not the best team. My point? This season anything can happen. So hear is what KG said about Pierce. 

ESPN BOSTON

"You know what? Throughout this short season, man, it's funny how people expect you to start off perfect, and it's really a testament to Paul, and who he is, and what people know him to be," said Garnett. "You have no idea how hard it is to get ready for an NBA season -- to prepare, drills, sand hills, sand dunes, lines, running, weights, beach, 4:30 [a.m.] workouts, two-a-days [but] it still is not an NBA game. You can do all that stuff, you can do all the conditioning and stuff, and all the shooting that you want. It's still not an NBA game.

"And I think what you all saw, he was beat up from [a heel] injury, he was playing through it, and people wrote him off really early, which was funny. But it gave some clarity as to how people see him, and that's because they expect the perfection they've known him to be. I think he's in a rhythm now. He's never shy of confidence. He's the Truth, and I just don't think that anybody, as a human being, is perfect, and that includes him. But it's good to see him playing good basketball. He's always been our leader since I've been here, and he will always be our leader. So, that's what it is."

I am very happy to have Pierce back, but my stance doesn't change about handing the offense over to Rondo. The Celtics need to change who they are on offense. Pierce knows how to play without the ball in his hands.  So let Rondo control this team, and the results will be great. It's like KG controlling the defense, or Russell controlling the defense in the 60's, Pierce can still be the leader of this team, but that doesn't mean he should be the offensive focal point. Make no mistake about it the Celtics needed Pierce to find his way, but it's time to change. I get a little worried Rondo may snap. I would if I was blamed for the offense, and If I  didn't have total control over it. I do have faith,or blind faith that the Celtics will utilize Rondo as the top offensive option, and he doesn't need to shot the ball 25 times a night, but he needs to control the game. The Celtics defense doesn't worry me, but the offensive end is a work in progress.