Kevin Garnett dreaming of a second NBA Championship

The Boston Celtics will come into the season as the odds on favorites and for a reason. They are loaded. Just having Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen gives you the early nod, but other players and a staunch defense were developed last year as well.

Before we go all gaga over the Celtics, keep in mind that LeBron James took them to 7 games, until his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers held him back. Also, don’t forget the Pistons with their young players starting to stretch their muscles. Orlando will also have some say with Dwight Howard. And lest we forget, the young Philadelphia team picked up Elton Brand.

Boston lost some key players too and it is always hard to come back after winning.

Will winning the title temper the fire and selflessness they displayed last year? How will they compensate for the loss of reserves James Posey and P.J. Brown? Will age finally catch up to Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett (both will be 33 by the end of the season)?
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And what changes were made in the Celtic roster over the off season?

Added: Patrick O’Bryant (Golden State), Darius Miles (Portland), Bill Walker (rookie)

Lost: James Posey (New Orleans), P.J. Brown (retired), Scot Pollard

Posey and Brown played key roles in the playoffs, but Darius Miles is an interesting player trying to comeback in the NBA.

The Boston Celtics are still the kings until someone knocks them off.

Photo source Newscom

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You know Kevin Garnett is happy to hear that Sports Illustrated ranks Boston 1st for next year in the East

Marty Burns of SI predicts the top 6 in the East.

He has Boston number 1.

1. Celtics: The loss of veteran forward James Posey (via free agency to the Hornets) could hurt, especially come playoff time, but for now Boston has to be considered the East favorite again. General manager Danny Ainge re-signed key reserves Eddie House and Tony Allen, and Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen should be even better with another year together (assuming they’re not too worn out from last season’s long playoff run). The bottom line is that the defending champs didn’t make any significant moves … but they didn’t need to.

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The only real surprise was dropping the Detroit Pistons to 6th.

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Joe Dumars admits it is not a big year for free agents.

“With all due respect to the free agents out there, this is not one of the stronger classes,” Dumars said earlier this month. “So that’s why I’d emphasize more trade now than any other time.”

This unrestricted class is highlighted by Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison and guard Gilbert Arenas, and includes Boston Celtics forward James Posey, New Jersey center DeSagana Diop, Clippers guard Corey Maggette and center Elton Brand, and Sacramento forward Ron Artest. Some of those players are still deciding whether to opt out of the final years of their deals. They have until Monday to make the call.

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Out of that group, who would belong in a Pistons uniform? Posey, maybe? Brand, maybe? Both would cost too much for what they bring.

Undersized but hard to stop Elton Brand shoots over Jermaine O’Neal, the newest Toronto Raptor

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And what about the Pistons free agents?

The Pistons have five free agents from last season’s roster — small forwards Hayes and Walter Herrmann, guards Juan Dixon and Lindsey Hunter and center Theo Ratliff — to possibly negotiate with.

The Walter Sharpe draft pick means Hayes or Herrmann or both are gone. Dixon never proved out. Hunter was fantastic in the playoffs and is talking one more year, before taking a seat in the front office. Ratliff is a great cheap big body for games like playing Dwight Howard and the Magic.

Joe D is looking to shake up the team with a trade and not try to sign a free agent.

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