Boston Celtics Tickets

Boston Celtics 2008/2009 Season Preview The Boston Celtics returned to prominence in 2007-2008, making a couple of huge offseason moves that resulted in the NBA's best record and an NBA title.

The Celtics traded a lottery pick for guard Ray Allen, a move that made many Boston fans cringe. With Allen entering the twilight of his career, it seemed like a move that was counterproductive as the team tried to build a contender.

However, fans had no idea about the next shoe that was about to drop. The Celtics traded forward Al Jefferson and other various parts for star forward Kevin Garnett, instantly making them one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and a possible NBA title contender.

Garnett, whose desire for an NBA title and incredible frustration over multiple losing season in Minnesota have been well-chronicled, made a huge impact on the franchise. He brought 110 percent effort from the team on a nightly basis and required the same intensity from his teammates.

His offensive contributions were important, but it was his defensive play that really made the difference. He turned the Celtics into one of the top defensive teams in the NBA and became Boston's heartbeat and leader.

Ray Allen had a solid season even though he disappeared in the playoffs, and NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce seemed re-energized with the addition of the two star veterans.

Point guard Rajon Rondo made huge strides last year and is poised to take on an even more signficant scoring role next season. He became a top defensive player and and also showed that he was more than capable of handling the responsibilities of a point guard.

The Celtics lost forward James Posey in the offseason, which will be significant heading into next season. Posey was a tremendous role player, a guy who came off the bench and could lock down on the defensive end. He was also a good outside shooter. However, he was overpaid on the free agent market, which was bound to happen, so the Celtics were in a tough position.

The team didn't particularly help itself in the draft either, selecting a couple of questionable players who won't help in the immediate future and maybe not even the long term.

Given that the team played through the NBA Finals, which included two seven-game series in the playoffs, the Celtics certainly won't be the most fresh in 2008-2009. It also doesn't help that veterans like Pierce and especially Allen and Garnett will be another year older.

Boston will be the favorite in the Eastern Conference and an NBA title contender once again, but it will be extremely difficult for them to repeat.