The Celtics: Anything left in the Diesel's tank?

The NBA playoffs are around the corner and there are some teams still fighting for playoff seeding. There are a few interesting stories that are going to get full attention in the playoffs just like the health and play of Shaquille O'Neal. The Celtics and Shaq will be one of the most interesting situations going into the playoffs due to the fact that the Celtics traded away their starting center Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma Thunder. With the trade the Celtics were basically putting their title hopes on Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal. 

Both players are known for injuries rather than their play. Shaq is one of the greatest centers that has ever played the game but he is now 39 years old. At that age it is tough to play at a high level let alone stay healthy when you are 325 pounds. Keep in mind that Shaq has not played a full game since February 1st. He was able to play a game on April 3rd against Detroit but was only able to play five minutes before coming out of the game due to a strained calf.  Does the Diesel have enough tread on the tires to make it through the playoffs? I don't think so. 

Lets take a look at the make of this team. With Kendrick Perkins, the team played a tough, hard nose defense that made you pay when you tired to drive to the basket. After the trade, the Celtics are a softer team defensively. The trade made them more of an offensive team which is not what the Celtics are. Jermaine O'Neal is not going to give you much especially with two very bad knees. Nenad Krstic, who is the center they received in the Perkins trade is an offensive player that doesn't exactly bring fear to the other team. Then there is Big Baby Davis.....I'll just stop there with Davis. This team is now depending more on scoring than defense when we all know that defense is what wins championships. 

Can the Celtics win the whole enchilada with this team? Yes they can but this will be their toughest playoffs ever. Keep in mind that the Big Three of Garnett (34), Allen (35), and Pierce (33) are older now and you have to wonder how much more do they have in the tank. Add that with the doubts of Shaq, their NBA Title hopes don't look so bright compared to their competition.  

(Photo found at Skipping The Surface)

Posted in: Boston Celtics,NBA,Shaquille O'Neal,Sports