Francona Wins Big in Return to Fenway

Connelly’s Top Ten: Rask Falls on Face

Bruins Lose 4-3 in OT as Rangers Fight to Stay Alive

For the Bulletin Board: Lundqvist’s “Lucky Bounces,” Savard’s “#ByeByeTorts”

Reinvention in the Celtics Off-Season

The Boston Celtics are synonymous with a few things: triumph, legacy, and restoration. Some look back upon the 2009 NBA playoffs as an untimely demise of the reigning NBA champions, while some refer to as an inevitable outcome after a cursed playoff season riddled with injury. Either way, Kevin Garnett’s energy and skill was not able to get into the team through osmosis from the side lines.

Now in the wake of the unfortunate loss of playoff hopes, the even more devastating success of Kobe Bryant and the West Coast rivals, and finally the shabby draft pick (just the second rounder used to take Lester Hudson), trade rumors are spreading and some might even wonder whether the C’s 17th banner was a simple flash in the pan rather than the beginnings of another dynasty. On the contrary, I think dynasties are dangerous.

When the Patriots lost to the Giants, some could say fluke. I say complacency. The beauty of the current team we have is the fact that if we’re winning, it is because we’re playing as if we’re losing by thirty. Effort is everything. Paul Pierce has been a loyal Celtic through thick and the absolute thinnest. The beauty of the new Big Three is the potential for more of that dedication combined with a playing mentality that has energy enough to transcend to all of the players.

Both Brian Scalabrine and Glen “Big Baby” Davis rose to the occasion this past playoffs. Whether or not we would have been in the same predicament at the end with KG and Leon Powe is obsolete if we look at how some of the bench players became the ones to watch. Instead of looking for trade opportunities, Danny Ainge, along with the boys in green, should realize that there is no need to look for a quick fix. Instead, they need to focus on rebuilding what the Celtics are known for. Their tenacity and recently found strength as a team deserves an opportunity to flourish.

Tags: Brian Scalabrine, Celtics, Glen Big Baby Davis, Kevin Garnett, Leon Powe, Paul Pierce