Like in 2007-08, Championship Celtics can be Built Around Rondo

By Bobby Doherty in Celtics, Featured, Opinion ⋅ March 7, 2012 at 2:09pm ⋅ Post a comment

With the right players around him, Rajon Rondo can absolutely anchor a championship team. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Michael Felger said on Felger and Mazz Tuesday that “teams can not be built around a point guard. It does not work”

I disagree: with the proper players around Rajon Rondo, he can lead a team and win championships. He might not average 20 points per game, but he can absolutely be the foundation of something great.

Beyond Rondo, 2007-08 Celtics Can Be Replicated

Look at the championship team from 07-08

Kendrick Perkins: average center
Kevin Garnett: complete power forward, defensive leader with a strong post game (he’s a jump-shooting forward now)
Paul Pierce: great one-on-one, do-it-yourself offense
Ray Allen: knock-down outside shooter
Rondo: young smart point guard who could quarterback the offense
James Posey: sixth man, defensive specialist and solid outside shooter

With Rondo a few years older and much more of a complete player, he can take on a bigger role than he had in the championship year. Right now the Celtics lack the average center that you can count on to rebound, block shots and score 10 points a game. Pierce can still score on his own and Allen can still shoot, but Garnett’s game has changed the most.

The Celtics need a power forward that can be a post threat. With the trade deadline approaching, I don’t expect the Celtics to address, if only because of the potential coming up in the off-season. Garnett’s $21 million contract expires at season’s end, and that starting power forward position could be vacant.

Why not try to get similar players to what worked in 07-08? Get an average center, or maybe look at moving Allen for a young center. It shouldn’t be too hard to replace Allen’s outside shooting.

Jeff Green is still a really good player – now we’ll see how strong he comes back from his injury. A young pure scorer is going to be the toughest to get, but with plenty of cap room coming and two first rounders in the draft there is a chance that Danny Ainge can get one.

The bench looks good: Mickael Pietrus plays a similar style to Posey, Chris Wilcox brings a big body that can rebound and get up the floor, and Brandon Bass has been great showing that he can knock down open shots. Bass could play a key role come playoff time.

If you have Rondo and can put a good young core with him, there is no reason that what worked in 2007-08 won’t work again.

Tags: Boston Celtics, Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox, Danny Ainge, James Posey, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Mickael Pietrus, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen