A Disappointing Start for The Green Team

A Disappointing Start for The Green Team

  
By Jacob Tobey, staff sports writer

After losing to the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals last June, the Celtics knew they had some off-season decisions to make; First and foremost the status of their future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. Would he retire or come back for his 18th. NBA season? Garnett soon made the decision to play again signing a three-year $34 million deal. After Garnett’s signing, reports trickled out that free agent Ray Allen signed with the rival Heat. Without Allen, the Celtics needed to fill the void of a sharp shooter so they signed veteran guard Jason Terry and traded for Courtney Lee. Also the Celtics drafted Jared Sullinger with the 21st. overall pick in the 2012 draft. The reamped Celtics looked to make another championship run at banner No.18. 

Celtics Forward-Guard Courtney Lee

With NBA All Star Weekend beginning Friday, February 15, the Celtics have had a disappointing first half to their season.  As of January 23, the Celtics record was an unsatisfying 20-21, well below the initial pre-season prediction of many. After losing four straight games from December 27 to January 2, the Celtics finally got on a roll winning six straight games. After winning six straight games, the Celtics began a four-game losing skid. 

After losing to the Detroit Pistons (16-25) last Sunday, Coach Doc Rivers spoke his mind about his struggling team, "I gotta either find the right combination or the right guys, or we're going to get some guys out of here,” suggesting and implying trading off some players.

One of those players that could be on the trade market is Brandon Bass. After signing a three-year deal in the offseason, he has struggled, averaging just below 8 points and 5 rebounds per game as the starting power forward, which is a less than the 13 and 6 he averaged a year season ago with Boston. With rookie Jared Sullinger becoming the clear steal of the 2012 NBA draft, the Celtics might consider trading bass, and giving his minutes to Sullinger and whoever they get in return from the trade. Courtney Lee has also been a disappointment. He was brought into Boston for defense and to be an offensive threat off the bench. The defense has been there at times, but the scoring punch the Celtics desired has not been there. After shooting 41 percent from the three point line in his two years with the Houston Rockets, he is shooting 35 percent here in Boston, a noticeable drop off. Another stat to look at is that he has only reached double digits in scoring six times this season, which isn’t that good for what was supposed to be.

The Celtics need a spark , whether it be via trade or just a wake up call. They surely have the talent with their current roster to be great, but they have to believe in each other and build chemistry.