2005 Boston Celtics Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Boston Celtics.

2005 Boston Celtics Team Preview

The Boston Celtics won the Atlantic Division last year posting a 45-37 record but were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers 4 games to 3 in the first round. The Celtics will be poised to make it back into the playoffs this season but do they have the necessary talent to advance past the first round?

Last year coach Doc Rivers, in his initial season with the Celtics, brought a lot of positives to a team that has been floundering for years. Rivers is a strong motivator and a demanding coach. His biggest issue last season was communicating with small forward Paul Pierce. One problem may have been Rivers’ insistence that the team share the ball and shooting opportunities more. Although Pierce is not the best go-to, crunch-time guy in the NBA, he likes to be thought of in that way, and Rivers’ wanting to share the wealth may have created an attitude problem in the veteran. The coach will continue to stress the need for up tempo, team play that includes crisp passing and high percentage shots.

Paul Pierce has been Boston’s go to guy for the better part of two years. Last season he was temporarily reunited with former Celtic Antoine Walker. Walker was brought in to help the team make it to the post season and he did just that. But Walker is gone again and that leaves Pierce, the All Star, as the centerpiece of this squad. At small forward Pierce led the team in scoring, dumping in an average of 21.6 points per game. The problem is Pierce can be moody and inconsistent on the court. Rivers and Pierce’s teammates need him to be dependable.

Ricky Davis was a force off the bench last season and should continue his performance this year. Of all returning players, Davis had the second highest points per game average (16). Teaming him up with quickly maturing second-year man Al Jefferson and a focused Pierce can give the Boston club a great 1-2-3 scoring punch.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this year’s Celtics is their youth. A majority of the players have been in the league four years or less. A strong coach like Rivers can really shape a young team—getting more out of them than anyone ever expected. If Paul Pierce and Doc Rivers can stay on the same page, the Celtics may remedy their playoff woes.

For more information on the 2005 Boston Celtics Team, click here to visit their official team website.