Sports - Tuesday, July 31, 2007 17:50 - 3 Comments

The Celtics land the Big Ticket

Kevin Garnett had originally shot down a deal that would have sent him to the Boston Celtics during the NBA draft day on June 28th.

But with the addition of Ray Allen from the Sonics to the Celtics, alot has changed in Garnett’s mind over the past month.

“I am excited to become a Celtic,” Garnett said. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to play with players the quality of Paul and Ray. The Celtics have had a proud tradition and now I hope that we can add to the legacy.”

With the Trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and now Kevin Garnett, the Celtics have risen from the depths of mediocracy and have become the instant favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the finals.

This has become the NBA’s biggest trade for a single player. In the deal for Garnett, the Celtics gave up forwards Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green, guard Sebastian Telfair and center Theo Ratliff, two first-round draft picks and cash considerations. They basically sold their future to win now.

I think this dynamic trio who seem to be willing to put ego’s aside to win will have a small window of opportunity to win a couple championships. They remind me of the Miami Heat who brought in aging talent for a shot at a title. Ray Allen is 32, Paul Pierce is 29, and the Big Ticket is 31. All currently in or just passing their prime years.

In order for the Celtics to have a shot at the title, this group of three need to gel quickly and more importantly, remain injury free. Both Pierce and Allen have a history of injuries and it remains to be seen whether or not Allen’s ankle will hold up.

Garnett is my one of my favorite players coming second only to Kobe Bryant. I’m very happy for him and that he has welcome the opportunity to put himself in a better situation. I had really hoped that he would have opted out and joined my Laker team or been traded to the Lakers for Lamar, Bynum, and Brown. I guess we can’t win them all.

Let the Boston bandwagon begin!