KG or no KG

It's playoff time baby!

Currently, the Boston Celtics are without Kevin Garnett. There have been reports that he may not play at all during the playoffs. Though nothing has been confirmed by KG himself, it is implied that barring some miraculous comeback, KG will not return for any games this postseason. Throughout the week, Doc Rivers has been talking about KG and reporting various stories, including the "shut-down" scenario, as well as that "he will definitely play Saturday", and that he would play the last few games of the season, which did not happen.

In any case, the Boston Celtics are the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Unanimous concensus around the sports world seems to think the Celtics are hopeless without Garnett. People think we can beat Chicago, and maybe Orlando (maybe not though) but definitely not Cleveland, the #1 seed. We were defeated handily by the Cavs during the last week of the season.

Still, as a Boston fan who has been following the team and seen players like Leon Powe and Glen Davis perform ably in KG's place, I don't think it's fair to count the Celtics out just yet. I mean come on! These guys have done a great job filling in for Garnett and they have been with the team for the past several years. They are maturing as players and have developed their respective games greatly this season - Powe as an inside presence, and Davis as a jump shooter from the elbow or so. Both are able rebounders.

I don't deny that Garnett is an integral part of the team and a major reason we won the championship last year. But we've got two future hall-of-famers in our starting lineup even without him, in Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, as well as a great inside force in Perkins and the NBA's most improved point guard, Rajon Rondo, who is quickly maturing into an all-star. Not to mention sparks off the bench in guards Marbury and House, as well as a hard working, rebounding and jumpshooting presence in Mikki Moore. Tony Allen played well the other day, scoring 15 points, and he is an energy player off the bench.

What I'm saying is that although we are not the same team without Garnett, the Boston Celtics are a very good team and can certainly play with and beat teams without him. The Cavaliers are the biggest obstacle, obviously. LeBron James is a phenomenal player, and his team has gotten much better this year because of him. Still, I think we can play with this team and if we win the series (although it will be close, and it will be tough without home court advantage) we will be able to beat the Lakers more easily than the Cavs. So don't give up on Boston just yet! We're fresh off a championship and are looking to repeat, KG or no KG.

P.S. The Boston Bruins have also made the playoffs and are a #1 seed in the East. I am not a huge hockey fan, and I prefer basketball, but I still like to watch and was a bigger fan in the past. The Bruins have won their first game and this has been their best season in a long time. I am rooting for them and hope they can win the Stanley Cup this year!