For C's and Spurs, health and age are still major concerns

[campybatman]

These seem to be all I read about when it comes to the team concerns regarding both Boston and San Antonio. Can the important players remain healthy? Are they too old? Is their championship window rapidly closing?

I feel that if Boston's entirely healthy... They're the best team in the eastern conference. Conversely, if San Antonio is likewise healthy, are they better than the Lakers.

Boston's hurtles to the NBA Finals include Cleveland and Orlando and one sleeper: Chicago or Washington. In the western conference, it isn't as clearcut after Los Angeles and San Antonio. Either Portland, Denver, Utah or New Orleans should emerge as that third top team.

Would be ideal to finally see these two teams challenge each other for a championship while they're still poise to do so. Can they do it? Certainly, if Boston and San Antonio can secure home court advantage throughout the playoffs, I like their chances.

And you've to like the story lines... Duncan versus Garnett. Who's the best power forward? Can R. Jefferson slow down Pierce? Tony Parker versus Rondo. Speed on speed. The Spurs supporting cast versus the Celtics supporting cast. Who hits the most daggers, R. Allen and House or Ginobili and R. Mason, Jr.? Rivers versus Popovich.

[MyInsatiableOne]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

[Tricky Ricky]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

IMO Because Kobe has never been hurt for an extended amount of time before

[BakersDozen]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

well the Lakers like the celtics are more then a one man team. Sure take Kobe off the team they arent contenders anymore but you can say that about all of the top teams if their best player misses the post season. Lakers are in good shape,they will be contenders for awhile.

[cyp316]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

Kobe is not the old my friend..he just turned 31 last month which is the same age as Paul Pierce..however, you can tell that Kobe is in better shape than Pierce, and more athletic, which will likely lead to him being more dominate as their careers progress...

Furthermore, Pierce is by far the most durable of the big 3...as Garnett and Allen have not been the most durable players over the last few years...I wouldnt be surprised to see KG have another injury prone season...as he may try to push it too much, too soon...given how intense you all say he is...

Bottom line is your window is another 2 years...this year and next year..after that Ray Allen will be relegated to being nothing but a spot up shooter..and Pierce will almost certainly loose a step or two on both offense and defense, given the way he plays the game...also 2 years from now Garnnett will have logged an insance amount of minutes for a big man (over the span of his career)...

Your only bright spot is the potential and emergence of Rajon Rondo..who I think will be a top 3 PG, in another year or two...

[Banks2Pierce]

Pierce is always one of the most in shape guys in the NBA. His body type just doesn't show it. I have read numerous reports that Pierce is always finishing first in sprints and suicide type drills every year.

[Celtics_85]

Tell me what team doesn't worry about staying healthy?

[MyInsatiableOne]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

Kobe is not the old my friend..he just turned 31 last month which is the same age as Paul Pierce..however, you can tell that Kobe is in better shape than Pierce, and more athletic, which will likely lead to him being more dominate as their careers progress...

Furthermore, Pierce is by far the most durable of the big 3...as Garnett and Allen have not been the most durable players over the last few years...I wouldnt be surprised to see KG have another injury prone season...as he may try to push it too much, too soon...given how intense you all say he is...

Bottom line is your window is another 2 years...this year and next year..after that Ray Allen will be relegated to being nothing but a spot up shooter..and Pierce will almost certainly loose a step or two on both offense and defense, given the way he plays the game...also 2 years from now Garnnett will have logged an insance amount of minutes for a big man (over the span of his career)...

Your only bright spot is the potential and emergence of Rajon Rondo..who I think will be a top 3 PG, in another year or two...

Kobe may be 31 but there is a lot of mileage on those legs. He also hasn't taken the insane amount of physical beating Pierce took (especially 2001-2007 or so)

[campybatman]

The questions are more relevant for veteran teams such as Boston and San Antonio. That's the point, and not that the concern of remaining healthy isn't widespread in the league.

[TonyMontana]

The questions are more relevant for veteran teams such as Boston and San Antonio. That's the point, and not that the concern of remaining healthy isn't widespread in the league.

It will come down to whos the healthiest as well as H.C.A.
By the way MyInsatiableOne we have Sasha after Kobe retires... . Fear the MACHINE........ Oh and his step dad told him to get a haircut too so you better fear THE MACHINE even more.

[DEEP3CL]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

Well MyInsatiableOne, I think the main reason is that the core of the Celtics have guys that are 30+ just like the Spurs also. Yes the Lakers have Kobe and Fish at 30+ but that's it. Everybody else are in their late 20's or months away from 30.

And truth be told EVERYBODY is going to be in a world of suck once their franchise guys go. It just depends which team rapidly losses them first.

[Avalanche]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

IMO Because Kobe has never been hurt for an extended amount of time before

thing is... neither had KG

[MyInsatiableOne]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

Well MyInsatiableOne, I think the main reason is that the core of the Celtics have guys that are 30+ just like the Spurs also. Yes the Lakers have Kobe and Fish at 30+ but that's it. Everybody else are in their late 20's or months away from 30.

And truth be told EVERYBODY is going to be in a world of suck once their franchise guys go. It just depends which team rapidly losses them first.

That's true, but still, not spring chickens by any stretch.

I think way too much is made of the C's age. No one thought the mid-1980s Celtics and Lakers were old when all of the franchise guys (Bird, McHale, Parish, Magic, Kareem, etc) were in their late 20s/30s (or in Kareem's case, 40!)

[DEEP3CL]

I agree, but why does no one say this about the Lakers, too? Kobe is no spring chicken, and once he's diminished/gone, the Lakers will be in a world of suck, although with how weak the West is, they'll weather it better...

Well MyInsatiableOne, I think the main reason is that the core of the Celtics have guys that are 30+ just like the Spurs also. Yes the Lakers have Kobe and Fish at 30+ but that's it. Everybody else are in their late 20's or months away from 30.

And truth be told EVERYBODY is going to be in a world of suck once their franchise guys go. It just depends which team rapidly losses them first.

That's true, but still, not spring chickens by any stretch.

I think way too much is made of the C's age. No one thought the mid-1980s Celtics and Lakers were old when all of the franchise guys (Bird, McHale, Parish, Magic, Kareem, etc) were in their late 20s/30s (or in Kareem's case, 40!)

Oh I agree 100%, I'd rather have seasoned vets with some young guys that's at least 24-27 years old. But yeah you're right on the old days.....I think it's more media driven more than anything. Being a guy myself past 35 years old those guys are still very young. I'd be more concern with injury more than anything, because it knows no age it just happens to anybody young or not.

[MyInsatiableOne]

^Agreed. I'm turning 30 in 4 months...in NBA terms I'd be over the hill!

[Anklebreaker702]

I think way too much is made of the C's age. No one thought the mid-1980s Celtics and Lakers were old when all of the franchise guys (Bird, McHale, Parish, Magic, Kareem, etc) were in their late 20s/30s (or in Kareem's case, 40!)

True enough but remember, Those players ages didn't come into play until they started slowing down and/or started showing multiple injury's. Kobe might have a lot of miles on his legs but he hasn't shown any signs of a decline. He is still in his prime without a doubt. So if he doesn't start showing signs of slowing down for let's just say another 3-4 years & the young guys reach their potential, that is a long run. Optimistic, but hopeful.

[campybatman]

It'll be interesting to see which veteran shooting guard is offered a contract extension first, Ray or Ginobili. Because Boston and San Antonio seemingly don't have a longterm answer at the starting position should Ray or Ginobili sign elsewhere.


Boston

R. Allen - expiring contract
Daniels - expiring contract
T. Allen - expiring contract
House - expiring contract
Giddens - team option

Hudson - rookie

San Antonio

Ginobili - expiring contract
Mason, Jr. - expiring contract
Finley - expiring contract
Bogans - expiring contract

McClinton - rookie
De Colo - rookie

[TonyMontana]

Nice sig........