MGB8 wrote:KG-Pierce-Ray Allen-Rondo isn't built around "2nd star?" (Formerlly KG-Pierce, now throw Rondo into the mix?).
Correct. The current composition of the Celtics is virtually identical to the title-contending Pistons teams of the several years ago. We've seen two teams in recent years compete at the highest level of the NBA, and defeat star-driven teams, with that model.
It can't be disputed.
KG is a shadow. If Boston has a "core 2" it is Rondo/Pierce, which relative to the other core-2 player combos in the NBA, isn't all that good.
Or Kobe-Gasol.
No, I wasn't referring to the Lakers. They have the best "core 2" in the entire NBA. But even with that, they require some wicked supporting talent to win titles.
Not only do you need two top 10-15 players, you need that plus at least one more top 25-35 player to win a championship, as well as balance and some depth.
The Detroit Pistons, the current Orlando Magic, and the current Boston Celtics prove that you are wrong. Teams can compete at the highest levels on the NBA without that formula.
KG is still a superstar.
KG is my favorite player in the NBA. But that is a preposterous statement given his current level of play. He's a high quality player. But he's not a superstar anymore.
His defense alone is amazing.
Not anymore. But its still good.
And Rondo right now is better than Rose (sad, but true), and may well be a top 10 player in his own right.
I'm not going to bother comparing Rondo to Rose, but I'll call out Rondo as a top 10 player as unmitigated poppycock.
The only real "non-superstar" team was Detroit.
And this year's Celtics.
And it had real close to 5 all-stars - Billups in his prime, 'Sheed and Ben Wallace just leaving theirs, Rip and Prince in their primes. Prince was a top 10 SF and he was the worst of the 5 - the "glue guy." It's not impossible to replicate - but the Bulls aren't close to that at this point, either - a PF and SG away.
I agree. Again, my entire argument is based on the premise that the Bulls get off their ass and pony up for Lee/Boozer and a solid shooting guard. That would give them 3 allstar caliber players, a top 7 small forward, and a good complimentary shooting guard to Rose. That's strong.
