SB Nation Boston - NBA Playoffs 2012: Miami Heat Defeat Boston Celtics, 101-88, In Game 7 Of East Finals

NBA Finals 2012: LeBron James, Miami Heat Title, Thunder Loss A Blow For Boston Celtics

2012-06-22T15:49:59Z

They were so, so close. Less than one quarter away from the NBA Finals, really. Had the Boston Celtics just held onto that lead in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, history would have been different. But it wasn't, and as a result, LeBron James and the Heat were the last ones standing.

One day later, we're already going to play the what-if game. Going into the NBA Finals, most expected the Oklahoma City Thunder to dominate, or at least put up a much better fight than they did. Instead, LeBron rose to the occasion, and the Heat proved that they really were the best team in the league this year.

First, congratulations LeBron. You are a champion. We all knew this day would come. That doesn't stop it from hurting, though. After all, one man's triumph is another man's affliction.

So many people were rooting for you to fail, LeBron. At times, it seemed liked the entire country was against you. Plenty of fan bases were against you, hated you, and just wanted to see you fall flat on your face. I'm not even talking about a certain city in the northernmost part of Ohio, either.

For the LeBron haters, this championship stung, but it may have hurt even more for the Celtics.

You don't have to tell the Celtics how close they came to achieving their ultimate goal. I can only imagine what was running through their minds as they watched LeBron step onto that stage, accept the NBA Finals MVP award from Bill Russell and cherish the Larry O'Brien trophy.

That could have been -- no, should have been -- us. We let the quitter, the traitor win. We failed.

Of course, there's no guarantee that the Celtics would have beaten the Thunder had they prevailed in Game 7 against the Heat, but given the big role that experience played in winning this title, it stings even more. Without question, the Thunder would have had the best player on the court in Kevin Durant. It looked like Oklahoma City did have the best player coming into the series, and they might still have the best player. That just goes to show how valuable experience is.

LeBron had been there before, and failed twice. Not this time. He came, he saw, he conquered.

There's no doubt that this experience will ultimately serve well for Durant and the Thunder. Hey, just look how losing in the Finals worked out for LeBron. Oklahoma City will be back, and in time, they too will bask in the winner's circle. Unfortunately, the same may not be true for these Celtics.

This was probably it for the Big Three, as we have all known for so long. It's so incredibly hard to just get to the Eastern Conference Finals, let alone win it. Who knows if this aged veteran squad will ever have a chance like that again? Chances are they will not, and that's truly a shame.

As glorious as this moment surely is for LeBron and Miami, it is equally agonizing for the Celtics.

They came so close, five wins away, but they failed, and they will have to live with that forever.

Poll

Will The Big Three Of The Boston Celtics Ever Get This Close To A Title Again?

Yes

17 votes

No

29 votes

46 votes | Poll has closed

NBA Finals 2012, Heat Vs. Thunder Game 5 Final Score: LeBron James Gets His Crown, Miami Wins NBA Title, 121-106

2012-06-22T03:49:04Z

At long last, the king finally has his crown. LeBron James silenced his critics once and for all, amassing 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds to lead his Miami Heat past the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-106, in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals on Thursday night at AmericanAirlines Arena, capturing his first championship and the second in team history.

"It means everything," James said about the moment immediately after Miami's victory.

James captured his first ring at the age of 27, one year before Michael Jordan won his first.

All five starters for the Heat reached double digits in scoring. Chris Bosh had 24 points and seven rebounds, Dwyane Wade totaled 20 points, Shane Battier scored 11 and Mario Chalmers finished with 10 points. Mike Miller provided a tremendous spark off the bench, scoring 23 on 7-of-8 shooting from three-point range for Miami, which shot 51.9 percent.

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 32 for Oklahoma City. Russell Westbrook scored 19.

Miami worked its lead up to nine points on several occasions late in the first quarter, and never looked back. Oklahoma City would pull within two points early in the second quarter, but the Heat brushed the run aside and expanded their lead to double digits, as many as 17, before taking a 59-49 lead into the intermission. James had 15 points, Bosh had 10 and Wade added nine points at halftime. Durant, meanwhile, finished with 14 first-half points.

Oklahoma City made one final push to start the second half, trimming its deficit to five (61-56 at 10:40), but Miami put the nail in the coffin with a statement quater, outscoring the opposition 36-22, and leading by as many as 26 points. Bosh had 12 points in the quarter and Durant had 12, but James (four points) and Wade (four points) were unheard from.

The fourth quarter was merely a formality, and the Heat ended the season with a victory.

James, Wade and Bosh will now spend some time celebrating, while the rest of the basketball world prepares for the 2012 NBA Draft, which takes place next Thursday.

Final - 6.21.2012	1	2	3	4	Total
Oklahoma City Thunder	26	23	22	35	106
Miami Heat	31	28	36	26	121

Complete Coverage >

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NBA Finals 2012: The NBA's Perception Problem And The Simple Solution

2012-06-17T16:00:08Z

On Thursday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat took center stage once again as the Eastern and Western Conference Champions squared off in Game Two of the NBA Finals. After leading by as many as 17, the Heat began to run out of steam and allowed the Thunder back into the basketball game. With about four minutes left in the fourth quarter it was anyone's game.

It was a terrific basketball game featuring two of the best teams in the league and six of its biggest stars. It was great television and a great example of NBA basketball at its finest. Unfortunately, the only thing most people are going to remember about it is the ending.

With eight seconds remaining and the Thunder trailing by a bucket, OKC star Kevin Durant caught a quick inbounds pass that froze Heat star LeBron James who instinctively tried to give the Heat's remaining foul. The play happened so fast though, and Durant had already gone up for his shot. It was a clear foul in real time with James' arms deliberately tangled up with Durants and upon viewing the replay, you could make the case that James might have used up his three remaining fouls on that one play. Despite the obvious foul, there was no whistle coming from the officials.

If you're reading this, you know the rest. Durant missed the shot as he was being fouled, the Heat corralled the rebound and the game was essentially over after two free throws on the other end of the court. Miami had survived another second half collapse and evened the Finals at a game a piece.

If you've ever played competitive basketball at a level beyond your local rec league, you know that games are not won or lost by a single play, and neither was this one. The Thunder did plenty to earn this loss and any other result would have been cause for them to be arrested for larceny.

The problem though, is that once again NBA officials have been put into the spotlight despite the aforementioned star power that exists on this, the grandest stage the league has to offer. It's a subject that makes stomachs turn in the NBA's ivory towers in New York City and a subject that gives NBA fans visions of grainy Zapruder films and Oliver Stone movies.

"Conspiracy!"

"The refs are cheating!"

"David Stern want Miami to win!"

Those were just a few of the immediate reactions among angry fans who saw the officials miss another crucial call that turned the momentum of the series. It fueled the conspiracy theories that have run rampant through NBA fans for the last 15 years or so and is part of a perception problem that stems back to 2007, when former official Tim Donaghy was nabbed by the FBI for conspiring to fix games he officiated. The Donaghy situation validated many NBA fans who believed that the league was more akin to pro wrestling than actual sport.

The referees in the NBA have always been treated as sacred cows, far above reproach and even further above criticism. In the aftermath of the scandal though, NBA commissioner David Stern actually made the relationship even LESS transparent, if that were possible. And therein lies the problem.

Following the Donaghy scandal, the league should have made the handling of officials MORE transparent, not less. This would have gone a long way toward clearing up the perception that these guys are not just lackeys for the man signing the checks. By making the relationship even more cloak and dagger, you continue to fuel the perception that they aren't on the up and up and that there are more like Donaghy, despite the leagues claim that he was just a rogue official.

20 second timeout: The league is not fixed, the officials are not on the take, and there isn't some massive conspiracy to win the Heat a championship. By and large, the officials do an okay job. The problem is that many have simply been around too long and feel they're part of the show and officiate as such (see: Crawford, Joey). Then there are others who are just borderline incompetent. Being bad at your job doesn't make you a conspirator, it just makes you bad at your job. If you're a terrible accountant and cost your client money, it doesn't mean you're secretly working for another firm, it means you're a terrible accountant.

So how would you fix this problem of perception to help ease the public scorn?

It's a pretty simple fix actually. If you make obvious mistakes on crucial calls, you should be reprimanded, and the punishment should be made public. For example, Tony Brothers, the man in the best position to make the call during the moment in question Thursday night, shouldn't be allowed to be anything more than an alternate official for the rest of this series. An announcement like this would give the impression that the league at least acknowledges the gravity of missing a call of that magnitude and that there are consequences for doing your job below acceptable standards. A few seasons of this would go a long way toward dispelling the conspiracy myths that plague the league at every turn.

Don't think it's reasonable?

If you follow me on twitter (shameless plug), you know that I'm also a big soccer fan. Most American soccer fans will remember a certain incident during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa involving the United States and Slovenia. The US had rallied from a 2-0 deficit to tie the match, and in the 82nd minute Maurice Edu headed in what appeared to be the winner, but the referee, Koman Coulibaly, bizarrely blew his whistle and ruled the play dead. No explanation was given for the whistle and nobody could ascertain what would have justified stopping the play.

The next day FIFA announced that Coulibaly had erred in a crucial moment of the match and that he would no longer be allowed to serve as a lead referee during the World Cup. Coulibaly appeared in just one more match during the tournament, as a fourth official. There were no cries of conspiracy, no allegations that FIFA was against the United States, etc. They acknowledged that the referee blew the call and reacted accordingly.

How hard is that?

Of course, we know that Tony Brothers will be subject to no discipline from the league for his gaffe, and we also know that we will never know if there is even any discussion regarding the matter because of the league's policies with officials. The blogosphere and the twitterverse has been ablaze with theories and wild allegations that David Stern has preordained the winner of every game in this series. Obviously it's ridiculous to think that, but perception is reality with many fans.

Just know that this can all be avoided with a little bit of transparency. This doesn't solve the incompetency problem, in fact it would likely magnify it, but let's take this one problem at a time. By far, the biggest issue is that if FIFA has more credibility with regards to its referees than the NBA does with its, you've got a serious problem.

Ray Allen Injury Update: Celtics Guard Will Undergo Ankle Surgery Wednesday

2012-06-12T02:28:32Z

Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen will undergo surgery Wednesday to remove bone spurs in his injured ankle. Allen called the procedure his "first priority" after the Celtics were eliminated in Game 7 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals by the Miami Heat.

Ray Allen confirms to the Globe that he's having ankle surgery on Wednesday. The surgery will remove bone spurs #celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) June 12, 2012

Allen was hobbled throughout the 2012 NBA Playoffs because of his ankles. He was able to gut out the pain and turn in some strong performances late in the Heat series. There were times, especially early in the series, where the future hall of fame was clearly well below 100 percent, however.

Allen just finished up the second year of his two-year, $20 million contract.

For more on the Celtics check out the SB Nation blog CelticsBlog and stay tuned to SBN Boston.

Ray Allen Injury Update: Ankle Surgery Is Offseason Priority For Celtics Guard

2012-06-11T14:46:18Z

Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen didn't give up any insight to his basketball future as it pertains to next season as the 36-year-old veteran hits the free agent market. What is apparent is that Allen's top priority is having surgery to repair bone spurs in his ankle that left him hobbled in the 2012 postseason.

This is what he had to say to ESPNBoston.com:

"That's my first priority, just going into surgery sometime," Allen said. "If I can do it tomorrow, I would do it tomorrow. That's probably my main concern right now, is taking care of that. My body feels good. That's been my only issue. After that, it's hard to say."

Allen's injury impacted his jump shot, which is perhaps the purest the game has ever seen. Still, he earned Allen earned $10 million this season in the final year of a two-year, $20 million deal that was inked following Boston's loss in the 2010 NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games.

Read more about the Boston Celtics at CelticsBlog.

Thank You, Celtics. Thank You, Fans

2012-06-10T13:00:11Z

I don't like to make things about me when I write. My philosophy has always been that all of you good people aren't reading the stories because of who I am, but because of the topic. I am only a means of transportation. Rarely, though, I will feel a need to share a story about myself, so please bear with me.

I have been a fan of the Boston Celtics for as long as I can remember. Given that my memory isn't great, I don't have an exact date, but I'm absolutely sure of the time period. My first memories of watching the Celtics play were in the late 1990's and early 2000's. I would go to a few games per year through a youth program at my church and through a family friend who had season tickets. The seats were almost always in the balcony, usually in Section 323 of the then Fleet Center, but those were fine by me.

Let me tell you, I loved going to those games. I would scream my lungs out and cheer all night long. Most times when I would get home, my voice would be gone. I'm sure some other casual fans around me didn't appreciate my antics, but I didn't care. I was a fan first, not so much concerned about my surroundings. My two favorite players were Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce, and to this day, they still are. I loved watching the Dynamic Duo so, so much.

I can even remember one game in the preseason when the Celtics faced the Wizards, with Michael Jordan (so, a while ago). I was fortunate enough to get a pair of tickets behind the Celtics' bench, which I of course loved. Being the Celtics fanatic that I was, I didn't pay much attention to that Jordan guy (looking back on it, I wish I had), but instead fixed my attention on my heros: Walker and Pierce. After the game, I got to high five both of them. Moment of my life, easily.

Well, fast forward to the present, and that kid that loved the Celtics so much was blessed with an opportunity to cover them in person. Thanks to the willingness of the Celtics' media relations staff, I was issued a press pass for all of the team's home games and granted access to the locker rooms and practices. Needless to say, it was the highlight of my journalistic career. At one point this season, after a regular season game, I sauntered out onto the court and stood on top of the Celtics logo and gazed up to Section 323. I thought to myself, "I can't believe it. The kid that loved this team so much up there is now standing on the court with complete access." I thank God for the tremendous blessing he has given me.

I have had an unbelievable time covering this basketball team this year, and naturally, I was heartbroken to see it end the way it did in Game 7 against the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Alas, that's part of the game, and part of the business. While I would have cherished the opportunity to cover the NBA Finals in person -- a dream I would still like to live out one day -- words cannot describe how thankful and grateful I am for everything that I have been able to do this year.

First, I want to really thank SB Nation for employing me and giving me the chance to do what I love for a living. Secondly, I want to thank the Celtics organization and the media relations staff, Jeff Twiss and Brian Olive in particular, for issuing me credentials for all of the games. Without a doubt, the Celtics media relations staff is one of the best in the business.

Of course, I want to thank all of my friends in the media, too. I've had such a great experience getting to know so many people that cover this team. They are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. I've enjoyed watching the games with friends like Jay King, Ryan Hadfield, Travis Singleton, Jared Weiss, Brendan Jackson, Ben Watanabe, Mike Petraglia, Brian Robb, Greg Payne, Jimmy Toscano and so many more (if I left you out, I'm sorry!). Of course, there's our great Celtics blog, CelticsBlog, that I've gotten to work and interact with. Jeff Clark, you and your team are amazing. Then, there's the Twitter family: CelticsBlog, Reds Army John, KWAPT, MrTrpleDouble10, CelticsTown and so many more. I've gotten to chat with greats like Bob Ryan, Jackie MacMullan and Steve Bulpett. I've been befriended by Sean Grande, who is always willing to talk wrestling, and have made many other connections with the Celtics' and TD Garden staff members.

Finally, I want to thank the people who make it all possible: you, the fans. Without you, none of this would be possible. I can't tell you how much I enjoy chatting with so many of you on the train heading to TD Garden, at the game or on Twitter. You really make my day! Thank you so much for following along with our coverage at SB Nation Boston. I know some of you may disagree with me sometimes, but that doesn't matter. It's sports. It wouldn't be as much fun if we all agreed.

I look forward to the next Celtics season so we can do it all over again. Until then, I'll continue to run SB Nation Boston and try to provide you with interesting and unique content from the Boston sports world. But for now, thank you for helping this bright eyed Celtics fan live out his dream and make memories that will last a lifetime. You all rock. Go Celtics.

NBA Playoffs 2012: Boston Celtics Didn't Achieve Goal, But Should Still Be Proud

2012-06-10T12:00:33Z

I'm not one to pick a public fight, or any for that matter, with other sports journalists or bloggers. I think it's disrespectful. I mean, we're generally all on the same side, right?

Anyway, something rubbed me the wrong way on, let's just say a rival website of ours, when I read it on Saturday afternoon. The article was discussing the Boston Celtics' success this season, saying that they had overcome the odds and silenced the critics. Here's where the problem was: the writer suggested that, win or lose in Game 7 against the Heat, it didn't matter.

"The Celtics have already won," the author wrote.

That statement couldn't be further from the truth. We're talking about Boston Celtics basketball here, aren't we? This team has more banners hanging from the rafters than any other team in history, and they don't feel satisfied until they've brought home another. It's all about winning here. Nothing less. Celtics head coach Doc Rivers echoed that sentiment after his team's tough 101-88 loss to Miami in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night in South Beach.

"One of the things I love about being a Celtic is we have 17 banners, that's it, [in the rafters]," Rivers said. "We don't have the 30 division championships or 21 conference championships."

For that reason, it was especially tough for Rivers' to look back and appreciate his team's season.

"It's tough, I'm just too competitive to see it right now," he said. "I'm sure at some point I'll look back and say what a great run. Right now, I'm just too competitive to see that."

Still, from the outside looking in, what the Celtics accomplished this season was very impressive. Boston stumbled out of the starting gate thanks to the lack of prep time as a result of the NBA lockout, as well as injuries aplenty, and was looking like it had zero chance of being competitive at the All-Star break. Thirty two games into the season, the Celtics' record sat at 15-17. Yikes.

So what did they do? They didn't give up, and they found their stride at the right time. Boston was one of the hottest teams in the second half of the season, finishing with a 24-10 record to edge out the Philadelphia 76ers to win the Atlantic Division and clinch the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Of course, the road ahead wouldn't be an easy one. Playoff basketball is never easy.

First up were the Atlanta Hawks, a team with a talented trio of players in Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Al Horford. Unfortunately, they would prove to be thorns in the Celtics' side. After losing Game 1, and losing sensational guard Rajon Rondo for Game 2 due to a one-game suspension, the Celtics' got a tremendous performance from savvy veteran Paul Pierce, who jump started the Celtics back to life and led them to three straight wins. Boston failed to close the Hawks out in Game 5, but got the job done at home in Game 6. One round down, three to go.

Round two didn't treat the Celtics any better, even though it looked like they caught a break in the beginning. The top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls, suffered a devastating setback in their opening round series, losing last year's MVP, Derrick Rose, in Game 1. With Rose at the helm, the Bulls were expected to flatten their opponent, the No. 8 seeded Sixers. Alas, Philly wouldn't play by the rules, ultimately upsetting the Bulls in six games to set up a second-round date with the Celtics. Boston and Philadelphia played two very even games to start the series, with each team splitting wins in the first two games at TD Garden. In fact, neither team would win two straight games in the series, meaning the Celtics and Sixers would have to play a Game 7. No problem, though, as the Celtics disposed of the 76ers in front of their home crowd to win the series and punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. Two more rounds to go.

Finally, the Celtics would meet their match in Miami, but after one heck of a bar fight. Boston lost the first two games of the series, both of which had suspect officiating, but the Celtics, rejuvenated by a return to the friendly confines of TD Garden, did their part and held serve, evening up the series with two straight wins. Then, the victory that defined the series (up until Game 7, of course), as Pierce's dagger three over LeBron James helped the C's seal a 94-90 win, meaning they were one win away from returning to the NBA Finals. Could you believe it?

See, now, that wasn't exactly in LeBron's plans, and he responded with a whale of a night in Game 6, scoring 45 points to lead Miami to a 98-79 win, sending the series back to South Beach for Game 7. By that point, you could start to sense that the Celtics' run might be coming to an end, as would be the case after a battle at AmericanAirlines Arena. That was all. The dream died there.

So the Celtics didn't achieve their goal, after all. Make no mistake, though, they should be proud.

While the season didn't end with Boston capturing its 18th championship banner as it had hoped, this Celtics team embodied everything that is right in basketball. They were tough, honest, good guys who lived by the philosophy of teamwork and shunned individuality. There's no "I" in the word championship, is there (well, technically, there is, but we'll just overlook that for now)?

And in every sense of the word, this collection of 15 players was a true team. No doubt about it.

"Everybody buys into team around here," said Rivers. "Rondo, Paul, Ray [Allen], Kevin [Garnett]. I think they each sacrifice their individual games so much to try to help the team win."

Granted, this was my first season covering the team up close in person, but I can tell you that I won't forget this group for a long, long time. It seemed like every member of this team was a stand up guy. Their locker room was truly a great place to be. Rivers sung praises of their chemistry all season long, and it showed up big time in the playoffs. No, they didn't win a championship. In that sense, they failed, but they can still hold their heads high. They never quit, and they defied all odds to pull within five wins of a title. All while being selfless. Now that's Celtics basketball.

For additional Boston Celtics coverage, visit our team page and team blog, CelticsBlog.

What's Next, Boston Celtics? Big Three Era Finally Comes To An End (Or Maybe Not)

2012-06-10T11:30:07Z

Champions don't give up easily, if at all, but with 28.3 seconds left in Saturday night's Game 7 against the Miami Heat, Doc Rivers decided to waive the white flag. It was clear by that point: the Heat had done it. Miami won the war, and the Boston Celtics' gritty, magical and improbable run had finally ended.

Rivers put in the subs, and called the three greatest warriors of this generation of Celtics basketball to the bench. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen all sat down, with Rivers sharing what appeared to be an emotional embrace with Garnett, who was the last to come off the court, wearing a look of total disbelief.

The seconds ticked off the clock. Then, the triple zeros hit, and just like that, it was done. All over.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh celebrated their 101-88 win, sending them to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive season, this time to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On the other bench, the story was, of course, quite different. Some guys ducked out early, like Garnett and Rajon Rondo. Others, like Pierce, Allen and Rivers, stuck around for the postgame handshakes. Embraces were had, with Pierce and James linking up. All were clearly defeated.

Immediately, the recurring thought that every Celtics fan had been trying to push off ever since the start reared its ugly head again. Was this the last time we'd be seeing the Big Three together?

It certainly looked, tasted and smelled like a goodbye. Rivers emotionally embracing Garnett, then choked up at his postgame press conference and patted Rondo on the back. Allen was very somber, definitely choked up, in his presser. Garnett didn't even stick around to talk to the media.

Right then, all we had were questions, ones that reporters tried to seek answers for only mere moments after the Celtics' traumatic loss. Would this be it for the Big Three? How would you define the legacy of the Big Three? So many questions, so many emotions, so little time to react.

Being the complete class acts that they are, the Celtics fought back emotions and shared what insight they could. Rivers talked about how proud he was of his team, Allen talked about the privilege of playing for the Celtics, and Pierce expressed how much this era meant to his career.

Of course, none gave a definitive answer about their futures. Nor were they expected to, really. Everyone always says that the worst thing you can do is make an emotional decision, and the gritty veterans weren't about to do that then. However, they did offer a glimpse of their hopes.

Pierce said he would love to finish his career with Garnett and Allen said he has plenty of basketball left in him. Rivers, who signed a five-year contract extension at the end of last season, isn't expected to be going anywhere. As for Garnett, well, no one really knows right now.

They all may have a future in the NBA, but the big question is, will it be a shared one? Certainly, that is the biggest question that Danny Ainge, Doc and the Celtics front office will be wrestling with this offseason. Pierce and Garnett are tremendously loyal, and Allen has obviously enjoyed this run, despite rumors that he may be targeting New York or, gasp, Miami as possible destinations.

Is it worth it to try to bring them all back? Ainge will have to spend many days and weeks mulling over the notion, as the future of the Celtics franchise depends on it (so does his job). Much of that decision will be based on what's available via free agency or in the draft. This year's draft class has been touted as one of the deepest in years, but the same can't be said for this summer's bunch of free agents, with the group widely considered a weak one. So many questions, Danny.

Ainge will have time to make his decision, and he'll see what he can get out of the NBA Draft, which takes place on June 28. Garnett and Allen will need time to make up their minds, too. At least, we think. That plays into the Celtics' corner as they try to decide the best course to take.

This may be the nostalgia talking, but given the circumstances -- with the Celtics having cap space, Garnett and Allen likely not seeking long-term deals and the poor free agent class -- it may be best to bring the Big Three back for one more run. If there were impact free agents available, it would be a different story, but there aren't. Boston's best move may be to bring them back, pick up valuable future assets in the draft and try to add some decent role players on the open market.

At the same time, it is unrealistic to expect the Big Three to be able to do what they did this postseason for a second straight year. Ainge knows that very well, considering he reportedly tried to blow it up at the trade deadline break anyway, and at the end of the day, he has to make the moves that are best for this proud franchise's future. It's a very tough call. Not a job I envy.

If this was the end of the era, though, I'm sure I'm not alone in saying the following. Wow, and thank you. What the Big Three did for basketball in Boston was enormous. A team that had toiled in mediocrity since its last proud stand in 1986 was rejuvenated when Garnett and Allen joined forces with Pierce and did the most meaningful thing they could do: win a championship. They nearly won another in 2010, and came five wins away from doing so this year. Very impressive.

So if this really is it, guys, thank you. Thanks for everything. You truly represented everything that's great about basketball and defined what it means to be a Celtic. Your legends will forever live on in our hearts and we'll always love you. You're Celtics for life. God speed, Big Three.

For additional Boston Celtics coverage, visit our team page and team blog, CelticsBlog.

Poll

Would You Like The Boston Celtics To Bring Back Kevin Garnett And Ray Allen?

Yes

159 votes

No

29 votes

188 votes | Poll has closed