Did you hear the Knicks will have enough salary-cap room in 2010 to sign LeBron, D-Wade, Chris Bosh, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson? I can only laugh at these teams gearing up for that magical free-agent signing period after the 2010 season. For the mathmatically challenged, the NBA will award two championship trophies before those guys hit the market. If you are a fan of those 2010-obsessed teams, you'll have to put your dreams of contending on hold. But in the meantime please continue to buy tickets, jerseys and anything else with the NBA logo. Here in Boston, we'll continue to focus on the now...which means playoffs, championships and parades.
What you aren't hearing is that the Celtics will be major players in 2010 as well. The hefty contracts belonging to Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will be ending. While the Truth will likely be extended, what mega-star wouldn't want to come here and be "the man" with a supporting cast of Pierce, KG, Rondo and Perkins?
UPDATE - During the morning edition of SportsCenter, ESPN included Pierce's name on the list of free agents following the 2009-10 season. But additional research shows he's currently in the first year of a 3-year, $59 million extension. I do not know if the final year is a player/team option. My bad for trusting ESPN.
The 12-2 Celtics next play Sunday in Toronto (note the early 12:30pm start time). They're coming off a tough OT loss to the Nets. The Raptors are just 6-6, buried in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack. I thought these guys were supposed to challenge the C's in the Atlantic?
I want to welcome all the newcomers who have stumbled upon Red's Army while googling Hulk Hogan. Don't ask me why or how...I just know the analytics never lie.
Links: Globe - Garnett Takes It Easy | Celtics Rolling Along | Herald - C's Give Third Degree | Star-Tribune - Garnett Feeling Right at Home | ESPN - LeBron/Knicks Shopping Spree | Thunder Fire Carlesimo | Lakers Beat Nuggets |