Antoine Walker and Gary Payton had experience, but also had big egos and ample contracts. Danny Ainge knew that chemistry was a problem last year, and did away with the two like Minnesota did with Cassell and Sprewell. Now the team is completely in Paul Pierce's hands, and the roster really is aimed for the future.The team is young and inexperienced. Doc Rivers has given all 12 players passable playing time.

Like all of Rivers' teams, the young players all play hard. Brian Scalabrine and Justin Reed particularly do a great job on the offensive glass. Dan Dickau after playing everywhere is slowly evolving into a quality PG, as has Delonte West. However between these young players like Ryan Gomes and Orien Greene there isn't much diversity.

The offense has mucho potential. Paul Pierce has single-handedly lead this team to the playoffs for the past four years in a row. Pierce is great at slashing to the hoop and scoring easy shots. Walker never did provide an inside presence like Al Jefferson does. Jefferson is a great low-post scorer who happens to fold under pressure at times. Mark Blount received a giant contract but hardly played at all last year, is getting the playing time now and has developed a pretty good midrange shot.

Scoring hasn't been much of an issue, but they're 25th in Points Allowed. All these young aggressive players do their part, but Doc Rivers can't exactly substitute a different player for them. Basically all the offense is revolved around Ricky Davis and Pierce. The Celtics are at the bottom in Points in the Paint because Center Raef LaFrentz spends must of his time at the 3-pt arch. Al Jefferson should get more playing then Mark Blount to reprieve that issue.

Danny Ainge has been public about trading Paul Pierce, and unless he does it for Kevin Garnett it's a bad idea. Shooting Guards who can lead one-man teams are rare, and Pierce has been able to do that each year he's been there. If Pierce is taken away then the whole team will crumble. Not much separates them and New Jersey, and Ainge is always active around the trading deadline. They can hustle their way into the playoffs but they need some of their players to standout among the rest.

By: David Pincus