Yet, Allen and Pierce both re-signed, and Perkins eventually returned (albeit not for very long, thanks to a deadline deal that sent him away), but perhaps the biggest return was that of head coach Doc Rivers.
It wasn't a lock that Rivers would return, as the veteran head coach flirted with the idea of walking away to spend more time with his family. However, as the dominoes started to fall, and the core looked like it was going to remain intact, Rivers decided that he would give it another go. Having his guys back helped make his decision, but so did last year's bitterly disappointing NBA Finals loss to the Lakers, in seven games no less.
Now, with the C's on the brink of a second-round elimination at the hands of the Miami Heat, it's almost time to start thinking about Rivers' immediate future and if or how the Celtics fit into that picture.
Rivers had said in the past that he'd like to get away from coaching for a while to spend more time with his family. His children are growing up. He's spent off days watching his daughter and son play college sports, and that habit will likely continue as his younger son, Austin Rivers, gets ready to play college hoops at Duke.
If Rivers does leave Boston, it will likely be to spend more time with his family. However, there is a scenario — although unlikely — that Rivers leaves Boston to take a coaching job elsewhere, perhaps closer to his Florida home. Some have even floated around the idea of Rivers heading to Miami to take over the Heat at some point.
There's also another scenario in which Rivers is back on the Boston bench when the 2011-12 season tips off (assuming a work stoppage doesn't affect that). If the Celtics do fall short in their quest for an 18th NBA title, and if they decide to give it one more run next season, Rivers is still the best coach to help lead them to the promised land again.
Of course, this is all speculation at this point. As far as anyone is concerned, Rivers is still the head coach of the Boston Celtics. He's got plenty of work left to do, especially if he and his team want to get back into the series with the Heat.
Will Doc Rivers be back to coach the Celtics next season? Share your thoughts below.
Monday, May 9: Was Dwyane Wade's takedown of Rajon Rondo in Game 3 a dirty play?
Will Doc Rivers be back to coach the Celtics next season?online surveys
