After the Celtics lost to the Lakers in the 2010 NBA Finals, rumors have abounded that the team would trade Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce or all three in order to receive some value for the aging stars before they went too far past their prime. But despite reports that Allen and Pierce were almost traded this year, the team has stayed together and is hoping to make a run for the franchise’s 18th title.
Unfortunately, with The Big Three’s age also comes the increased risk of injury. Allen had been out for several weeks with a severe ankle injury, while his teammates have had to pick up the slack and are fighting fatigue. After Friday’s Game 3 win over the Atlanta Hawks, head coach Doc Rivers had no choice but to give the weary team the day off on Saturday.
Roster rotations and managing minutes will be crucial as Boston tries to succeed throughout this postseason. Keeping the big names on the team healthy and fresh will be the key if the Celtics hope to hold off the Hawks and eventually topple the reigning Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat.
In order to get a better idea of how Rivers and the C’s will accomplish that, NESN.com went behind the scenes to get an inside look at how the team is operating with the playoffs well under way.
