Don't Sleep on the C's

When Danny Ainge finally pulled the trigger on the ballsy trade that sent Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Los Angeles Clippers Brooklyn Nets on draft day last month, most sources, including Captain Obvious, came to the conclusion that the Celtics had officially entered "rebuilding mode." Pierce and Garnett composed two of the Celtics three star players, and the best player they got back in the deal was this guy. But even though the Celtics took a step back talent-wise in exchange for youth and financial flexibility, they still have the potential to be pretty decent next year -- given that Rondo comes back and plays like his old self (and doesn't get traded, which would make this whole column pointless). You might have to squint to see it, but the Celtics could be a surprise team in the NBA next season.

At this point I don't think anybody trusts Danny Ainge as far as they could throw him, but his declaration that the Celtics "won't tank" in 2013-14 just might have some credence to it. First off,  Ainge has said publicly that he has no plans to trade Rondo. Though he has involved his point guard in discussions in the past couple of seasons, why would he trade him now? Rondo is by far the Celtics best player and asset, even coming off of a torn ACL. If you're not going to tank, don't you want that guy on your team? Rondo isn't exactly the rosiest guy either, so I can't see him being happy on a team losing a lot of games for the sake of getting a good pick. Furthermore, the Brad Stevens move firmly puts the Celtics in "we know we're rebuilding but we still want to try to win games" territory. Like any rookie coach, you know Stevens is going to do his best to win as many games as possible, even if that goes against the best interest of the organization over the long-term. And although college-to-NBA coaches don't have a good track record to this point, there are still a ton of believers in Stevens' pedigree. He should fit right in with the defense-first mentality already established by the Celtics back when the Big Three first came to fruition.

The actual roster, though short on big names, is deceivingly talented. Though it's easy to lose track of him, multidimensional forward Jeff Green is coming off of a surprisingly good season after missing the 2011-12 campaign due to an aortic aneurysm. He dropped 43 on the Heat and sprinkled in a couple other 30 point games last year, which could be a sign of things to come. Green's biggest flaw last season was his inconsistency, but it's possible that was simply due to rust from missing the previous season along with the fact he came off the bench for Paul Pierce. With the latter's departure, Green should lock in as the starting small forward and provide more consistent play with the occasional flashes of brilliance. Outside of him, the Celtics still have defensive ace Avery Bradley, only 22, and a bevy of defensive-minded role players like Courtney Lee, Gerald Wallace, and *gasp* Keith Bogans. Gerald Wallace in particular could turn out to be useful for the C's. A lot of people forget, but not only is Crash an athletic wing defender, but he's an excellent rebounder and transition player. On the Nets he was relegated to spot-up three-point shooter even though he can't shoot a lick, but on Boston he will provide some much needed toughness and grit on the glass. Among the Celtics other useful players are three solid big men: Kris Humphries, who should actually get some minutes and return to a nightly double-double threat, Brandon Bass, who's mid-range J is money, and Jared Sullinger, the undersized yet crafty rookie. MarShon Brooks and Jordan Crawford round out the roster as chuckers that catch fire just often enough that you don't want to permanently glue them to the bench. It's not a glamorous team, but there are definitely contributors in there that can help win games.

And that brings us to the Celtics last valued piece, 2013 draft pick Kelly Olynyk. Selected by the Mavs at 13 and immediately traded to the C's, Olynyk brings size, shooting, and gorgeous hair to the table.

Olynyk should be a contributor right away for the Celtics. He spent all four years at Gonzaga and finished his senior season as a First-Team All-American. He's a legit seven-footer and he's got range, but unlike some *cough* Bargnani *cough*, he isn't afraid to bang down low. Though the Dirk comparisons are a little premature, there's no reason he can't be at least a poor man's version of him. Just check his Summer League debut where he dropped 25 on 75% shooting, including two treys. Although everyone should take Summer League performances with a grain of salt, there's still a lot to be excited about if you're a Celtics fan. Olynyk slides perfectly into the five spot, where he can start alongside either Bass or Humphries. Suddenly, the Celtics big man depth doesn't look half bad.

Let's face it: aside from the top teams, the East will probably be pretty shitty again this year. Miami, Indiana, Chicago, New York and Brooklyn all should be locks for the postseason, but everyone outside of there registers as nothing more than OK. The Hawks should be decent again, the Wizards are improving, the Raptors might be better and Cavs have made a splash so far, but really, would anyone be surprised to see them all in the lottery again next year? If I'm the Celtics, I'm feeling pretty confident about my playoff chances next season. But only if they want it.