But these Boston Celtics know how to win an NBA championship. They've been there, done that and ridden the duck boats. And with the wisdom and experience on this team, they know that no one ever won a title in October. At this juncture, all the C's can do is lay the groundwork and learn a little bit about their team.
In their preseason opener against the Houston Rockets, they did just that. Judging by the final score in Hidalgo, Texas, you wouldn't consider Wednesday night a success. The Celtics dropped their opener to the Rockets 96-90 by coughing up a fourth-quarter lead with their third-string guys on the floor.
But preseason games, especially early in October, aren't really about winning or losing. They're about figuring things out in preparation for the games that do count. In short, these games are learning experiences. Doc Rivers and his team still have a lot to learn.
They're still learning about Kevin Garnett, the heart and soul of their team. Will he be healthy and ready to play at full speed come the regular season? His performance Wednesday night was a good one — he played over 13 minutes, recording six points and five rebounds — but he's still got a ways to go.
KG's game was simple this time out. He set up shop at the top of the key, looking for an easy option. Either he'd find an open scorer on the perimeter or in the paint, or he'd put up a 15-foot jumper. He would catch, look and release — minimal motion required. For a 33-year-old just coming off knee surgery, that's probably for the best.
They're still learning about Rasheed Wallace. Will 'Sheed simply be a poor man's KG, or will he show the versatility to be a force in the paint and a threat from the perimeter? His debut was decent — like Garnett, he scored six points — but he still has a lot of growing to do as a Celtic.
They're still learning about Marquis Daniels. Will he be a backup point guard, as the Celtics' needs dictate, or will he be free to blossom as a wing scorer off the Celtics' bench? He looked at times like a pure point guard on Wednesday night, quarterbacking the C's offense when Rajon Rondo sat out. But there's still time for him to develop into something more.
But with all the lessons the Celtics have left to learn, there's no underestimating the value of the continuity on this team. For the third consecutive season, the Celtics take the floor with the same starting five — how many teams in the NBA can say that? Certainly none of the contenders.
All around them, the Celtics have watched all of their fiercest competitors remodel their lineups. L.A., Cleveland, Orlando, San Antonio — all of them shook things up in a big way this offseason. But in Boston, everyone knows what to expect from their starting five.
They know the passion and intensity that KG can bring. They know that Paul Pierce and Ray Allen can carry their offense. They know the toughness of Kendrick Perkins and the unlimited upside that Rondo offers.
The Celtics are blessed. For the most part, they don't have too many surprises awaiting them this preseason. We here in Boston all know what these men are capable of — it was only a year and a half ago that they proved it.
For anyone who bleeds Celtics green, Wednesday night was a long-awaited event. We finally got to see what this Boston team is made of — and for the most part, it's the same group that captured glory in June of 2008.
Now, they're working to get back to the Finals again. But that war can't be won overnight.
Baby steps. That's all the Celtics need. Regardless of the numbers on the scoreboard, this team is right on track.
