We’re continuing team injury analysis of every NBA team by looking at the Boston Celtics!

Things To Consider:
1. Average “Age” on Boston Celtics: 28.2 years of age

2. Average “Age” of Boston’s “Big Four”(including Rondo): 32.5 years of age

A shortened season could be good and bad news for the Celtics. “Aged” stars and “back-to-back” games for the 2011-2012 NBA season are going to require a heavier concentration for Celtic’s president, Danny Ainge. REMINDER: Injuries cause more missed “playing time” in players age 30 or older. click here for review!
Recent reports suggest Ainge might be looking to trade Rajon Rondo(PG) for Chris Paul(PG), but why Rondo, of all players? Rondo is part of the “Big Four” in senior green? Could Rondo’s elbow injury be a factor for the trade talks? Does Danny Ainge know something we don’t yet?
If there is a relationship between Rondo’s elbow injury and Ainge initiating trade talks, then Rondo’s playing status for Boston or another team could have some major impact on your fantasy rosters.

Here’s how…

Player: Rajon Rondo
Height/Weight:6-1/171
Birthdate:02/22/1986
Age:25

Injury: Left Elbow Dislocation

Date Injured: May 2011

Things to Consider:
A big fact for consideration is that Rondo did NOT have surgery and has had plenty of time to rehab the injury due to the NBA lockout, but is Rondo completely healed? Rondo has confirmed he’s 100%, but that doesn’t mean he’s 100% back to his playing condition. The 149-day lockout cut his training camp and preseason drastically short. A big need for the Celtics bench is scoring this season. Remember, there are veteran’s on this team(#3 of them), and Paul Pierce(“The Truth”) needs scoring help. Danny Ainge is essentially looking for this in a point guard and may be the reason to trade for CP3.
Rondo really hasn’t had much time to work on his shooting, let alone be comfortable with scoring as a part of his offensive arsenal-something even President Obama criticized him for last season. If Rondo is traded to another team, say the New Orleans Hornets, his scoring percentage may increase, but not enough for a 1st or even 2nd round draft pick in fantasy leagues.  We have yet to see if Rondo can make up for the difference in assists and rebounds, WITHOUT being in a green jersey.

Player: Ray Allen
Height/Weight: 6-5/205
Birthdate: 07/20/1975
Age: 36

Things to Consider:
Allen has a solid year in Boston last season. This 3-point record holder continues to play well despite his age (he turns 36 in July) and it’s because he stays in great physical condition. Consider drafting with a mid-round pick this season. Allen exercised the player option on a two-year, $20 million contract, returning for a fifth season. Expect Allen to put up good numbers in the 2011-2012 season, if not same as last season. His playing minutes should stay the same.

Player: Kevin Garnett
Height/Weight: 6-11/253
Birthdate: 05/19/1976
Age: 35

Things to Consider:
Garnett is headed into a contract year this year, so with NEW contract motivation lingering, consider Garnett a mid-round pick here, but the days of drafting based on his name are over. Monitor Garnett’s RECENT production on the floor, nothing more. Back-to-back games will be an obstacle for the veteran, who’s minutes have already been significantly reduced. Look for the double-doubles (points and rebounds) by Garnett as CONSISTENT, but still occasional.

Player: Paul Pierce
Height/Weight: 6-7/235
Birthdate: 10/13/1977
Age: 34

Things to Consider:
“The Truth” is STILL the truth! Pierce continues to put up solid numbers and still plays at a high level, even at 34, but his playing minutes will be LESS this season. There is much speculation as to weather Pierce will even start this season or come off the bench behind Jeff Green, but Green hasn’t confirmed his scoring role as of yet, therefore helping the trade rumors about Ainge looking for a PG who can score, even more believable. Although, Pierce has #3 years remains on his contract with the Celtics, ending his career in Boston should happen. Monitor the wire on who starts at the SF position. Consider drafting Pierce with an early round pick.

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