Suddenly Relevant

After a 21 year drought, the Celtics finally have another Big Three: Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and now Kevin Garnett. The ex-T'Wolves star did not come cheaply, as Dealin' Danny Ainge sent 5 current players (Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, and Theo "Invisible Man" Ratliff) and 2 future draft picks.

Although the price seems steep, the real cost is Jefferson, who has steadily improved since joining the C's and is generally seen as a star in the making. While I like Ryan Gomes, he was a role player: steady & reliable but never destined to be more than an occasional starter. Telfair was as good as gone once he displayed his "I wanna be Pacman Jones" tendencies and Ratliff was...well...invisible. Gerald Green is a human highlight film on offense and a federal disaster area on defense.

This is not a deal that mortgages the future, however tired that cliche has become. Garnett has already agreed to an extension with the Celtics (reportedly for 3 years) and although 31 and in the league for 12 years, still ranks near the top in most rankings. I'm not giddy enough to guarantee a championship this year but in a weak Atlantic Division, the C's will almost assuredly contend for the playoffs.

Today was Boston Sports Fan Heaven: it began with speculation and eventual confirmation of this deal, the Red Sox announcing a dealer for reliever/closer Eric Gagne, and the Patriots in training camp. The feather in the cap would be Jeremy Jacobs announcing that he is selling the Bruins and getting out of town. One can dream....