Weinstein Column: Boston Celtics Running on Empty

It’s only 11 games into the season and the Celtics already look like a tired team that has run out of gas and have nothing left to give. Their recent losses to Indiana (twice), Dallas, and Chicago, further strengthen the case that this team has passed its expiration date. It was expected that the Celtics would show up for at least two of those games, but they responded with four losses. What’s even worse is that three of those losses came in Boston where the Celtics usually play their best ball. A loss to an Eric Gordon-less New Orleans (3-9) earlier in the year, just pours salt on the wound. If this team thinks they can just coast into the playoffs playing mediocre basketball, they’re sadly mistaken.

It’s worthwhile to note that the Celtics four wins this season have been against the three worst teams in the NBA; Detroit, New Jersey and Washington (twice) who have a combined record of 7-30. Doc Rivers stated last week that the Celtics can still be elite. Not a chance!

As of today, the Celtics wouldn’t even qualify for the playoffs. They are tied with the Milwaukee Bucks (4-7) for ninth place in the eastern conference. They should be ashamed of themselves. The Celtics average just about 90 points per game this year, fifth worst in the NBA. They are dead last in rebounds per game and 20^th in Turnovers per game. These aren’t issues that can be fixed overnight or with game planning. The Celtics are old, undermanned and undersized.

It’s not for lack of effort but the Celtics just don’t have what it takes to win anymore – legs. With Avery Bradley struggling (not that he’s a difference maker), Doc Rivers, who rarely plays rookies, was ‘forced’ to put E’twaun Moore into the game against Indiana, something he hasn’t had to do since the 18 win 2006-2007 season when then rookie Rajon Rondo had his time to mature. The nicest and most aggressive play so far this season by any Celtic was a put-back slam by rookie JaJuan Johnson in the closing seconds of a home loss against Dallas. That the rookies are even mentioned in the conversation pretty much sums up the Celtics season so far.

Coming into the season it looked like the Celtics would be able to win games based on their experience, determination, and sense of urgency. They’ve lost because of their horrible play in opening quarters, mental lapses and an inconsistent offense that goes long stretches without scoring.  The Celtics are playing like a bunch of grumpy old men.

After witnessing the 2012 version of the Boston Celtics play, it is apparent that they should no longer be considered an elite team. They should no longer be considered a team that has what it takes to make the NBA Finals or even win a first round playoff series. They are merely another middle of the pack team at best.

If the Celtics can’t figure out how to start games stronger without having to battle back from a 10 point deficit each night, even against average teams, they are in for a rude awakening and a very embarrassing departure from Boston.

On the bright side, the Celtics play the Wizards again on the 22^nd of January.