The Boston Celtics enter this season in a unique position. On the one hand, they came within mere seconds of winning their second title in three years last June, enough to make any team happy and raring to go for another title run. On the other hand, their veteran team, led by the Big Three of F Kevin Garnett, F Paul Pierce, and G Ray Allen, is another year older and now playing in a conference where the Miami Heat are now regarded as the prohibitive favorites. However, the Celtics are out to prove that the old lions have at least one more roar in them. Along for the ride are new additions C Jeremiah O’Neal and C Shaquille O’Neal, who have been dubbed “the brothers O’Neal” (though they are not related.) Jeremiah O’Neal is coming off a season where he averaged 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game and figures to be an extra big-man to face some of the league’s power centers. An even bigger man is Shaquille O’Neal who, despite being past his prime, can still give the Celtics quality minutes and even last year managed to average 12 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

 The biggest departure that the Celtics will have to overcome is that of Rasheed Wallace, who retired. Wallace provided some valuable defensive toughness that they hope they have replaced with the O’Neals. The biggest concern for the Celtics will be staying healthy, especially with such a veteran roster. Also important will be the continuing progress of PG Rajon Rondo, who broke through last season with career highs in points and assists and made his first All-Star game. The Celtics also face a tougher and retooled Eastern Conference, with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat all having made additions that will make them tougher foes.