What If? NBA Version - Blue's Blog

Blue's Blog

What If? NBA Version

Posted on August 20, 2012 at 03:30 PM.

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First Edition
The NBA

2001-2002 Boston Celtics
Starting Lineup
C Tony Battie
PF Antoine Walker
SF Paul Pierce
SG Joe Johnson
PG Kenny Anderson

Now this one isnt as memorable but could have drastically changed the path the celtics took in the early part of the new Millenium in basketball. Joe Johnson was drafted by the Celtics and played over 40 games for them and starting in 33. He was then traded to the Suns as his playing time lessened and the Celtics had their eyes on the playoffs. The Celtics made the playoffs but didn't again for two seasons after that. The Celtics then gave Doc Rivers a shot and had a solid draft year grabbing Al Jefferson,Delonte West and Tony Allen in 2004. The Celtics likely would have given Joe more playing time the next season if he had stayed and may have still made the playoffs for consecutive seasons. Doc may have never left Orlando and Boston would have added a few pieces to build around Pierce and Johnson. They would have probably still drafted Al Jefferson and signed Gary Payton, making them a playoff team, but KG wouldn't have ever been signed. They could have still received Rondo so a core of Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Rondo and Al Jefferson could have contended and would likely be in the top 3 in the east today.

Feel free to comment.

*****Starting Lineup based on recorded stats*****