Celtics Second Half Surge

February 17, 2014

by Jim Cain 2-16-14

It’s time to cue the “I told you so” remarks.Through 54 games, the Boston Celtics are right where most thought it would be. The team sits fourth in the Atlantic Division and owns the sixth-worst record in the NBA.

The Celtics have experienced plenty of ups – leading the Atlantic Division for nearly two months – as well as downs – losing 18 of 25 games since the start of the New Year – throughout the first half of the season.

What lies ahead in the second half falls on the shoulders of team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

Ainge’s Celtics will be buyers at this year’s trade deadline, which falls on February 20. The Celtics could look a lot different once that deadline passes.

The trade deadline isn’t the only thing Celtics fans have to look forward too. Point guard Rajon Rondo, who was named the 15th captain in team history on January 17, has not had any setbacks in his return from a torn ACL. Second-year forward Jared Sullinger is quickly becoming a star in the making with his improved play. Rondo and Sullinger appear to be two of the players the Celtics would like to build around going forward.

While many have already given up on the Celtics, the team feels they still have a shot to make the playoffs. The Celtics sit four-and-a-half games behind the Charlotte Bobcats for the eighth and final playoff spot.

The only certain thing about the Celtics going forward is no matter whose wearing green after February 20, head coach Brad Stevens and company will not give up.