Celtics fans know that GM Danny Ainge turned Boston’s beloved basketball franchise around by acquiring the legendary Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the summer of 2007. What many Boston fans probably don’t realize is how big of a risk Ainge took by assembling the Big 3. Ainge essentially sold the farm - dishing out all of Boston’s young talent (Al Jefferson, Gerald Green etc) to bring in Allen and Garnett. Ray Ray, as he is now known in the Bean, was coming off of double ankle surgery at the time. Nobody knew how he would perform, but everybody knew that no matter how well KG and Ray played the window of opportunity was a small one. In 2012 that window appears to be closing, but no matter how the Celtics finish basketball followers will mark Ainge’s move down as a success. The Celtics won an NBA championship in their first “Big 3” season and maintained contender status for nearly half a decade after. The next era of Celtics history will be one of rebuilding and pessimists will say the franchise was put in a precarious position by putting all their eggs in a basket carried by elder players. However, if Paul Pierce, KG and Ray Allen bring home another title - or  make it to the Eastern Conference finals to battle the Miami Heat’s copycat Big 3 again - any Boston fan would have to admit that Ainge’s gamble was a good one.

For traditional Celtics fans, it’s impossible to top Boston’s longstanding rivalry with the Lakers. However, after Los Angeles fell to the youthful Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semi-finals, the Celtics’ chances of re-visiting the rivalry have vanished for the time being. Plus, there’s a new team to hate that’s on everybody in the NBA’s radar: the Miami Heat. Ever since Lebron took his talents to - ugh…well you know where - the Heat have been the League’s most hated franchise. NBA fans from all cities spew venom toward the cocky copycat ‘Big 3’ of Bosh, Wade and James. Could this Miami team, playing Boston several times a year in the Eastern Conference, claim the title of most hated Celtics rival? An Eastern Conference Finals matchup in 2012 could catapult them there. While the Lakers/Celtics feud is the richest in basketball history, it may be time to focus on a new enemy, at least for the next few years. Judging by the way the 2012 NBA postseason is playing out, the Celtics and Heat could be on a crash course to contend for the East title. Miami knocked out Boston in the semis in 2011, so of course KG, the Truth and co. will be out for vengeance. If the Celtics do play Miami for a trip to the NBA finals, expect a doozy of a series. Boston and Miami are looking like the two top teams in the East, so this basketball rivalry is really HEATing up.

Despite their super-human salaries and the devout worship of fans that would make Greek gods jealous, athletes are still real people. They have great jobs, but they have jobs nonetheless. Jonathan Papelbon called attention to this oft-overlooked fact with a smug, smiley interview. The Phillies opened up their 2012 interleague schedule by hosting his former team, the Boston Red Sox. Papelbon joked about how pitching at night in Boston meant you would likely still be hurling into the wee hours of the morning. Pap seems to relish the lower level of competition in the National league, especially since he makes more money for less work.  Grueling games night after night against the world’s best baseball competition can wear on a pitcher, so it’s not surprising the Papelbon was happy to exit the AL East. The emotional closer already won his World Series ring and cemented his baseball legacy as a member of the 2007 Boston Red Sox. Now, the 31 year old is enjoying a higher salary and lower pressure NL environment in Philadelphia. Many guys are content to relax amongst their millions once they have a ring on their finger. Of course, there are the precious few Tom Brady’s of the world who posses the innate competitiveness and undying hunger to be the best of all time. But for every Brady there are 10 Papelbons. It’s not that Pap is a bad guy…most folks would be happy to take the money and run once they achieved their career goal. Further, the Phillies are still a premier franchise posed to compete for a Championship perennially, so it’s not like Pap has given up on winning. However, it’s become clear that the Florida native had enough of the pressure cooker that is Fenway Park. Boston is perhaps the most intense, competitive city in the US. Life is faster here. People expect more from you. And this attitude translates directly into the sports culture. Fans of “The Town” may note that standing on the mound at Fenway is like standing at the altar of Boston’s Cathedral. In Boston, competition is religion. So, if anything is to be learned from Papelbon’s comments, it’s that the Red Sox were wise to let him go. $50 million over 4 years is a lot to pay for a closer, especially one that doesn’t like to work overtime. But it’s all good…Papelbon accomplished a lot in a Red Sox uniform and no one can take that away from him. Plus, there are plenty of young guys out there who would kill for the chance to pitch in America’s most beloved ballpark. Both Pap & the Red Sox franchise will be fine as they go their respective ways.

The early part of the 2012 MLB season has been a bit shaky for Boston’s beloved Red Sox - but this team is still super talented. With a strong second half they should seperate themselves from the small-market preteneders who got hot early. The Sox should still sneak into the playoffs, especially with the added Wild Card slot in effect this year. How can will they get there, you ask?

Wounded Soldiers Returning To Battle

Carl Crawford is making strides in his rehab, working hard to get ready for what we hope is a strong second half. Fellow OF Jacoby ellsbury is also moving towards a return, surely improving the BoSox offense when he does.

Melancon Murking Minor-Leaguers

RP Mark Melancon, who was demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket after a dissapointing start, has been mowing down Minor League hitters in May. If Melcancon gets his confidence back and becomes what Red Sox brass thought he would be, Boston’s bullpen will be much more formidable.

The Evolution of Daniel Bard

Former closer-in-waiting Daniel Bard is adjusting well to his new role as a starter. If Bard continues to improve, he could be one of the best 5th starters in baseball by the end of the season. He certainly has the talent.

Middlebrooks Finding His Role

Much ado has been made about how to play both Youk and Middlebrooks effectively. If Bobby Valentine can use his experience and skill as a manager to properly position these guys for succes, the Sox lineup could be the scariest in the AL once Ellsbury and/or Crawford return.

In case you haven’t seen it (or just want to watch it over and over again like us) here is the video of Dwyane Wade cursing out his head coach Erik Spoelstra. Wade made a string of bonehead plays, drawing criticism from Spoelstra. As you can see, the young nerdy gentleman known as “Spo” seems to command a respect level that is equivalent to Lebron’s trophy count (zero).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka9Bbtd6tKM

Celtics Fans- Order Your “Hate Miami” Tees NOW 

The Celtics’ age is a topic much discussed. At the beginning of the post-lockout 2011-2012 season, Boston fans asked “How are they going to compete if they are so old?”. As the 2012 NBA Playoffs roll on, the conversation seems to sound more like “How are they so good despite their age?” This Boston Celtics team has shown a level of poise and confidence that their inexperienced opponents lack in high-pressure playoff games. But even with the Big 3’s legendary resume, most folks are surprised by how well Boston is playing. The C’s seem to be finding their swagger in the postseason after a rocky start to the 2011-2012 campaign. While Boston cruised through much of the 66 game schedule looking like a squad that would sneak into the playoffs only to promptly exit, Doc Rivers’ team has wowed NBA fans with their playoff performance. With 2011-2012 likely being the last run for Garnett, Pierce and Allen together, the cagy veteran trio known as the Big 3 is giving it their all. This Celtic team looks as confident as ever. Knowing full well that this may be the final shot, The Truth, KG and Ray-Ray have become hyper-focused basketball machines that defy age. No matter what sticky situation Boston finds itself in, one of these guys (or all three) have been there before. Couple the wisdom of the Veteran core with the spark added by fresher faces like Brandon Bass and Avery Bradley and you’ve got yourself a true trophy threat. And don’t forget about the team’s triple-double turbo-charger, PG Rajon Rondo who adds a huge youthful boost. If the Celtics can stay healthy during the duration of the grueling and lengthy NBA playoff stretch, there is no reason why we shouldn’t see an 18th NBA Championship banner hanging at the TD Garden soon.