The Downfall of Boston

Kendrick Perkins scores last night against the
Toronto Raptors.
(Photo by Layne Bryant/Getty Images)

Did anyone see this coming? The Boston Celtics have taken a dramatic dive from their comfy perch atop the Eastern Conference. Seen as the best team in the East before the All-Star Break, the Celtics have not been the Celtics we are used to seeing as of late, losing ground to the Chicago Bulls in the conference. One reason, perhaps, could be the trade of star center Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Since the trade on February 24 that brought in Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic to Boston, the Celtics have gone 8-5. Sure, it isn't the worst record, but it isn't exactly Celtic-like. It feels like something is missing in Boston now that Perkins is gone.

The team and the fans waited so long for Perkins to come back. When he did finally enter his first game of the season, the fans gave him a standing ovation and a warm welcome. He was playing well and Boston was complete again, but not for long.

It seemed like such an inopportune time to trade a player like that. Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal were hurt (and still are). They later traded away Semih Erden, another vital big man, to the Cleveland Cavaliers along with Luke Harangody. Now the Celts will be relying on Krstic and newly-signed Troy Murphy to carry the load in the post for the rest of the season with both O'Neals on the mend. Personally, I'd rather have Perkins. I think this void in the front court gives the Bulls the upper hand in the East which could spell "trouble" for the Celtics heading into the playoffs.

p.s. For more from me, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.

Episode 3

p.s. Congratulations to the Cavs for their win over the Clips. Maybe this episode was a good omen for them.

p.p.s. For more from me, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.

Episode 2

This week's topic: the Super Bowl...obviously.

p.s. For more senseless babble, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.