2006 Boston Celtics Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Boston Celtics NBA Preview page. At the time of publish the preseason games are underway with the regular season to open soon. If you regularly do bet on the NBA use Maddux Sports for NBA Picks and Live NBA Odds to increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Boston Celtics Basketball Season Preview

It’s been a rough road for what used to be the dominant franchise in the NBA. Last year under Doc Rivers the Celtics showed improvement even though they didn’t make the playoffs. Boston upped its stock over the off-season by trading their seventh round draft pick to the Trailblazers. It won’t get them to the NBA finals but it may push them into the post-season.

The Celtic guards are solid. In the trade with the Blazers, Boston got a much needed, experienced point guard Sebastian Telfair (9.5 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3.6 APG 39.4 FG%, 74.3 FT%). He’ll be a fine compliment to shooting guard Paul Pierce (26.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, 47.1 FG%, 77.2 FT%). At twenty-nine, Pierce matured into a fiery team leader and proved to be the club’s go-to guy last season. Shooting guard Delonte West (11.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.6 APG, 48,7 FG%, 85.1 FT%) gives this squad depth off the bench.

Al Jefferson (7.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 49.9 FG%, 64.2 FT%), a power forward in his third year, has shown a lot of promise. This could be Jefferson’s breakout year, but he needs to become more disciplined on defense. Small forward Wally Szczerbiak (19.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 48.7 FG%, 89.7 FT%) offers experience and fine play. He missed playing time due to arthroscopic surgery last season but should be back this year.

Fourth-year pro Kendrick Perkins (5.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 51.5 FG%, 61.5 FT%) looks to expand his playing time at center. He has a good inside shot but must be more consistent on the boards, racking up nightly double digits. At 6’ 10” and 280 pounds, he has the bulk to bang and control the rim. He’s also aggressive.

Coach Doc Rivers has his team playing a fast-paced transition game. He’s good with young players, which means defensive production from draft pick Rajon Rondon at point guard. Rivers is a players’ coach and a great motivator.

The Celtics continue to show improvement and are building a team from the bottom up. They’re about halfway there.

For more info on the 2006 Celtics basketball team visit the Celtics official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Nets, Raptors, Knicks, and 76ers.