Paul Pierce leads the Boston Celtics in their 2009-10 season opener tonight against the Cavaliers in Cleveland, giving fans a fantastic Truth v. LeBron matchup to start the season.

The Cavaliers have strengthened their squad by adding Shaquille O’Neal and Anthony Parker, but the Celtics return the Big Three: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and No. 34, the key members of the 2007-08 championship season, to offset Cleveland’s new editions.

Paul goes airborne against the wide-eyed Knicks this preseason (Getty Images).

Factor in guard Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins and the newly acquired Rasheed Wallace, and there is a lot of reason to be optimistic. As Boston's coach, Doc Rivers, explained: 

“I think we had a very good summer,” said Rivers. “I sat with Danny (Ainge, the executive director of basketball operations) right after the year and I gave him a shopping list. He pretty much fulfilled it.”

“There’s some areas you couldn’t, but for the most part, we did, getting more size (in Wallace) and a backup for Paul and Ray that can swing to both positions, a versatile player like Marquis Daniels, he is perfect in that role. Adding more experience and offensive punch to stretch the floor in Rasheed, we got that. We did a lot of good things we wanted to do.”

So confident is the Truth in the Celtics getting back in the winner’s circle that he was quoted before training camp as saying his team is clearly the one to beat. He reiterated the statement when pressed as the season closed in, as quoted in the Patriot News:

“That’s just how I feel,” Paul said. “That’s our goal around here. I see when we’re healthy what type of team we have.

“When we were a healthy team last year, we were on a record-breaking pace. That’s what I believe. People are going to say what they want about my comments, but I have total confidence in this ball club.”

OVER THE HILL?
Despite the team’s confidence critics are selling the Celtics short, citing an aging line up of over 30 players as a recipe for failure.

But Paul told the Patriot News that to underestimate the Cs would be a big mistake:

“I hope they’re thinking that and take us for granted,” said Pierce of the question of age. “You’re talking about guys who are in shape. I feel like I’m in my prime. Ray had one of his better years last year. People are going to say what they’re going to say.”

“I definitely think we’ve got more talent,” said Pierce, whose Celtics are 128-36 the past two years. “It has yet to be proven if we’re better than the team that won the championship. If we win the championship, then ask me that question.”

At age 32, the Truth is considered one of basketball’s “impressive players.”

As a forward, Paul averages 20.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game in regular season.

Pro ball player ranking sites like Projo.com, rank him among the top in nearly every offensive category in team history. He is credited with coming through when games are on the line.

“The offensive usually flows through him and he delivers, but he is happy to share the wealth. He also is a tenacious defender who likes to guard the opposing team’s best offensive player.”

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME: KANSAS
There must be something in the water in Kansas. Kansas University announced today that nine of their former basketball players have made the rosters of NBA teams for the 2009-10 season. No. 34 leads the pack of NBA ballers as follows, as noted on KU Sports.com:

Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
Drew Gooden, Dallas Mavericks
Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls
Nick Collison, Oklahoma City Thunder
Julian Wright, New Orleans Hornets
Brandon Rush, Indiana Pacers
Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
Darrell Arthur, Memphis Grizzlies
Darnell Jackson, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Celtics are happy to add the KU alumni to their list of legacy players. The Truth is the third-leading scorer in Celtics history behind John Havlicek and Larry Bird. A second NBA title may secure No. 34 a spot in the Hall of Fame. Many fans believe he is already well on his way.

CHASING HISTORY
The Celtics are often questioned about whether they can repeat their success from the 2007-08 season.

Newest Celtic Rasheed Wallace told Paul that he is certain they can do better, as quoted in the Boston Herald:

“Rasheed said he thinks this team can break the record they had in Detroit of going seven straight games holding a team under (70) points,” said Paul Pierce. “I was like, ‘That’s kind of tough to do,’ and he said ‘We’ve got that kind of team.’ You definitely believe.”

According to No. 34, there’s a simple reason why this team spends so much time talking about a chase for history, as quoted in the Boston Herald:

“If that’s something you want to accomplish, then you have to envision it,” said the Celtics captain. “You have to talk about it, and that’s something that we talk about a lot. We feel we can do that with the pieces that we have. We want to have one of the most prestigious teams to ever play the game—not just for one season.”

Fans are hopeful the Celtics can acquire another title, but critiques question whether or not this year’s team is as savvy defensively as the 2007-08 Celtics.

“I definitely think so,” said Pierce. “I think we’re going to be a better rebounding team, which also helps. You put a great defensive player like Rasheed Wallace down there, who covers so much space and is one of the greatest communicators in the NBA, talking on defense with Kevin, it’s going to be a great year.”

GET A SHIRT!
Be the first this season to grab an official Paul Pierce t-shirt at http://paulpierce.spreadshirt.com.

RELATED STORIES
Defense won’t rest (Boston Herald, October 27, 2009)
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=...
Nine ex-Jayhawks in NBA (KU Sports.com, October 26, 2009)
http://www2.kusports.com/news/2009/oct/26/nine-ex-jayhawks-nba/
Breaking down the Celtics’ roster 1 through 10 (Projo.com, October 27, 2009)
http://www.projo.com/celtics/content/celtics_roster_glance_10-27-09_MUG8...
Celtics have plenty of reason for optimism this year (The Patriot Ledger, October 24, 2009)
http://www.patriotledger.com/sports/x1919382743/Celtics-have-plenty-of-r...

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