I'm a Celtics craze, so sue me.

I have some spare time so I spent a few minutes scrolling over the annals of the Celtics and creating an All Time Celtics Squad. I created it with their actual abilities and with the intent of somehow slowing down the all-time Lakers team.

Point guard: Dennis Johnson starts, Cousy backs up. Cousy isn't big enough to handle Magic, and Dennis is not only more complete on the offensive end, he's a far better defender.

Shooting guard: Havlicek starts. Havlicek is one of the most complete shooting guards in NBA history. He's a fantastic shooter who gets bigger as the games get bigger, and a great defender. Backing him up depends on the situation: if we're looking for offense, bring in the ultimate spot shooter, Bill Sharman (averaged over .425 FG%). If we're looking for a henchman to beat the shit out of Kobe and West, we'll need Jim Loscutoff.

Small forward: Larry Bird starts, Pierce off the bench. Should give us two great offensive players who can buckle down most anyone on defense. The Celtics team will be defined by their defense.

Power forward: Kevin Garnett starts, Kevin McHale comes off the bench. Garnett is equal servings offense and defense, and McHale is great at both ends as well. Dave Cowens may rotate in at power forward.

Center: Russell starts, Parish comes off the bench. This is an ideal rotation, of two elite defensive players at center, to counter Kareem, Wilt, and Shaq. Dave Cowens may rotate in at center.

I invite a Lakers fan to spot their all-time lineup.

Poll was still open so I picked Celtics in 6 :p

0 for 3. You're in midseason form, BD.

Great analysis, Mr. Direckshun. Except for one teeny little thing. McHale gets the start. There is no way that an in-his-prime McHale doesn't wipe the parquet with Garnett. He just had too many moves.

FAX

McHale was a average player that Bird made better. Garnett would destroy McHale when it comes skill and ability

Probably the first time I've ever disagreed with you, Mr. Tribal Warfare. The wrongness of your post is stunning. McHale would make Garnett cry like a baby with four of its toes pulled off.

FAX

I couldn't agree more!

fixed your post ROFL

McHale would baffle Garnett in the low-post. Garnett is the better overall player and the better athlete. McHale had the best drop step ever. I dont think either one could stop the other.

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Celtics D = fiercest in a while.

we're gonna have a repeat of this finals next year.

maybe Pau Gasol won't play like a BEOTCH! lol

GO CELTICS!

Paul Pierce is the M-Fing TRUTH.

McHale is stronger in the pivot, but Garnett just boasts too much ability, and his willpower is impossible to ignore.

Correction to the lineup: I don't think Loscutoff would be fast enough to bang up Kobe. Ray Allen did a solid defensive job on Kobe, so I'm just going to stick with him. Matter of fact, his size would push Bill Sharman off the team, since Ray's every bit as good a spot shooter as Sharman (6'1", 175) was. Instead, we can bring in an ironclad-will guy with a midrange shot that would embarrass Rip Hamilton, JoJo White.

So here's my revised roster.

PG Dennis Johnson
PG Bob Cousy
PG/SG Ray Allen
SG John Havlicek
SG Jo Jo White
SF Larry Bird
SF Paul Pierce
PF Kevin Garnett
PF Kevin McHale
PF/C Dave Cowen
C Bill Russell
C Robert Parish

That right there should be able to deal with the trickiest problems of the All-Time Lakers squad. DJ could play Magic as well as anyone, Ray and John would have their hands full with West and Kobe, Garnett/Russell/Parish should at least slow down Chamberlain/Shaq/Jabbar. The only problem is that Elgin Baylor is going to be trouble any time you get Chamberlain on the floor...

Offensively, there's very little reason to worry here. This team employs three of the greatest shooters in NBA history, and McHale/Cowens/Parish will do just fine getting points in the paint. Garnett/Bird/Pierce would also present problems at the small forward position.

Still inviting a Lakers fan to do an all time squad so we could discuss it.

**** the Fakers.