They'd have looked sharper with Garnett

May 18, 2009|On basketball, Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff

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Although the All-Star trio of Garnett, Allen, and Pierce will be a year older, the former champions should be better next season if healthy. How? Rajon Rondo will be an All-Star candidate next season. Perkins has gotten better and shown more confidence with Garnett out. Assuming Davis is re-signed, he will be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. And promising rookies Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens should be able to add some athleticism, too.

But above all, Garnett has to be healthy for another championship run.

"If we keep the core together, get him back next year, we'll see what happens," Pierce said. "Hopefully, we can stay healthy next year in the playoffs and see what happens. I honestly believe we are the best team in the NBA still with a healthy group of guys. I remember before the season when people would ask me if we would repeat, I said, 'Yeah, we have a great chance to repeat, but only if we're healthy.'

"Truly, that's what it's all about in the NBA. You have injuries that happen. It [stinks]. Hopefully, next [season] we will be healthy. I still feel like we're the team to beat."

In his only words to the media, Garnett said, "I look forward to seeing you guys next year. You guys have a good summer."

Marc J. Spears can be reached at mspears@globe.com