It's About Time...

The struggling Celtics will receive a much-needed shot in the arm Thursday night when Jermaine O' Neal suits up for the first time in months against the mighty San Antonio Spurs.  

When Danny Ainge elected to sign free-agent center Jermaine O' Neal prior to the start of the 2010-11 season, the plan was to pair the former Pacer with fellow offseason acquisition Shaquille O' Neal in an attempt to solidify the Celtics thinning frontcourt. Despite their heightened age and history of chronic injuries, Boston put a lion's share of faith in the O' Neals to provide then-starting center Kendrick Perkins with viable back-ups off the bench.

The experiment started out well. Both centers showed up to camp in good shape. Jermaine and Shaq showed no frustration about accepting lesser roles. Joining a Celtics team littered with future Hall of Famers, Jermaine and Shaq vowed to rebound, play tough defense and do whatever was asked of them to help raise Banner 18 in June.

Fast forward to the regular season and the plan began to backfire on Ainge. Jermaine, almost on cue, broke down like a used car. Shaq, after filling in admirably during the first half of the season for the injured Perk, had his body fail him as well. Both big men left the bench in favor for the disabled list and missed the majority of the regular season.

Then, Danny traded Perk in one of the most surprising, eye-popping trades in recent memory. Suddenly, despite receiving center Nenad Krstic as part of the deal, the center position for the Celtics looked head-shakingly thin.

No Perk. No Shaq. No Jermaine. No physical presence in the paint.

But now, after months of patiently waiting, the Celtics are about to receive a big shot in the arm. After rehabbing his surgically repaired left knee for the past few months, Jermaine is back. In fact, he is expected to suit up Thursday night in San Antonio in a marquee match-up against the mighty Spurs.

Jermaine's return could not have come at a better time. With embarrassing losses to the Grizzlies, Bobcats and Pacers recently, the Celtics are slumping of late (1-3 in their last four games). To boot, Krstic, who played great after being acquired from the Thunder, has fallen off considerably and even looked soft in the paint. Not a good sign for a team who prides itself on toughness.

The 32-year-old O' Neal should instantly help solidify the Celts' ailing interior defense. He hasn't played in a game since January 12 and has missed 55 of Boston's 73 regular season games to date. However, the lack of playing time could greatly benefit Boston as O' Neal returns with fresh legs just in time for the stretch run.

"This is the best I've felt since last year in Miami," O' Neal told Yahoo! Sports. "I just never felt good from the start of this season."

Doc Rivers is excited for O' Neal's return as well. He even said O' Neal looks great physically after working out with mega-trainer Tim Grover in Chicago.

"His quickness and his activity [were surprising]," Rivers said of O' Neal during a recent practice. "He didn't surprise me where he didn't pick up some stuff. I don't blame him for that, but I was happy. I was very happy with it."

The Celtics got some good news today as well. After receiving a cortisone shot, Shaq's ailing foot is progressing and he could shed his walking boot any day now. Rivers has even thrown out April 5th as a possible return date for the Big Diesel.

"It's improving," Rivers said of Shaq's injury that has plagued him for much of the season. "Before it just wasn't improving. Now it is. He's feeling better. He's doing some running. So we're hopefully for the last couple of games-- maybe next week he can play-- but that doesn't mean he is."

The Buck Stops Here

Baltimore manager Buck Showalter surely isn't afraid of speaking his mind, but he might end up regretting his most recent comments about Theo Epstein and Derek Jeter.

Apparently, Buck Showalter is the new Rex Ryan of baseball.

Taking a page from the rotund, loud mouth coach of the New York Jets, Showalter made waves with his mouth last week when he made a series of disparaging comments about his two biggest rivals in the AL East, the Red Sox and Yankees. Entering his first full season as Manager of the Baltimore Orioles, the 54-year-old Showalter drew the ire of Sox and Yanks fans alike when he called out Theo Epstein and Derek Jeter in a recent interview with Men's Journal.

"I'd like to see how smart he is with the Tampa Bay payroll," Showalter said of Eptein. "You got Carl Crawford 'cause you paid more than anyone else, and that's what makes you smarter? That's why I like whipping their butt. It's great, knowing those guys with the $205 million payroll are saying, 'How the hell are they beating us?'"

And of Jeter: "He's always jumping back from balls just off the plate. I know how many calls that team gets- and yes, (he) ticks me off."

Coming from a guy who carries a pedestrian 916-856 career record behind the bench, you would think Showalter would wait until the Orioles actually leapfrogged Boston and New York in the standings before engaging in a war or words with his two biggest division rivals.

Not so. It appears that Buck is indeed both loud and stupid.

Not only do his remarks about Epstein completely demean the brilliance of an executive who made the most of what he was able to work with, but Showalter also fails to acknowledge the very reason why Boston must shell out big bucks for five-star free agents in the first place: The Yankees. The Red Sox don't choose to spend the equivalent of some third world country's GDP just to acquire a 28-year-old, power hitting first baseman, they simply have to in order to compete with the Yankees.

And furthermore, as much as the Evil Empire single-handedly destroys the balance between big and small market clubs, they do play within the rules. Baseball has no salary cap. To boot, the Yankees not only carry the highest payroll in the league by far, but they also pay tens of millions more in luxury taxes.

Don't hate the player, hate the game.

I don't see Showalter complaining about revenue sharing after his team inks Vladimir Guerrero ($8 million) and Derrek Lee ($13.25 million) to lucrative one year deals. The Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres couldn't afford that. The Orioles can. It's all relative.

And of the Jeter comments, you'd be crazy not to side with the living legend on this one. Showalter was a career minor leaguer who got his nick-name because he apparently walked around the locker room "buck" naked after games. Derek Jeter is the modern-day Babe Ruth about to crack 3,000 hits. He's an 11-time All-Star, 5-time World Series Champion and 5-time Gold Glover. And he has a career average of .314.

Most of all, Jeter plays the game the right way. So stop complaining about how he takes pitches, Buck. I think he has a pretty good grasp of the strike zone after 16 spectacular seasons in the Bigs. And stop complaining about the state of baseball's unbalanced economics, you just seem jealous that the mid-market teams have to settle for the Guerrero's and Lee's of the world while the big boys ink the Teixeira's and Crawford's.

But go ahead, Buck. Keep Talking.

And just like Rex Ryan, see where it gets you.

Disinterested

After losing their second straight home game to an inferior opponent, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and the Celtics seem to have lost their killer instinct. 

As if committing an uncharacteristically high 20 turnovers Wednesday night in an embarrassing 90-87 defeat at home to the Memphis Grizzlies wasn't bad enough, the Celtics' lackluster play continued Saturday night against the lowly Charlotte Bobcats. Looking to avenge their loss against Memphis just days before, the Celtics raced out to an early lead before crashing and burning in the fourth quarter against a team playing without three of its best players in Stephen Jackson (strained hamstring), Tyrus Thomas (bruised ribs) and Gerald Wallace (traded at the deadline to Portland).

Not only were the Celts outscored 30-15 in the final quarter, but Boston blew a 13 point lead and seemed to be in some sort of late-season coma. Their defense, the pillar of their championship run in 2008 and the one thing they continue to hang their hat on to this day, faltered horribly. Of course, not every shot the Celtics take will go in, but the one thing Doc Rivers has always been able to rely on- even through tough times- has been defense. On Saturday night, the Celtics didn't play an ounce of it.

"Our defense really broke down in the fourth quarter," said Paul Pierce. "Regardless of however our offense in going- it's been struggling as of late- we still should be able to put together a defensive run."

In fact, the come-from-behind victory was so surprising that not even the Bobcats' head coach, Paul Silas, saw it coming.

"I just didn't know that we had it in us to really score like we did, especially in the fourth quarter," explained Silas, the former Celtic great. "Truthfully, I did not think we had a chance to win this ball game."

So, after two straight sub-par performances against teams well-below the Celtics in the standings, the question must be raised:

Are the Celtics in serious trouble?

Doc Rivers, for one, seems to be pointing towards yes.

"The way we're playing shocks me. Our attitude shocks me," said Rivers. "I just think we've become very, very selfish, not just as far as trying to get our own (shots), but everything is about how we're playing individually, instead of how the team is playing."

Brace yourselves, Celts fans, it gets even worse.

"A guy struggles, he pouts, he moans. Everything is me, me, me on our team right now, feeling sorry for themselves instead of giving themselves to the team and playing."

So there you have it. Forget about losing the number one overall seed to the surging Chicago Bulls. The Celtics now have a much bigger problem: The most unselfish team in basketball is now playing selfish basketball.

Their stars are faltering. For some reason, KG, Pierce, Ray and Rondo have hit the skids lately. To make matters worse, the backlash of the Kendrick Perkins trade is coming back to haunt the Celtics. Since trading away their lone intimidating presence in the paint, the Celts are just 9-7, a far cry from their  blazing pace for much of the season. Adding insult to injury, they look far too pedestrian without Perk in the middle, devoid of grit, poise and hard-nosed effort.

"It's not about making excuses," said Ray Allen (before making an excuse). "But I think the chemistry with the new guys is still being built."

In the end, Celts fans must ask themselves: is this just a case of a veteran team that has hit the doldrums of March and become bored and disinterested? Are they tired of the regular season and simply waiting for the playoffs to turn the switch back on?

Or is there something much worse going on? Are the Celtics Big Three finally showing their age? Did the trade of Perk destroy the Celtics unparalleled chemistry? Will the new guys be able to step up before it's too late?

While opinions will no doubt differ on the matter, the die-hard Celts fan can't help but worry.

But then again, a wise man once said, the day is always darkest before the dawn.

Seven Up

Inspired by Gregory Campbell's fight and 5-on-3 shorthanded goal, the Bruins obliterated the Canadiens 7-0 Thursday night to re-establish their dominance in the Northeast Division.

Just when it seemed as if the Boston Bruins had lost their punch, the Black and Gold reminded us all exactly how good they can be when everything starts to click. From the initial drop of the puck, the Bruins dominated the helpless Canadiens Thursday night, pinning a 7-0 shellacking on the hated Habs before an electric sell-out crowd of 17,565 at the TD Garden. But, more importantly, the pivotal win stretches Boston's lead over Montreal to five points in the Northeast Division.

Coming into the game, the stage was set for an epic clash between the two Original Six bitter rivals. Trailing Boston in the standings and looking for revenge from the now-infamous Zdeno Chara hit on Max Pacioretty, the Canadiens seemed poised to play well, especially against a recently struggling Bruins squad looking to recapture their winning identity.

"I never thought we would do this," admitted Mark Recchi. "I thought it would be close."

Instead, it was a blow-out from the start.

Just sixty-one seconds into the game, Johnny Boychuk hammered home a rebound off the boards from just inside the right point to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead. By the time the first intermission rolled around, the Bruins were up 3-0 thanks to additional tallies by Gregory Campbell and Nathan Horton (power-play).

Although no goals were scored in the second period, the middle frame was entertaining nonetheless. Despite trailing by three goals, Montreal stole the momentum and began to pressure the Boston end furiously. Displaying the importance of the game, Julien called a timeout midway through the second period after poor play in the Bruins' end led to two consecutive icings. The period ended with a heavyweight joust near center-ice between Campbell and the towering Paul Mara with just 16.5 seconds left. It was the 10th fighting major of the season for Campbell.

Continuing to play passionate, inspired, fundamental hockey, the Bruins extended the lead to 5-0 after scoring two goals in just 28 seconds early in the third period. First, Krejci found Horton with a beautiful cross-ice saucer pass, who then sniped the top corner for his second goal of the game, 22nd of the year. Then, Adam McQuaid's slapper from the point was deflected past Price to light the lamp yet again. Montreal promptly pulled Price and replaced him with old-friend Alex Auld.

Tomas Kaberle scored his first as a Bruin midway through the third when he snuck back door and snapped in a rebound past Auld. Recchi picked up an assist on the play, his 1,531st career point to tie Paul Coffey for 12th on the all-time scoring list.

And just when Bruins fans thought the scoring was over, Boston struck one last time late in the third. With Horton and Brad Marchand in the penalty box, Campbell scored one of the most unlikely goals you'll ever see. After stealing a cross-ice pass in the Bruins zone, Campbell tipped the puck toward center-ice then beat both Montreal defenders to the puck before streaking in on a breakaway and firing it past Auld. A five-on-three shorthanded goal, the rarest of the rare.

Tim Thomas finished with 24 saves to earn his 8th shutout of the season and 25th of his career.

Although it was the final regular-season meeting between the teams, the Bruins and Canadiens could meet up in the playoffs.

And, if the series started today, you'd have to like the Bruins chances.

He Got Game

Talk about risking life and limb in order to secure a victory. Somebody give Ray a Tommy Point!

Not only did Ray Allen overcome a poor shooting start Monday night at MSG to score 15 crucial points, but the former UCONN star also had the battle scar to prove it. An errant elbow from Jared Jeffries in the third quarter split Allen's face open right above the eye. After leaving the game, Allen got seven stitches then returned at the start of the fourth quarter to help the Celts pull out a pivotal 96-86 come-from-behind victory.

As if Celts fans needed a reminder, Ray Allen got game.

Stepping Up

Not only did Kevin Garnett make Tommy Heinsohn proud by diving to the floor for a loose ball, but the Big Ticket also finished with a game-high 24 points to propel the Celts past the Knicks for a pivotal road victory.

After trailing by double-figures throughout much of the game, the Boston Celtics roared back in epic fashion Monday night to knock off the upstart Knicks 96-86 before a sold-out, raucous crowd at Madison Square Garden. The game had a distinct playoff-type atmosphere and took on the look of a heavyweight fight, with several players on both sides of the once bitter rivalry getting bloodied and battered along the way.

But in the end, even with the Garden faithful furiously chanting "Boston Sucks, Boston Sucks" and the referees doing their best to ensure the Knicks a victory, the cagey, veteran Celts refused to let up and earned one of their most satisfying victories of the season. The Captain, Paul Pierce, saved his best for last, taking over in the fourth quarter to score 13 of his 21 points. The Celtics finished the game on a dominating 23-4 run.

"Something about this team," Pierce said after the game. "We have an extra gear. We know when we have to turn it up. Sometimes maybe going to the ground, that's what it takes. I'd rather us start the beginning of the game like we've been thrown to the ground, but hey, this is a veteran team that knows how to push a button and get a win."

From the opening tip, the Knicks took it to the listless Celts and raced out to a 51-37 halftime lead. At the break, Doc Rivers ripped into his team for their lackluster play.

"I haven't used the word 'soft' with us maybe in four years," Rivers said. "But at halftime, I used that word a lot."

Just as a championship caliber team should, the Celtics responded after being challenged by their head coach.

"Doc thought we were soft," said Garnett. "He thought our play was soft, he thought everything we were doing was soft and we weren't the Cs. So we got firm."

The second half got chippy. It got physical. It got heated.

After getting hit with an errant elbow from Jared Jeffries, Ray Allen was forced to leave the game with his head oozing blood. He got seven stitches in the locker room, returned for the fourth quarter and finished with 15 points and eight rebounds after starting the game off slowly.

Late in the fourth, Carmelo Anthony got cut right above the eye after a collision with Rajon Rondo and left the game bleeding.

"I think everybody was on the floor," explained KG, who made the Tommy point play of the year late in the game diving with A'mare Stoudemire for a loose ball on the floor.

Soon the Celtics closed the gap and then went to work in the fourth quarter, scoring methodically despite numerous attempts by the referees to sway the game (I was starting to worry for Tommy's health at one point).

Ignited by Pierce's fourth quarter heroics and KG's big night (24 points, 11 boards, 4 steals), the Celtics landed the final punch and silenced the Garden haters. With the win, Boston improves to 50-19 on the season, keeping pace with the Bulls for first in the Eastern Conference. All Spike Lee could do was smile sheepishly and bury his head in his hands. Fittingly, he was seated next to Ray Allen's Mom.

"This felt like a playoff game tonight. Felt like we were in a bar fight," KG concluded. "Just Boston-New York. Classic!"

Delonte's Modern Life

In just his 11th game of the season, Delonte West (above) led the Celtics to a pivotal 89-85 victory over New Orleans Saturday night.

For a re-tooled Celtics team still trying to integrate a plethora of new additions into the rotation (i.e. Jeff Green, Troy Murphy, Nenad Krstic, Carlos Arroyo, Sasha Pavlovic), one name that often gets overlooked when assessing the second unit is old friend Delonte West.

As we all know, the 2010-11 season has been a bit of an odyssey for West. After signing with the Celtics in September, the former St. Joseph's star began the first ten games of the regular season on the sideline, suspended by the league for a weapons charge in which West was caught strapped with multiple firearms and knives while riding his motorcycle.

However, once West returned it was as if he never left. He quickly became the floor general of the second-unit and wowed the Celtics faithful with his smooth, fundamental play and sweet jump shot. But then, just as West appeared to be hitting his stride and giving Doc Rivers solid minutes off the bench, Delonte broke his wrist when he came down hard off a made lay-up. After just eight games played, West was back on the sideline. This time, for nearly three months.

Then, after finally returning in late February from his wrist injury, West promptly injured his ankle and sat out the next nine games.

Talk about bad luck.

But then, almost on cue, West returned to his sparkling form in just his third game back. Displaying little to no rust despite such a prolonged absence, West led the Celtics to an 89-85 come-from-behind win Saturday night in New Orleans, displaying exactly how pivotal his role can be down the stretch and into the playoffs, especially with Rajon Rondo struggling as of late.

"Usually, a guy misses so many games you can see him getting winded and kind of not knowing the plays," Rivers said. "It just seems like he never has a letdown. Every time he comes back from an injury, it's like he's been there already, because he stays prepared."

Sparking the second-unit, West finished with nine points, five assists, one rebound and one block in nearly 20 minutes. Just as it seemed like Arroyo had been slotted as Rondo's primary back-up, West reminded us all exactly why Danny Ainge has always kept his faith in Delonte.

"We've been missing him all year," Big Baby added after the win over the Hornets. "The things that he's capable of doing, the way he plays the game, how unselfish he is, the way he sees the floor. He helps us a lot."

In addition, West's prolonged absence could end up giving the Celtics a huge advantage during the playoffs when most players are banged up and tired after a relentless regular season.

"I have fresh legs still from the summertime," West told Yahoo! Sports recently. "I've just been sitting around waiting for my opportunity to get out there. On paper it looks frustrating, but that's on the outside looking in. I have a great group of guys who keep me part of the team, keep me in the loop."

And, as the old adage goes, it's not how you start, it's how you finish. In Delonte's case, it sums up his whirlwind season perfectly.

"It's back to the road to the championship for me."

Out of Sync

Zdeno Chara and the Bruins are just 1-3-3 in their last seven games. 

The Boston Bruins aren't just slumping of late.

They're all-out embarrassing.

After being humiliated in Toronto Saturday night 5-2 by the lowly Maple Leafs, the Bruins now hang onto the Northeast Division lead by the slimmest of margins. Just one single point separates them from the surging Montreal Canadiens. Weeks ago, it seemed like the Bruins would take the division crown convincingly. But as the Black and Gold fall further and further into their horrific tailspin of late (1-3-3 in their last seven games), suddenly their playoff positioning doesn't look so comfortable anymore.

Should Montreal leapfrog Boston in the final two and half weeks of the season, the Bruins would lose their pivotal #3 seed in the playoffs. Instead of having home-ice advantage, the Bruins would drop to the #6 or even #7 seed, setting up a first round playoff series on the road with the red-hot Capitals or pesky Canadiens.

"We've got to put our boots and hard hats on now," head coach Claude Julien said after the Bruins most recent loss in Toronto. "We've got to find our game." 

You can say that again. 

Coaches always stress the importance of entering the postseason with momentum. Right now, the Bruins aren't just at a standstill, they're regressing.  

"Hopefully, our killer-instinct will kick in," Julien mused on Sunday. 

If it's going to kick in, it better be fast. The Bruins kick off a three game home stand on tuesday when they host the the Devils at the Garden. Then, the Canadiens come to Boston Thursday night in an unbelievably pivotal late-season matchup.  

Whichever team wins Thursday could very well have the inside track on the division.

Let's hope it's the B's. 

Passing the Torch

For the first time in his career, Jon Lester (above) will be the Red Sox Opening Day starter. Josh Beckett had previously gotten three of the last four Opening Day nods.

When the Red Sox acquired Josh Beckett from the Marlins in November 2005, the immensely talented righthander was touted as the ace of the future. Sure, the Sox surrendered blue chip shortstop prospect and future star Hanley Ramirez in the deal, but at the time Beckett was exactly what Boston was looking for.

At 25-years-old, Beckett was entering the prime of his career and looked like he was only going to get better. He had just pitched the Marlins past the Yankees in the 2003 Fall Classic and been named World Series MVP, solidifying his reputation around the league as a big-game pitcher capable of elevating his game to the next level when he needed to most.

Then, after a mediocre first season in Boston (Beckett went 16-11 in 2006 but had a bloated 5.01 ERA and gave up 36 homers, second most in Baseball), Beckett showed us all exactly why the Red Sox gave up so much to acquire him.

In 2007, the former #2 overall pick (Josh Hamilton went first overall to the Rays) put together a spectacular season, going 20-7 with a 3.27 ERA. In the playoffs he was unhittable. Against the Indians, Beckett went 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA to win the ALCS MVP before leading the Red Sox in a clean sweep over the Rockies to secure the 2007 World Series title. All in all, Beckett went 4-0 with a 1.20 ERA in the playoffs.

Since then, Beckett has been a model of inconsistency. In 2008 he went just 12-10 but then rebounded to go an impressive 17-6 in 2009 for a Red Sox club that lost Game 7 of the ALCS to the up-start Rays. The following April GM Theo Epstein rewarded Beckett, inking him to a four-year, $68 million extension. However, Beckett's 2010 season was a bust. Plagued by back woes that landed him on the DL numerous times, Beckett went 6-6 with a 5.78 ERA in just 21 starts. Not exactly the kind of production you expect out of a $17 million player.

As a result, it should come as no surprise that manager Terry Francona announced on Thursday that Jon Lester, not Beckett, will be his Opening Day starter against Texas on April 1.

While many Sox fans will argue that Lester has been Boston's best pitcher for the past three seasons, Lester will be making his first career Opening Day start. The decision represents a passing of the torch.

Jon Lester is now officially the ace of the Boston Red Sox.

Talk about a great story and a guy who deserves it. After being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006, Lester's career and life were both in jeopardy. But, almost miraculously, Lester beat cancer and has grown into one of the game's elite left-handed starters. He won the clinching Game 4 in 2007 to win the World Series against the Rockies. In 2008 he went 16-6 with a 3.21 ERA and pitched a no-hitter against the Royals. In 2009 he went 15-8. Last season he made his first All-Star team and nearly won the Cy Young Award, going 19-9 with a 3.25 ERA.

Over his sparkling career, the 27-year-old Lester has gone 61-25. Over the past three seasons, he's been one of the most consistent and dominant pitchers in the game, winning an astounding 50 games. The Red Sox will now go as far as Lester takes them.

But what do we make of Beckett? With John Lackey tabbed as the number two starter and Clay Buchholz number three, Beckett is now a $17 million number four starter. You certainly can't argue with his demotion, as Beckett has been frustratingly inconsistent and unhealthy for going on two seasons now.

However, Beckett's demotion could prove to be a great move for both Beckett and the Sox. As a proud Texan whose been an ace his whole life, Beckett could get a chip on his shoulder and use it as motivation to regain his dominance. In addition, as the fourth starter, Beckett feels far less pressure to carry the rotation and could thrive in a supporting, not leading, role. Also, a result of being pushed back in the rotation, Beckett will be matched up with other team's fourth starters, which no doubt gives the Sox a supreme advantage over their opponents.

The question with Beckett has never been talent. He's got loads of it. It's always been about consistency.

And for the past three seasons, no one has been more consistent on the mound than Lester. That's who you want taking the ball in the Opener.

No Place Like Home

Randy Moss made headlines Wednesday when he told a radio station in Minneapolis that his heart is still with the Patriots. 

Throughout the prolific and dominating career of Randy Moss, the immensely talented wide receiver has been plagued by questions about his work ethic, dedication to the game and commitment to his teammates. If you remember, concerns about Moss' character were the main reason he slipped from a top ten pick to 21st overall in the 1998 Draft. At the time, every NFL scout knew Moss was as fast, smart and sure-handed as they come, but they also knew that talent meant nothing without a good attitude and positive mindset.

Sure, Moss lit up the scoreboard for two seasons at Marshall, but his track record was awful. In high school, Moss plead guilty to two counts of misdemeanor battery and served nearly 30 days in prison. Then, in his freshman year at Florida State, Moss violated his probation by testing positive for marijuana. He was promptly dismissed from the school and sent back to jail.

All in all, you can't blame NFL executives for passing on Moss. Taking on a perpetually troubled player can be a huge risk, especially in a league where missing on a top pick can haunt your franchise for years. However, after the Vikings finally snatched up Moss, the charismatic wide-out vowed to take it out on every team that passed him up, especially the Cowboys. Moss famously stated after the Vikings chose him that "teams that pass up on me will regret it once they see what kind of a player I am and what kind of guy I really am."

Ever since, Moss has played with a chip on his shoulder. After leading Minnesota to several record-setting offensive seasons (Moss made the Pro-Bowl in five of his seven seasons as a Viking), Moss spent several injury riddled seasons in Oakland. Playing on a lowly team, Moss' numbers dropped and he gained a reputation of a prima-donna, complaining about not getting the ball enough and playing when he wanted to.

Then something glorious happened. Prior to the 2007 season, Moss was traded to the Patriots. Suddenly, a rejuvenated Moss and Tom Brady teamed up to break all the records. Of course, the Pats failed to go undefeated, but Moss still set the all-time record with 23 TD catches.

After several spectacular seasons as a Patriot, Randy outstayed his welcome early in the 2010 season. After watching Brady sign a mega-extension, a disgruntled Moss became a distraction. During halftime in a game against the Dolphins, Moss got into a verbal confrontation with playcaller Bill O' Brien and Bill Belichick quickly dealt him to the Vikings after just four games. From there, Moss fell off the face of the Earth. After being cut by Minnesota, Moss was claimed by the Tennessee and spent the rest of the season in Titans purgatory.

However, Moss made headlines on Wednesday when he professed his love for the Patriots in a radio interview with KFAN-1130 in Minneapolis: "If you're asking me where my heart and where I'm happy is, I love playing with Tom Brady. I love being coached by Bill Belichick." He went on to say: "I think that just the success as a wide receiver and everything that the New England Patriots stand for, you know, I'm a big fan of Bill Belichick's. I really am, and not just on the field. I'm a fan of his off the field because, you know, the little grouchy man that you see on camera is not what you see off camera."

It seems Randy has finally seen the light. After being traded from a great situation out of the blue, maybe Moss reflected hard about his career and realized how good he had it in New England. Maybe he realized that with all the money he has made in his career, signing one last gargantuan contract isn't as important as winning.

So, any chance Belichick will bring the 34-year-old Moss back?

Probably not, but it won't be because Moss didn't want to return.

'Tis the Season

The NCAA Tournament isn't the only show in town these days. With meaningful hockey, basketball and baseball on the docket, well-rounded fans find themselves renaming late March "Sports Heaven."

For baseball fans it's October. Hockey and basketball addicts will try to convince you that it's late May or early June. Football fanatics will argue that it's late January, early February.

But for the true sports fan, there is absolutely no doubt that the best time of year is right now.

Welcome to the third week in March (otherwise known as Sports Heaven), where all your greatest sports hopes and dreams take place. This is simply as good as it gets. For the next two weeks or so, every single day will be new and invigorating, gloriously jam-packed with limitless professional and collegiate games. Never before will you have so many compelling sports options all competing for your viewing pleasure. If you don't already own a DVR, good luck.

It all seems to be going on at once. For baseball fans, Spring Training is entering the stretch run. No more pointless footage of players standing around, joking with each other and going through the motions in the Florida sun. We've moved on to actual games. Players are even beginning to be cut from camp and sent to the minors as teams thin out their rosters in anticipation for Opening Day. Suddenly, baseball fans find themselves agonizing in the middle of the night over who will be their team's fifth starter in the rotation or win the battle for the back-up catcher position.

With just 13 games or so remaining in the regular season, Hockey is neck-deep in the playoff chase. For many teams in the NHL, their seasons will be made or broken over the next two weeks. While top seeds look to continue their dominance, jockey for positioning and enter the playoffs with some momentum, other teams on the bubble find themselves fighting for their lives. The margin for error is absolutely zero.

Same for basketball. With the NBA season winding down, teams are all fighting for a shot at the playoffs and each game takes on greater meaning. The cream of the crop, like Boston, Chicago, San Antonio and Dallas, find themselves battling for the number one seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Meanwhile teams on the cusp like Charlotte, Milwaukee, Utah and Phoenix are on the outside looking in and must win every remaining game just to entertain thoughts of a postseason birth. The stakes are so high that every game must be treated as if it were a Game 7.

If baseball, hockey and basketball weren't enough to keep you occupied, how about some March Madness? Forget the College Football Bowl Championship Series, nothing beats the NCAA basketball Tournament. It is by far the single greatest sports tournament known to man (ok, the World Cup is pretty exciting too but until the US actually wins one, I refuse to give it the edge over the Big Dance). Other than the joyful frenzy brought about by filling out brackets, the greatest aspect of March Madness is its unpredictability. For some odd reason, nearly every round is filled with epic upsets and jaw-dropping buzzer beaters. And, all the while, some unknown Cinderella that no one ever gave a shot at the start of the Tourney ends up reaching the Elite 8 or Final Four. It's beyond exciting, it's thrilling.

There's even something for the football fan. Despite the owners locking out the players and the season now resting in the balance, the NFL Draft is quickly approaching. And with all free-agents unable to sign with new teams or players to be traded until the owners and players sign off on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Draft is the one area in which football masterminds are forced to focus on almost exclusively. So what does your team need the most? A running back? How about a pass-rushing defense end? Maybe an offensive lineman? Now's the time for NFL executives to single out that specific player of need. You can bet the mock drafts will be swirling as well.

So here's some advice: don't make any plans for the next couple weeks. Do yourself a favor and cancel all your appointments. Forget going to the gym. And give all that bad network TV you watch a break. Just grab your friends, order a pizza and figure out a way to decide what you're going to watch tonight. The Bruins? Celtics? Sox/Yanks Spring Training? College Hoops?

With limitless options, you simply can't go wrong.

The Trade Winds Are Swirling

As a result of rising youngsters like Jose Iglesias, Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick, Red Sox fans may have seen the last of battle-tested veterans like Mike Cameron (right) and Marco Scutaro. 

With Opening Day in Texas against the AL Champion Rangers just three weeks away, the Old Towne team made major headlines in the rumor mill this weekend that, if acted upon, could seriously change the face of the 2011 Red Sox. While GM Theo Epstein vehemently denied the reports, a baseball source indicated that the Sox are looking for help at catcher and actively shopping several key players, including Daisuke Matsuzaka, Mike Cameron, Darnell McDonald, Marco Scutaro and, hold your breath, Tim Wakefield.

Whether or not the reports are true, the fact remains that all the players mentioned above are certainly not in the club's long term plans. Despite trading away much of the farm system to acquire Adrian Gonzalez this offseason, the Red Sox appear fully invested in developing several of their young players, most notably shortstop Jose Iglesias and outfielders Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick. Not only is the trio supremely talented but they're all cheap, something that appeals greatly to a team who just shelled out over $300 million on just two players.

As a result, many veteran players find themselves on the outside looking in.

The most obvious on the list in Matsuzaka. Although he helped win Boston the 2007 World Series, Dice-K has become an enigma that both fans and the front office seem to be fed up with. Even though he has nibbled on the corners and walked countless batters since Day One, we were able to tolerate his frustrating style of pitching simply because although he always got in jams, Dice-K more often than not got out of them. The process drove us crazy but we simply could not argue with the results.

However, Dice-K is no longer the young, mythical phenom that management shelled out over $100 million to acquire prior to the 2007 season. He is in the final year of his deal, has a full no-trade clause and is set to earn $10 million in 2011 (even more if he reaches incentives). Having Dice-K as a fifth starter is a luxury most managers would kill for and one would think the Sox would hang onto him and at least try to squeeze one more Championship out of his tenure, thus validating the controversial move to bring him to Boston in the first place.

Hurting his case even more, Dice-K has struggled mightily this Spring. In three starts so far, Matsuzaka has gone 0-1 with a bloated 11.42 ERA and his fastball has topped out at just 89 miles-per-hour, well below his average. In addition, the Sox have some viable options in the fifth spot if they decide to deal Dice-K. Former Yankee Alfredo Aceves has impressed this Spring, as well as Michael Bowden and leftys Felix Doubront and Andrew Miller.

Scutaro finds himself on the bubble for two reasons. First, he is an aging veteran in the final year of his deal. And, secondly, the Red Sox possess two intriguing options to replace him. While Manager Terry Francona has mentioned at length how he would love to use Jed Lowrie as a super back-up because he is able to play all four infield positions, Lowrie could find himself starting solely at shortstop simply because he has the best bat.

In addition, Jose Iglesias, touted for years as the shortstop of the future, appears to be ready to take over any day now. His defense is sparkling enough to step in today but his offense still needs some work. Regardless, it won't be long until Iglesias is wowing us with his defensive wizardly at Fenway.

Cameron seems to be on the outs because, like Scutaro, he is in the final year of his deal and long in the tooth. In addition, he seems to have the greatest trade value of the bunch. However, while Epstein surely could find some takers for Cameron, it would seem a wise idea to hang onto him. Cameron finally appears healthy and would be an excellent fourth outfielder. Also, he could spell J.D. Drew against left-handers. McDonald, despite his countless heroics last season, is long considered a journeyman. Both he and Cameron have become expendable with the rise of Kalish and Reddick.

Lastly, Wake appears to be on the block because he seems to be out of options. If the Sox hang onto Dice-K as the fifth starter, the rotation is set. Bullpen spots seem to be all but accounted for as well. Jonathan Papelbon will close, with Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks and Dan Wheeler his main set-up men. Francona has expressed a desire to keep two left-handers (likely Hideki Okajima, Dennys Reyes or Rich Hill) and the long-man spot appears to be a duel between Matt Albers and Scott Atchison.

Translation: no place for Wake.

This sad reality no doubt has fans at an emotional crossroads. At age 44, Wake is now the oldest pitcher in the big leagues. We've known for the past several years that his days are numbered, but it just wouldn't seem right not seeing him take the mound at Fenway like he has for the past 15 years.

Let's hope a spot opens up. Red Sox fans aren't ready to say goodbye just yet.

A Victim of Circumstance

Despite dodging a suspension from the NHL, Zdeno Chara has taken serious heat for his bone-rattling check on Montreal forward Max Pacioretty during the Bruins' 4-1 loss to the Canadiens earlier this week. 

At a time when points are at a serious premium, the story behind Tuesday night's 4-1 loss at the hands of the hated Canadiens was not the fact that the Bruins failed to take advantage of a golden opportunity to distance themselves from the surging Habs. Instead, the lasting vibrations circulating from Boston's no-show at the Bell Centre stem directly from a violent and controversial hit delivered by Zdeno Chara on Montreal forward Max Pacioretty.

While fighting for a loose puck late in the second period, Chara and his massive frame rode Pacioretty directly into the sideboards near the Bruins' bench (a play the Boston Captain has made thousands of times throughout his career). However, instead of bouncing off the glass that aligns the vast majority of the rink, Pacioretty slammed head first into the poorly padded stanchion that supports the glass partition separating the two benches. The grizzly collision sent Pacioretty immediately to the ice where he laid face down, motionless for several minutes before being taken off the ice on a stretcher.

Chara was promptly issued an interference minor as well as a major and game misconduct, earning an ejection from the game with 15.8 seconds remaining in the second period. After being rushed to the hosptial, Pacioretty was diagnosed with a severe concussion and fractured vertebra.

Since then, the hockey die-hards in Montreal have watched the horrific replay countless times and been whipped into a frenzy. They are clamoring for Chara's head and nothing less will suffice.

However, while images of the bone-rattling collision make the hit look uncalled for and over-the-top, a further review of the play reveals something entirely different. Chara did not leave his skates or blind-side Pacioretty. He simply cancelled him out of the play by angling him into the boards. Had the hit occurred at any other spot on the ice, Pacioretty would have been fine. Unfortunately the episode took place at the most dangerous spot in a hockey rink: the poorly padded, glassless stanchion between the two benches.

In a memo released after the hit, the NHL explained that it did not suspend Chara because "it was a hockey play that resulted in an injury because of the player colliding with the stanchion and then the ice surface."

Regardless, the Habs faithful refuses to admit that the Pacioretty hit was more a product of misfortunate than intention on Chara's part. And, even though the NHL deemed the hit legal (yet unfortunate) and refused to suspend Chara, Canadiens fans continue to protest and riot over the play.

On Thursday they went a step further, launching an official police investigation into the hit by Chara. In addition, Air Canada (the popular airline and long-time NHL sponsor) threatened to withdraw its sponsorships unless the league changes its rules against serious injuries.

In an interview with TSN's Bob McKenzie, Pacioretty fanned the flames even more when he said "I am and disgusted that the league didn't think enough of the hit to suspend him. I'm not mad for myself, I'm mad because if other players see a hit like that and think it's okay, they won't be suspended, then other players will get hurt like I got hurt."

However, it must be noted that although he is regarded as one of the most physically imposing and powerful forces in the league, Chara is by no means a dirty player. He plays the game hard. He plays the game the right way. And, in his 13th NHL season, Chara has still never been suspended for an illegal hit.

"I obviously feel bad about what happened," Big Z said recently about the incident. "I'm trying to make a strong hockey play and play hard. Unfortunately the player got hurt and I had to leave the game."

Chara seems to simply be a victim of circumstance. A victim of being too big and too strong. A victim of hitting a player legally but at the worst possible spot on the ice.

Ready, Set, Go

With the addition of Jeff Green (above) as well as Nenad Krstic, Troy Murphy, Sasha Pavlovic and Carlos Arroyo, the new-look Celtics look like the team to beat come playoff time. 

For the past week and a half, the Boston Celtics have been in the midst of a chaotic and unexpected transformation.

In the waning moments leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline on February 24th, Danny Ainge made the most shocking move of any General Manager by trading away long-time fan favorite Kendrick Perkins. The move was so shocking because ever since that glorious summer in 2007 when Ainge landed Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the one constant with the Celtics' magnificent rebirth was continuity and unrivaled chemistry. For nearly four years, anytime Celts fans flipped on Comcast Sports Net to watch Mike and Tommy call the game, you knew the starting five would be Pierce, KG, Ray, Perk and Rondo.

Then, just like that, Perk was gone. Head coach Doc Rivers likened his departure to Oklahoma City to losing a family member. Suddenly, a huge piece of the core starting five that had never lost a playoff series together was lost.

But then a funny thing happened.

While fans were clamoring for Ainge's head and clueless talking heads like Dan Shaughnessy and Chris Broussard belittled the move as idiotic and uncalled for, the new-look Celts haven't missed a beat. In fact, they've looked even better than before.

Since trading Perkins, the Celts are a perfect 5-0 (they did lose to Denver the night of the deadline but Green and Krstic had not joined the team yet). Krstic, seemingly overlooked and designated as a complimentary piece in the trade, has fit in flawlessly as the Celtics starting center. He has been surprisingly phenomenal, showing great hands, good low post moves, above average defense and superb court vision for a big man.

In addition, the centerpiece of the deal, Green, has shown flashes of brilliance. In his first couple games in a Boston uniform, Green looked overmatched and timid playing with the Big Three, afraid to make a mistake in their legendary presence. However, Green has quickly fold his niche and added another dimension to the team, providing Paul Pierce with an athletic, offensively versatile and defensively stout backup. With the recent leg injury to Glen Davis, Green has been thrust into a larger role and delivered. In 27 minutes off the bench Friday night, Green poured in 21 points in the Celts 107-103 victory over the Warriors.

As a result of finally having a capable backup, Pierce has seen his minutes decrease and his production increase. Just recently, Pierce was named the Eastern Conference's Player of the Week. In four games, Pierce led the Celts to a flawless 4-0 record while also averaging 21.8 points and 8.0 boards.

At 46-15, the Celtics hold a three game lead over the Bulls for the top seed in the East and a four game lead over the Heat.

And, with 21 games remaining in the regular season, the new-look Green have more than enough time to continue to mesh and find ways to best employ their new additions. While Krstic and Green have fit in seamlessly, newly acquired big man Troy Murphy still needs some time to find his legs after playing sparingly this season. In Sunday night's 89-83 win over Milwaukee, another new Celtic made his debut Green. In 12 minutes off the bench, Sasha Pavlovic drained a key three pointer and played great defense, recording two steals. Ainge's latest addition, veteran point guard Carlos Arroyo (bought out by the Heat after starting over 40 games this season) is set to make his Celtics debut later this week.

While the sting of losing Perk hurts, the new-look Celtics look to be in great position to raise Banner 18 in June. At the deadline, Ainge added much needed depth, youth, versatility and experience. With Shaquille O' Neal inching closer and closer to a return, the Celtics starting five come playoff time should see Shaq centering the familiar foursome of Rondo, Allen, Pierce and Garnett. Although we loved them, no more Semih, Nate, Marquis and Luke off the bench. In a supreme upgrade, now Rivers can rely on Green, Davis, Krstic and Delonte West headlining the second unit while also having the luxury of mixing in Murphy, Pavlovic, Arroyo and hopefully Jermaine O' Neal.

Sounds like the team to beat to me.

The Show Goes On

After signing free-agent defensive lineman Marcus Stroud, Bill Belichick must now set his sights on improving the Patriots offensive line in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

While the football world at large optimistically pines for a resolution to the current work-stoppage crisis, front offices around the league have no choice but to continue to manage their teams and prepare as if the upcoming season will not be lost due to a lockout.

Patriots mastermind Bill Belichick is no exception.

Earlier this week, Belichick made his first free-agent signing of the offseason, inking 32-year-old massive defensive lineman Marcus Stroud to a two-year deal. Chosen 13th overall by Jacksonville in the 2001 Draft, Stroud is a three time Pro-Bowler (2003, 2004, 2005) who made a name for himself teaming up with John Henderson along the Jaguars defensive line for many years. Most recently, he spent the last two seasons playing for lowly Buffalo. In New England, Stroud adds some much needed beef to the Patriots defensive line of scrimmage. At 6'6'', 310 lbs, Stroud could very well line up beside Vince Wilfork to provide one of the more formidable run-stopping duos in the game. His bloodlines are rich as well, as Stroud starred for the University Georgia alongside former Patriot legend Richard Seymour.

However, while the revolving door of the NFL brought the Patriots Stroud this week, it also claimed former offensive line cornerstone Stephen Neal. Neal, a trusted guard on all three of the Patriots Super Bowl winning teams, called it a career earlier this week. After going undrafted in 2001, Belichick signed the former Cal-State Bakersfield wrestling champion and converted him into an offensive lineman. From 2001-2011, Neal played in 86 career games in the NFL (81 of which he started), all with the Patriots. While the 34-year-old Neal started the first eight games last season, he was put on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury in early December.

So, with the arrival of Stroud and the departure of Neal, Belichick must now take both into account when assessing the upcoming NFL Draft in April. While the Patriots bolstered their defensive line with Stroud, their offensive line took a hit with the retirement of Neal. And, while many Draft analysts like ESPN's Mel Kiper already had the Patriots using one of their first three picks on an offensive lineman, it is all but a certainty now with the departure of Neal and coupled with the fact that aging left-tackle Matt Light is entering his 11th season and All-Pro Logan Mankins remains disgruntled and could still be traded.

Following the logic and now glaring need for New England to re-invest in their thinning offensive line, here's a few players the Patriots could take with one of their top three picks in the upcoming Draft.

At 17th overall...

-Tyron Smith: Tackle, USC. 6'5'', 307 lbs. Powerful, athletic, great balance. Not the highest football IQ but possesses rare physical gifts that can't be taught.

-Gabe Carimi: Tackle, Wisconsin. 6'7'', 314 lbs. 2010 Outland Trophy winner as the best interior lineman in the nation. Punishing run blocker. Great size, strength, athleticism, smart. A Belichick-type player.

-Anthony Castanzo: Tackle, Boston College. 6'7'', 311lbs. Local boy, four-year starter. Quick,  great zone-blocker, especially in the screen game, which the Patriots love.

-Nate Solder: Tackle, Colorado. 6'8'', 319 lbs. Imposing physical frame. Quick, athletic, great leverage. Punishing run blocker and great pass protector. Might not be available at 17th overall.

At 28th or 33rd overall...

-Derek Sherrod: Tackle. Mississippi State. 6'5'', 321 lbs. Impressive in the Senior Bowl. Quick feet make him lethal against the blitz.

-Mike Pouncey: Center, Guard. University of Florida. 6'5'', 305 lbs. Younger brother of rookie Pro-Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey of the Steelers. Versatile, can play multiple positions along the offensive line. Passionate, aggressive. Great feet, quick hands.

Good Company

After winning six consecutive games on the road, Patrice Bergeron and the Bruins are now being compared to the greatest Bruins squad in team history, the 1972 Stanley Cup winning version. 

Before Tuesday night, the last time the Boston Bruins won six consecutive road games in a single season was 1972, the same year they last hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup.

Coincidence?

I think not.

Infused by a plethora of significant additions brought in just before the trade deadline, the Bruins are crystalizing into something special right before our eyes. By defeating the Ottawa Senators 1-0 Tuesday night, the Bruins completed their arduous West Coast road trip with a jaw-dropping 6-0-0 undefeated record. At 37-19-7, the Bruins are now tied with the Lightning for second place in the Eastern Conference. And with 81 overall points, they trail the Flyers by just five points for the number one spot.

"It feels great," explained Milan Lucic of the Bruins recent success on the road (the Bruins now own the best road record in the NHL at 22-7-4) . "It helps us to build confidence in the room, that no matter who we face, or no matter what the conditions, we believe in each other."

Head coach Claude Julien, who became the first Boston benchmaster to guide the Bruins to six consecutive road wins since Tom Johnson, seems to be pulling all the right strings of late. Not only is he flawlessly mixing in recent acquisitions Chris Kelly, Rich Peverley and Tomas Kaberle into the gameplan, but he seems to be managing his star-studded goaltending duo to perfection as well.

Early in the season, the Bruins were winning games by the bunches but Julien seemed to be riding Tim Thomas into the ground. Sure, his numbers were sparkling (Thomas has led all goaltenders in every major statistical category for nearly the entire season), but Thomas could never catch a breather. Julien threw him between the pipes night in and night out and in back to back games several times.

It finally caught up to Thomas in early February when his game began to slip as a result of being overworked. The former UVM star allowed an uncharacteristic 15 goals over the course of just ten periods, culminating with an embarassing 4-3 loss at home to the Maple Leafs on Feb. 15. If you remember correctly, that's the game Phil Kessel undressed Thomas twice and then Mikhail Grabovsky split three Bruins defenders and then beat Thomas with a bad angle wrister with less than a minute left.

However, since then, Julien has come to his senses and finally managed Thomas correctly. In an attempt to keep Thomas fresh for the playoffs, Julien has started Tuukka Rask more often and the 23-year-old Finnish phenom has not disappointed. Over the course of the Bruins recent road trip, Rask started and won four of the six games. He recorded wins against the Islanders, Senators, Oilers and then blanked the Senators again Tuesday night to pick up his second shutout of the season.

It's been a dream scenario for the Bruins, as Rask has been able to find his groove with more playing time while Thomas has been able to re-energize his sapped batteries.

"His practices have been a lot better," GM Peter Chiarelli said of Rask. "A lot sharper. And in fairness to Tuukka, he needs games to get on a little bit of a roll, too. He has been able to play, contribute, and Tim has been able to get rest."

Over the course of the undefeated six game road trip, the Bruins outscored their opponents 20-9. However, despite the glaring similarities between today's Bruins and the 1971-72 version led by Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito that won Stanley Cup, captain Zdeno Chara is careful not to put the Bruins in that category just yet.

"I don't think we have any of those kinds of names or players," Chara said after the win over Ottawa. "Those are such legends that it's hard to really be compared to those guys. We're really trying to focus on  playing well and playing our game and playing for each other, and win as many games as possible and have good feelings after the games, no regrets."

Still, while Chara humbly dismisses comparisons to the greatest Bruins team ever, it's hard not to get excited about the Bruins chances come playoff time. After all, they're hitting their stride and beginning to peak at the perfect time.

"This is good for us at this stage of the season," Julien said. "We got some new faces in the lineup and this helps us to build some momentum. Obviously, the confidence is tremendous, they believe they can do it."

Murphy's Law

The Celtics solidified their championship aspirations Tuesday by officially adding veteran big man Troy Murphy. Even with the addition of the former Pacer,  Boston still has two more roster spots open to fill. 

Murphy's Law, one of the oldest and most profound explanations of the universe, states, in essence, that "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." However, when applied to the game of basketball, Celtics fans are now hoping for a much different interpretation of the timeless epigram. 

Filling one of their three open roster spots, the Celtics officially inked Troy Murphy Tuesday morning, beating out the rival Miami Heat for his services. Murphy, who was bought out by the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, fills an enormous void at the center position for Boston created by the departure of lovable big man Kendrick Perkins. 

At 6'11'', 245 lbs, Murphy is a nine-year veteran that could end up being the missing link for Boston. Without the recently traded Perkins and Semih Erden, as well as the injuries to Jermaine and Shaquille O'Neal, Murphy instantly adds size and depth to a team in serious need of both. In addition, the 30-year-old former Notre Dame star has a gifted offensive game that is sure to help the Celtics in the pursuit of Banner 18. Murphy, chosen 14th overall by the Warriors in 2001, has the ability to stretch the floor and drain outside shots. 

In addition, Murphy is a gifted rebounder who should immediately help the Celtics on both the offensive and defensive glass. His late-season signing is similar to the Celtics adding veteran P.J. Brown to the stretch run in 2008. 

One of the biggest reasons Murphy chose Boston over Miami seems to be his belief that the Celtics are his best shot at hoisting a title in June. In fact, Murphy holds the dubious distinction of playing the most career regular season games (639) without playing a postseason game. 

With the acquisition of Murphy, not only do the Celtics add a much needed big man to the mix but they also beat out the rival Heat. In addition, the Celtics still hold two more open roster spots, one of which could be filled with the addition of defensive-minded swingman Corey Brewer. 

Regardless of what Danny Ainge does next, one thing is for sure: The Celtics are a much better team today than they were yesterday.