Celtics Midterm Report

The Boston Celtics are a remarkable 41-9 at the All-Star break, so it's a good time to look back at a successful first half of the season and hand out some grades. Below are some individual grades and coments based on their expectations coming into the year.

Kevin Garnett (A+): A tremendous talent and inspirational leader both on and off the court. He is the soul of the team and makes Doc's job a whole lot easier.

Paul Pierce (A): Finally becoming a great team player with his defense and passing this year.

Rajon Rondo (A-): Playing with more confidence in his second year at the point and should average a triple-double in the future with his rebounding skill.

Eddie House (A-): Shooting lights out off the bench and even brings the ball up for the second team. His spark reminds me of Vinnie "the Microwave" Johnson of the old Pistons.

James Posey (B+): As advertised, good 3-point shooter and great defender. Even has the rest of the team taking offensive charge fouls.

Leon Powe (B+): Developing into a good and athletic low post player in his second year. He contributed mightily while KG was injured.

Glenn Davis (B): As a rookie, has had some inconsistent nights but his energy, hands around the basket, and his recent defense on Tim Duncan have made him a second round steal in the draft.

Ray Allen (B): Great presence on the floor and has hit some clutch shots but still trying to determine his role in the offense and having his worst shooting year thus far.

Kendrick Perkins (B): Improving his low post game every day but still benefits greatly when KG is in the line-up.

Tony Allen (C+): His injured knee and defense is getting better every game but still needs to drive more and shoot less.

Brian Scalabrinie (C): A role player who needs to have better hands around the paint.

Scot Pollard (D): A "D" for too many DNP's. Must contribute in the second half of the season.

Coaching Staff (A): With all the leadership on the team, Head coach Doc Rivers' day-today job is much easier this year. However, where he contributed the most is when he united a team with superstars and new players in the offseason. Along with Posey and KG, the addition of defensive guru Tom Thibodeau as Assistant coach has turned the Celts from the worst to the best defensive team in the league.

Front Office (A-): By getting Ray Allen, KG, Posey, House, and Thibodeau in the offseason, General Manger Danny Ainge earned his salary and may have secured the GM of the year award. Now he must try to bolster the team for the stretch drive to earn an NBA title.