GARNETT TRADE

You have to hope that Chris Bosh welcomes challenges; especially big, tall, lanky challenges named Kevin Garnett.
All of a sudden Danny Ainge has switched his team from a bunch of talented but unproven kids to a trio of All Star veterans. Bye, bye Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, 2 first round picks and hello KG.

Now before any starts gushing over this team the way Alan gushes over the Cowboys let’s think about how this trade will pan out. Boston traded the farm for Garnett and he is worth every bit of it. Last year he put up 22 points per game, 12.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.7 blocks. He is a team player who has never played with guys as good as Pierce or Allen and after 12 years in Minnesota you have to think that he is happy for a change of scenery. But Garnett isn’t the problem; the problem is Pierce.

Paul Pierce is a high volume shooter who wants the ball in his hands. He has never played with other super stars and I think it will take some time for him to mesh with Allen and Garnett. I think Pierce might pull a Terrell Owens if he doesn’t get enough shots. The other problem is injuries. Garnett has been very durable during his career, but Pierce and Allen have missed substantial time in recent years. Boston will be able to field an awesome starting line up but they have a very thin bench and that is where they will be weak.

I think that Minnesota got a great deal. They were looking at another year of relying too heavily on Garnett and not making the playoffs. They are now stacked with youth and draft picks. Their fans are finally going to get to see something different and it should be exciting.

What does this mean for the Raptors?

Bosh has always said that Garnett is his role model and he is now going to get a chance to compete against him on a regular basis. The good thing is that Bosh is entering his prime and will be quick enough to give Garnett problems; the bad part is that the Raptors have no answer for him on defense. When the Celtics added Allen at the draft I wasn’t too worried because the Raptors play good perimeter defense but Garnett will free up space on the outside by demanding a double team. The Raptors strength needs to come from their bench depth. When the 30 something GAP trio get tired, the Raps will have to make their runs.

What does this mean for the Atlantic?

The addition of Garnett, Allen and Zach Randolph will make the Atlantic division much better and should help shake off the title of leagues worst division. Some sports writers are already hailing Boston as contenders in the East - rubbish…rubbish I tell you - this team will make the playoffs but they will not win the Atlantic division. You can’t just throw three players like this together and assume greatness.