Steve's Ramblings

We've reached the halfway point in the current NBA season. Because of injuries to many of their key players the Celtics are in the battle for a high spot in the Draft Lottery. Leading scorer, Paul Pierce, has been out since mid-December with a foot injury. Another high-scoring veteran, Wally Szczerbiak has missed a number of games because of sprained ankles. Big men, Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins, have spent some time on the injured list. Tony Allen, who had begun to show the abilities he displayed as a rookie a couple of years ago, suffered a season-ending knee injury. Delonte West has had some recurring back problems. Ryan Gomes has been consistently good all season; Sebastian Telfair has been consistently disappointing. Gerald Green has shown flashes of brilliance; Rajon Rondo is, well, a raw rookie.

It looks like it will be a battle between the Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies for the most chances in the upcoming draft lottery. The prize should be either Kevin Durant or Greg Oden, either of whom will almost instantly turn any team into a contender.