They are younger, faster, more athletic and they'll be way better than the Bulls this year so bringing up the Bulls last year doesn't matter because they will be irrelevant again this year. They have two players who can check Wade, as for LeBron no one can stop him so it doesn't matter. What's important is they upgraded their front court by adding two skilled big men to be groomed under KG.
Tough to say, I put down 2nd round playoff exit though. If Bradley comes back healthy and at a high level, Lee and Terry meshing well with boston, along with Sullinger and Melo developing enough to compete then I feel they are very scary. But then again, Very rarely does anything go "according to plan"
2nd Round Exit to Conference Finals. They'll bite the dust against the Heat, Nets, or a lower seeded team. They sort of dragged their way through the playoffs and were a bit fortunate to catch Miami shorthanded. People often said that they simply played down to the competition, yet the Hawks and 76ers had them on the ropes at many times. Rondo-Pierce-KG are still a good 3 players to have along with Terry, Bradley, Lee, and two rookies with great potential. I don't think they are a championship contender unless Miami just blows this year.
They have a good mix of veterans/young players. But I don't think they can beat Miami or OKC. I do think that their better then last year though. Inserting a healthy Avery Bradley(SG) and Jeff Green(PF), should re-energize and bring some athleticism to the starting lineup. Not to mention Jared Sullinger, despite being a rookie, should fit well in a six man type of role of the bench. I mean the kid can flat out produce, he has a great combination of power and skill, and hopefully he doesn't have any re-occurring back problems.
Terry and Lee won't replace Allen, but it's a good balance of offense and defense. Plus, they could get a healthy Bradley and Jeff Green back and one of their rookies may break out. All this, plus their remaining Big Three maintain their level and chemistry, this could be an interesting team. Lots of variables, too.
