With new additions, C’s begin quest for successful season

It’s that time of year again, the time when the temperatures begin to cool, the days become that much shorter, and the leaves of New England turn from bright green to glorious shades of orange, red, and yellow. For Boston Celtics fans, however, this is the time of year when their lives become Green once again. And for the Celtics themselves, it’s a time of renewed health, renewed commitment, and a renewed drive to win title number 18 for the 17-time world champions.Despite an off-season full of drama, it appears that Celtics GM Danny Ainge may have actually improved his team pretty dramatically, for the argument can be made that the Green now have four future Hall of Fame players on their roster. Of course, the addition of the 35-year-old man of mystery that is Rasheed Wallace did not come without much-deserved scrutiny and skepticism. As much as Wallace is known for his defensive presence and feathery jump shot, he is known more as the guy that just can’t seem to keep his mouth shut.Wallace, in his defense, has said all the right things since joining the Celtics, telling the media, “I know what type of players we have on this team, I know the coaches we have on this team, so it’s going to be good. It’s going to be a fun, long ride.”And as far as those that have a negative opinion of him, Wallace gave us this gem: “Opinions are like backsides. Everybody’s got one.”In addition to the Wallace acquisition, the Celtics also signed free-agent swingman Marquis Daniels. Daniels, a 5-year NBA veteran, spent last season with the Indiana Pacers, putting up nearly 14 points and five rebounds a contest. More importantly for the Celtics, the valuable minutes Daniels will provide may be just what the doctor ordered for the aging bodies of stars Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.A couple of storylines to keep an eye on throughout camp are the contract situations of both Rajon Rondo and Allen. One player is looking for his first big payday, the other is looking for his last. Both players enter the 2009-2010 campaign with a heavy financial incentive to stay healthy and perform well.The Celtics were prematurely eliminated from last year’s playoffs with a second-round loss to the Orlando Magic. With last year’s core of players, Ainge would have to provide additional reinforcements for better results. Celtics head coach Doc Rivers thinks that mission has been accomplished.”I think we had a very good offseason,” Rivers said. “I gave Danny Ainge a shopping list after the season and he pretty much fulfilled it. Getting more size, a backup for Paul and Ray that can swing to both players. Marquis Daniels is perfect in that role. We have offensive punch for stretching the floor in Rasheed. We did a lot of what we wanted to do.”Most importantly for the Celtics, the word at training camp is that injured star Kevin Garnett has been participating in full-court 5-on-5 basketball for more than two weeks. He is entering training camp with “no restrictions” and Celtcs fans should expect to see Garnett on the court when the exhibition season begins next week. Good news for the Green, for without a healthy KG, Ainge’s off-season shopping list may have well consisted of eggs, milk and bread instead of just the condiments.