Positive outlook for Celtics as season approaches

For fans of the Boston Celtics, this past offseason seemed to fly by. Whether it was a large free-agent signing or just a status update of Kevin Garnett’s knee, the Celtics managed to remain in the news. Here the Celtics stand just one week away from opening night and it appears that the Green are already hitting on all cylinders.Of course, with every new season comes new challenges and obstacles to overcome. For coach Doc Rivers, managing the transition of Rasheed Wallace into the Celtics’ system, as well as monitoring the health of Garnett, were his primary concerns. At this point in the preseason, it appears that both Garnett and Wallace are right on track.The other major challenge that the Celtics coaching staff is facing is once again the backup point guard situation. Two seasons ago, GM Danny Ainge brought in veteran Sam Cassell; last year it was Stephon Marbury. This year, Ainge has taken a different approach.The acquisition of Marquis Daniels may in time prove to be equally as important as that of Wallace. Daniels, a 6-6 guard, does not fit the mold of your typical NBA point guard. That is something that the Celtics value as a positive. Daniels’ backcourt teammate, Eddie House, has been impressed.”He knows how to play the game, gets fouls, he’s a good slasher, good with the ball on the pick and roll, makes the right decisions,” House said. “He has a good combination of skills that fits what we’re trying to do here.”Daniels himself is looking forward to playing at the point.”I try to understand where everyone should be on the floor, to see things before they happen,” he said, “and use my size. I’m very comfortable in that point guard role.”For the Celtics, the Daniels acquisition is a breath of fresh air. Cassell and Marbury both seemed to carry a bit too much baggage for players of their declining state. Still, despite Marbury’s tumultuous past, the Celtics offered the former All-Star a $1.3 million contract ? an offer that Marbury quickly declined, deciding instead to not play at all.”I’m resting, doing what Michael Jordan did, enjoy life, do things I haven’t done in 16 years, keep building my empire,” Marbury said. “I wasn’t going to Boston for that money. It was a prudent business decision to take off this year.”Marbury’s “prudent business decision” helped the Celtics make a prudent basketball decision by improving their team with their new backup point guard, Marquis Daniels.