Doc’s decision prescribed excitement for Celtics in 2010-11

It almost wasn’t this way; the excitement surrounding tonight’s Celtics season opener nearly didn’t happen.The Boston Celtics were one Doc Rivers decision away from being just another stepping stone on Miami’s way to the top. Those close to the Celtics head coach had strongly suggested that Rivers was ready to leave the Celtics sidelines and return home to his family in Orlando.For the Green, Rivers’ choice changed the entire direction of the franchise. Paul Pierce had made it no secret that without Rivers, he most likely was not coming back. Instead “The Truth” inked a four-year contract extension that should ensure he retires a Celtic.Without Pierce in the fold, free agent Ray Allen is probably suiting up for tonight’s opponent (Miami) and you can forget about the 14 feet of O’Neals (Jermaine and Shaquille).No, without Rivers the only thing the Celtics would be contending for this season is lottery balls.Tonight the Celtics welcome to town the traveling circus that is the Miami Heat, and while no one is questioning the talent on the Heat’s roster, one wonders about humility. Will Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh sacrifice personal numbers for the benefit of their team?Eventually Miami’s “Big Three” will learn to play with one another. Make no mistake, the Heat will be a great basketball team and they will contend for multiple championships.The question is, when?The fact is, the Celtics do not care about next season; the only future they are playing for is tomorrow. If the Celtics are intimidated by Miami, they certainly are not showing it.”They should be good, but they haven’t done anything yet,” Rajon Rondo said. “They haven’t done anything.”What is there to be nervous for?” he asked. “I’m worried about LA. That’s the team we need to beat. Miami looks really good on paper, and I’m sure they’re going to be really good. But they still have to come together as a team. I’m not saying they won’t, but who knows if those guys can jell?”The 2010-2011 NBA season kicks off tonight at the Garden and the Celtics’ opponents have many questions to answer. Is Miami really ready to set ego aside to win now? How will Kobe Bryant recover from off-season knee surgery? Will the Orlando Magic finally live up to their potential? The Celtics entered the off-season with many questions of their own. A simple “yes” from Rivers answered those questions. For the Celtics the future is now, and now begins tonight.