Heading into his ninth season on the Celtics bench, Rivers has a good mix of veterans, youth and (finally) a strong bench as he tries to guide the Celtics to their 18th championship in franchise history, and second under his watch.
F- Paul Pierce
The Celtics captain put up a career low in points per game (16.5) in the lockout-shortened season, but was able to turn it on in the playoffs until a knee injury slowed him down. There is no doubt their frustrating losses in Games 6 and 7 to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals have left "The Truth" thirsty for another run at the title. He also wants to test the free agent waters after this season, so look for Pierce to be his normal self in 2013.
G- Rajon Rondo
While it's been in the making for the last three years, this is now Rondo's team. It's often said how Rondo goes, the Celtics go, and that will be even more true this season. As great as he played at times in 2012, he was inconsistent with both his game and attitude. Rondo has shown drastic signs of maturity in the offseason -- having the entire team work out in LA just a few weeks ago -- and if he's ready to lead, the sky is the limit for the Celtics and their crafty point guard.
F/C- Kevin Garnett
Garnett's move to center is what propelled the Celtics to another deep playoff run last season. He put up amazing numbers for someone who turned 36 during the season, but it will be important for Doc to monitor his minutes and keep him fresh for the postseason. There is no doubt KG will be motivated (and overly amped up), but how his body holds up will have a lot more to do with the Celtics' success.
F- Brandon Bass
Bass was solid in his first season on the Celtics, but a bit inconsistent. He played well during the playoffs, and having a full year in the C's system should benefit him. His jumper is dangerous when he's hot, but it would be nice to have him rebound more consistently on the defensive end.
G- Avery Bradley
Although Bradley could be out as long as January while recovering from a pair of offseason shoulder surgeries, there is plenty of reason to be excited for the third-year guard. He showed last season he is ready to play in the NBA on both ends on the floor. Bradley provides a great running mate for Rondo, and can play solid defense against most guards in the NBA.
G- Jason Terry
Terry is the sixth man the Celtics have been looking for since James Posey left town after their title five years ago. He LOVES to come off the bench, and is a sharpshooter that can score in bunches. Terry is another great veteran presence to add to the locker room, and it won't take fans long to fall in love with "The Jet."
G- Courtney Lee
Lee is another solid guard the Celtics will have at their disposal. He'll be the starting 2-guard to begin the season (with Bradley on the shelf), but will fit in nicely and make a strong second unit upon Bradley's return.
F- Jeff Green
After missing all of last season after undergoing heart surgery, it will be interesting to see if Green is a bit rusty to start the year. The Celtics invested quite a bit in the forward giving him a four-year deal at roughly $9 million per. He didn't play as well as the Celtics hoped upon acquiring him at the trade deadline two years ago, but he spent time with the team while he recovered last year and will be an integral part to the Celtics bench this season.
F- Jared Sullinger
The Celtics' first-round pick in this year's draft could pay instant dividends off the bench for a team that desperately needed rebounding last season. At Ohio State, he used his big body to clear the lane, and if it wasn't for a back injury, would have likely gone in the Top 10. He could end up as one of the biggest steals in the 2012 NBA draft.
F/C- Chris Wilcox
Wilcox is a big-man that runs the floor, meaning he fits right in with the Celtics. He was just getting going when he had to undergo heart surgery, but is ready for the new season and could be a key big off the bench for Boston.
C- Fab Melo
Boston's second first-round pick this year is seen more as a project, but the 7-foot Melo could see some time for defensive purposes. He averaged nearly 3 blocks per game for Syracuse last season, but will have to improve his rebounding in order to get consistent minutes.
F- Kris Joseph
Joseph was Boston's second-round pick in this years draft, also out of Syracuse. A solid forward while in college, Joseph played well in the NBA Summer Leagues but will have to fight for minutes off the bench. He could end up in NBADL in order to get some consistent playing time.
G- Dionte Christmas
Christmas, who played overseas last year, was also very impressive during Summer League action and was rewarded with an NBA contract. He'll have to fight for a roster spot and minutes, but he could benefit from Keyon Dooling's retirement and Bradley's injury early in the season.
C- Jason Collins
Although very limited on offense, Collins gives the Celtics a defensive-minded center that isn't afraid to throw his body around.
C/F- Darko Milicic
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft has never caught on wherever he landed, but the Celtics signed him to a low-risk contract in hopes of getting something out of the nine-year center. He could provide a little bit of depth at center, which will be key for Boston.
G- Jamar Smith
An undrafted guard, Smith will be battling with Christmas and Joseph for the final roster spot. (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
