The Boston Celtics should be contenders again next season vs. the sportsbook NBA odds, especially since they re-signed their top player, Paul Pierce to a four-year, $61 million dollar deal.
Pierce is coming off another very good season for Boston and he nearly led them to an NBA title but the Celtics could not get past the Lakers. Boston should have most of their key players back next season which means they will have a chance to win vs. the NBA odds at the online sportsbook.
Sportsbook odds are definitely impacted by the play of Paul Pierce. He led the Celtics in scoring this season at just over 18 points per game. Pierce opted out of the final year of his contract but he reached an agreement with the Celtics that will probably keep him in Boston green for the remainder of his career. Pierce has played 12 years for Boston and is second only to Larry Bird in points per game. He is first in franchise history in 3-pointers, third in total points, second in steals, ninth in rebounds and eighth in games played.
The Celtics will be trying for one more run at a championship with the current group. Head coach Doc Rivers decided to return and the core of Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen should be back as well. Allen is a free agent but signs are pointing to the Celtics bringing him back.
Pierce may have been able to get more money elsewhere in free agency but he may not have been able to get a fourth year on a contract which is what Boston gave him. Pierce will be earning less money in 2010-2011 as online sportsbook information indicated but he will be getting security with the four-year deal. The deal is a good one for Boston for next season as they free up cap space but it is a good deal for Pierce over the long-term because he gets a four-year deal.
Boston will now turn their attention to re-signing Allen which should not be that difficult considering he is 35-years old. The market for aging shooting guards is not that great. Boston will probably be able to bring him back as they look to keep their big three together for another run at an NBA title.