With the Green off to a 2-0 start and newcomers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen putting up some pretty good numbers, expectations are high for a run at banner number 17. The Celtics are playing some solid basketball, and it’s tough to argue that the new Big Three isn’t the most talented trio currently playing in the NBA.,Sorry, Celtics fans. This is not the year.

With the Green off to a 2-0 start and newcomers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen putting up some pretty good numbers, expectations are high for a run at banner number 17. The Celtics are playing some solid basketball, and it’s tough to argue that the new Big Three isn’t the most talented trio currently playing in the NBA.

Despite all the positives, though, these Celtics aren’t ready to compete for a title.

The team won’t reach the summit this time around, but don’t count them out in the future. But the biggest obstacle in 2007-2008, as many have pointed out, is the lack of depth off the bench. James Posey and Eddie House are specialist players, but nothing more. Scot Pollard is past his prime, and players like Glen Davis, Leon Powe and Gabe Pruitt aren’t ready to play meaningful minutes for a title team.

The most glaring obstacle in the way is the strength of other teams. The Celtics may have enough talent to be a serious competitor in the Eastern Conference, but Western Conference powers like San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas and Houston clearly have more talent than Beantown. If the Celtics can reach the NBA Finals, they will need to bank on the fact that whoever emerges from the West will be exhausted after three playoff series.

Ultimately, this year is a bit premature for Boston. They will compete, and could very well win the Eastern Conference. However, they are still one big body away from a legitimate shot at the title, and could use the extra year for some of their players to become acclimated to the new environment. The Boston Celtics could very well add to their banners with a bit more growth; it just won’t be this season.