After a rough three games to start the season, the Boston Celtics are happy to have their “Big Three” back in action. Paul Pierce missed the first three games of the season with a lingering bruised right heel but has since returned to average 10.5 points, five rebounds, and four assists through two games, both the Celtics have won.

Kevin Garnet has been performing admirably through five games averaging 13.4 points, 6.4 boards, and three assists. While his rebounding traditionally has been slightly better, it is still far to early in the season to be concerned.

Ray Allen has stepped up his game slightly this season in an attempt to make up for Pierce’s absence averaging 18.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and three assists through five games.

The best surprise has come from Rajon Rondo who is playing with purpose this season. Through five games he has improved his points scored average to 18.6 while netting 5.8 rebounds and 10 assists per game. Even in the losses in late December, Rondo was putting up strong numbers to keep the Celtics in the game.

Newly acquired Brandon Bass has been fantastic coming off the bench averaging 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.2 assists through five games. By comparison, Glen Davis is averaging just 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in five games with the Orlando Magic.

As one of the older teams in the NBA, the Celtics need to take advantage of their experience while at the same time take advantage of the draft and make smart trades if they wish to stat competitive looking past this season.

Regardless of the fact Pierce was out of the lineup for the first three games of the season, Boston still lost games to stronger teams such as the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. I will argue that the New Orleans Hornets loss was a fluke. Wins against the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards are wins nonetheless but those are two teams that are currently not at the top of their game.

Celtics’ fans need not worry this season. Boston will remain one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and should peak by the time the NBA playoffs roll around. It is moving forward in the years ahead that I am most concerned about if some high quality youth do not join the squad.

More Boston Celtics Commentary from this Contributor:

Boston Celtics drop to 0-3 in loss to New Orleans Hornets: A fan’s reaction

Boston Celtics lose again, fall to Miami Heat 115-107: A fan’s reaction

Boston Celtics drop season opener to New York Knicks 106-104: A fan’s reaction

Sources:

All data provided by NBA.com

Paul Rados is an avid Boston Celtics fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.

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