Here are some thoughts on the Celtics as training camps open:

• It’ll be interesting to see how much KG has left in the tank. His numbers have regressed across the board from just a couple seasons ago. Nonetheless, the intangibles and the desire remain intact and it’s impossible to discount the role they’ll play on a young Celtics squad. Rondo may be the C’s best player, but KG remains the team’s heart and soul.
• Here’s hoping Garnett can effectively light a fire under rookie Jared Sullinger, the talented but scatter-brained big man from Ohio State. Sullinger impressed during Orlando Summer League action, scoring 20 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in just 24 minutes of action during his first game. Talent, however, has never been the issue. If KG can continually keep Sullinger focused and dedicated, the Celts may have the answer at power forward over the next 10-15 years.
• I’m interested to see how Avery Bradley handles an increased workload when he returns in January. With Keyon Dooling retired and Ray Allen in Miami, Bradley will get the bulk of the load backing up Rondo and aging (but still effective) combo-guard Jason Terry. Bradley is a shut-down defender, but I’m not sure he can produce enough offensively to warrant the minutes. Relatedly, the Celtics lack of depth at guard scares me. Outside Rondo, Terry, and (possibly?) Courtney Lee, there are a lot of unproven youngsters.
• Paul Pierce refuses to show his age. As the years go by, he only gets craftier. His array of start-and-stops, head fakes, and up-and-unders would make Kevin McHale proud. I think Pierce should play until he’s 50.
• Ultimately, I think the Celtics are a mid-tier playoff team in the top-heavy Eastern conference. Their experience and chemistry could push them into the second round but its foolish to think they have the horses to get by Lebron and co. or even a healthy Bulls team. Next summer, expect the rebuilding to begin in earnest.
• A final, non-Celtic related note: I like the Wizards as a playoff team. Getting rid of Andray Blatche and rebuilding around a veteran, motivated core (Okafor, Nené, Trevor Ariza) with a rejuvenated John Wall smells like success to me.