SLUMPING CELTs AIM TO START The NEW YEAR Off RIGHT WITH BRADLEY'S RETURN

The Celtics have been in a tail spin as of late, which has dropped them to a lowly 14-16 going into Wednesday's matchup with Western conference power Memphis. The C's come off of a terrible stretch of basketball on their recent west coast loss, featuring awful losses to the Kings, Warriors, and an embarrassing loss on TNT to the Clippers last Thursday night.

Boston hopes to ignite its perimeter defense, which has been torched by every guard in the league with a pulse as of late, with the season debut of Avery Bradley Wednesday night. However Bradley alone cannot solve the Celtics inability to rebound against a JV team, never mind a new generation of athletic big men which has made KG and company look like they have been in a retirement home this season. The one saving grace for the Celtic's big man problems could be in the form of rookie Fab Melo, who has been in beast mode in the NBA's D League. The Celtics would be better served giving this kid a chance than making a panic trade. If you can get a big man for Bass, Lee, and draft picks than make a move, but I wouldn't trade young players like Bradley, Sullinger, or Melo to make that happen. Regardless the Celtic's need to start the New Year right, despite tough competition from Memphis, the Pacers and the 1st place Knicks coming up.

- Joe Passarelli

---