1- The cosmic law of averages is playing itself out. All the years of Rick Robey for Dennis Johnson, JB Carroll/Ricky Brown for Parrish/McHale, 10 championships in 11 years... still has a way to even itself out.

2- The Yankees went through a couple of rough patches too, one pre-Steinbrunner (late 60s/early 70s with CBS ownership) and one post (esentially, 1982-1995). The first Yankee recovery was largely the result of hitting the free agent market harder than other sleepy owners and GMs - and flamed out because money isn't everything.

The second recovery was sparked by home grown top talent (Jeter, Rivera, B. Williams) - and ironically, has not been sustained by the team again hitting the free agent market harder than others (because again, money isn't everything, although it sure helps)

3- Speaking of money, aren't the Celtics still making money for the partnership? And every year, there are fewer and fewer of us who remember the glory days...and more and more new fans who don't care. Sorry Bob Ryan.

4- I'll bet Trader Danny moves the #5 pick - for two more picks (with Sebastian Telfair thrown in). Or maybe one pick and‚ The New Theo Ratliff. The law of averages continues for awhile yet...