KG is Out For the Entire 2009 Postseason?!?!?!?!

So I was planning on posting an 2009 NBA playoffs preview article today... and then not one but two significant news stories occur, both of which involve my Boston Celtics

First, it's officially announced that the cornerstone of the team, Kevin Garnett, may be out for the entire playoffs. There has been a lot of speculation over the past few months that something just isn't right with KG's knee. Today it was confirmed. This is not good news for the C's playoff chances.

"It's not official that he's out for the entire playoffs, but it's official as far as I'm concerned" Doc Rivers stated before practice today.

Next it's released that Boston's GM, Danny Ainge, has a heart attack! One of his arteries was 100% clogged. He's expected to fully recover, but this is still awful news from a health standpoint.

Get well soon, Danny!

Back to the Garnett injury, I can't stress how much the Celts are going to miss KG in the playoffs. He's the best perimeter and help side defender on the team, by far. He can guard the opposing team's power forwards & centers and also clog the middle, preventing guards from penetrating the lane. He's extremely athletic and his motor is constantly running. A 7-footer that's as active as he is in terms of pressuring the ball is very rare.

KG's energy is contagious and it's clear that his presence positively influences the performances of the players around him - likely because they are afraid of him. His competitiveness is borderline insane.

Does this mean I think the C's will be upset in the first round?

Not at all... but the thought of the Perkins/Big Baby/Mikki Moore 'pu pu platter' guarding Dwight Howard in the inevitable 2nd round matchup against the Magic flat out frightens me.