here's rarely one certifiable, identifiable reason for a team going from bad to good or ugly to pretty. Sure, Jason Kidd is a major reason for the Nets' success. But he also has healthy and capable people on his side, a first for Jersey.

So it is with this year's Celtics. Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker are garnering the lion's share of acclaim and deservedly so. They are a huge reason why the Celtics are locking in on the postseason for the first time in seven years. In a diluted league with fewer and fewer skilled people arriving every year, having two versatile and athletic players is an unquestioned bonus.