Rashard Lewis, Kevin McHale respect aging Celtics

In an Orlando Sentinel article that is probably less interesting than the photo by which it’s accompanied, Rashard Lewis and Kevin McHale showed the Celtics some respect. Lewis says the Celtics still command the NBA’s admiration, even after injuries have left them reeling, while McHale, who isn’t very worried about Boston’s injury issues, said the C’s — when healthy –are the East’s best team.

Lewis:

“They’ve just got a lot of veteran guys on the team, very smart guys, but they still get the job done,” Orlando’s Rashard Lewis said. “They’re still one of the top teams in the league, so you can’t take that away from them.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for that team, and if you don’t have respect for that team, they’ll show you. So, I think you can’t look at them as an older team. They’re still a team that’s going after that trophy, and they very well have enough guys to go and win it.”

And McHale:

Kevin McHale likes that strategy. Now an analyst for NBA TV, the former Celtics star thinks Rivers is taking a smart approach with Boston’s veterans.
“I think he’s done a good job up there of keeping them from playing extended, extended minutes,” McHale said. “I think they’ve got plenty left in the tank for a run.
“I don’t think they really worry about the regular season much,” McHale added. “I just think they’ve got to find rhythm and get everybody healthy. When they’re healthy, I think they’re the best team in the Eastern Conference.”