By: Dan Massar, YawkeyTalkies Correspondent

The NBA regular season is finally here.  Our long dark national nightmare is over.  The Celtics are of course no longer the defending champions.  An injury to Kevin Garnett last season took care of any hope for another title in 2009.  The Lakers will be the ones trying on rings Tuesday night.

While that should make you queasy as a Celtics fan, there is reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season.  The big three are all healthy and Rasheed Wallace is now wearing green.  So without further ado, here are the top 5 story lines for the 2009-2010 Boston Celtics.

5. Jesus Shuttlesworth is in a contract year: Ray Allen’s contract expires after this season.  He will also turn 35 in July.  While Allen still possesses perhaps the sweetest jumper in the NBA, the mid 30’s are not a kind time for shooting guards.  The good news is Allen should be even more motivated this season so he can be rewarded with a contract at the end of the season.  He actually performed better last year than in the championship season.  He shot 95% from the free throw line and 48% from the field.  Throw in 40% from three-point land and he had an impressive season.  If he could duplicate it this season the Celts will be in great shape.

4.  The Bench: Every championship teams need contributions from the bench.  The Celtics’ bench this season could be quite effective.  The addition of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels will be key.  Throw in the return of Glen “Big Baby” Davis and you’ve got three quality bench players who could start on a lot of teams.  Backup point guard could be an issue but House and the versatile Daniels could share the duties.

3. Rasheed Wallace goes ring shopping: Rasheed is a part of two of the main storylines for this season.  He will be a main bench player as was just mentioned.  But, his mere presence on this team is a major storyline in itself.  Wallace is a great talent.  While he’s getting up there in age like Allen, he’s still a supremely talented big man who can shoot three’s and play tough defense.  He should fit right in with the veteran Celtics.  His “hot head” shouldn’t be too much of an issue.  If it becomes one expect KG to put him in line.  Wallace has won one title and is hungry for another.  His passion for another championship should outweigh any of the negative aspects of his technical foul temper.

2. Rajon Rondo points the way: Rondo was brilliant in the first round of the playoffs last year.  He was a triple double waiting to happen.  But the offseason wasn’t a great time for Rondo.  There were trade rumors and criticism from Danny Ainge.  The big question is going to be how does Rondo respond this season?  Judging from his performance in the preseason it could be a tremendous season for the young point guard.  He is in great shape and seems to be motivated and ready to raise his game.  Rondo can be one of the best point guards in the league and if he becomes one this season it will put Boston in position to be playing deep into June.

1. KG’s knee is the key: I wrote a column last month about the importance of Garnett being healthy this season.  The Celtics cannot compete for a title without Garnett contributing as the driving force on defense and one of the main options offensively.  If his knee holds up, the Celtics are poised to party like it’s 2008.  If he ends back on the bench in street clothes there won’t be a happy ending for the green.

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