Last year, the Celtics were a great team with a high chance of winning a second title in a row. Then things changed in a flash, as Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe had got injured.

Without Garnett, the team simply wasn’t the same. Glen Davis was forced to fill in for Garnett (to make matters worse, Leon Powe was hit with injury too), and simply couldn’t fill the void that Garnett’s absence left.

In Davis’s defense, he did score 15 points per game, pulled down some rebounds, and some blocks, but Garnett’s presence is about a lot more than just the stats. It’s about his drive, it’s about his leadership, and it’s about the way he improves every other player on the floor.

Garnett is a born leader, raising the level of play of those around him. He never gives up, and fights as hard as he possibly can for every point, rebound, and block. The Celtics lost this ferocity when Garnett was injured, and the team changed for the worse.

It even spilled over to players like NBA All-Star Ray Allen. Allen simply couldn’t get it going during the series against Orlando, and many fans blame his ineffectiveness for the fact that the Celtics couldn’t advance to the NBA finals. Regardless, anyone would just about agree that a Kevin Garnett in the lineup would have solved all of these problems instantly.

With Garnett back, I believe that the Celtics are once again the favorite to win the crown in 2010.

Adding to my enthusiasm is the recent signing of free agent Rasheed Wallace, whose skill set and drive should add a heap of depth to the Celtics’ roster. He’ll also be a valuable backup to Garnett should he be hit with another injury.

Here’s to some health in Boston next season. If the team remains healthy, I believe they’re the team to beat.