There are some reasons for Celtic fans to get excited again. It looks like the team has finally matured from Paul Pierce and his kindergarten class, to a legit team. Al Jefferson may be living up to all his hype, and Gerald Green always seems to raise people's blood pressure any time he plays. There are those that have shown their flashes, and of course Ryan Gomes. But then again this excitement in the air could just be the team has won five straight games...

...after losing five straight. Confused? You are not alone. But you can only suspect the emergence of the youngsters has its fingerprints all over the current streak.

It finally looks like Al Jefferson has become Big Al. He has put together some good streaks in the past, but this time he looks a lot more comfortable, and a lot more confident. When he has that little mini-hook on his side, can you blame him? He is on pace to set a new career high in points by nearly 200. Even when he hasn't put up the points, he is consistently rebounding the ball. He's had double digit rebounds during the last five wins, and a double double in four. Impressive, and it could mean he is breaking out of his shell. Unless he gets hurt, again...

No one can argue that Gerald Green is not a scorer. That is all he does, and in exciting ways. He has a very mature jump shot, and has a pretty good shot from behind the arc. If that can develop a little more, imagine his scoring average. And there is no doubt he is always hovering around the rim. That's where his dunking ability comes in. It's more of a bonus to the fans. If he can learn to play defense, it might not hurt the team when Wally gets hurt. If only Doc would play him more than once a week.

There are those players that always show some flashes, like Delonte West and his streaky shooting. If he could make a jump shot consistently, and stay 100% healthy, he could be a legitimate, wait what's his position? The fact he doesn't know whether he is a point guard or a shooter could have something to do with his streakiness. Tony Allen has also opened some eyes in the last few games, so maybe he is returning to his rookie year form. There is still hope.

Then of course, there is Ryan Gomes. He is a stud in his second year. A legitimate scoring threat now that he has that long jumper, and is always around the rim on both ends. He also understands the game extremely well for a sophomore. That could be four years of college at work. Or it could just be that I'm crazy about Ryan Gomes. In a manly way, not a weird way.

So the young guys are finally looking good. Once Gomes gets healthy, he can pair with Big Al for a pretty good combo down low. It's fun to watch games when someone other than Paul Pierce takes over. Big Al can do it, Gomes has done it, and Gerald Green could do it if he plays (another shot at Doc). It would help if Telfair would wake up from his sleep walk mode, but if Pierce can hold up, and these guys can mesh together like Danny Ainge has been saying for the last five years, there is a pretty good chance of making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. It is possible the Atlantic Division Champ could be under .500. And if they do suck, they may get Greg Oden. Right?

I'll explain the recent hiatis tomorrow, as well as some extra thoughts.