A look at the Boston Celtics’ roster for the 2009-2010 season:

STARTERS:

Guard — Rajon Rondo (11.9 points, 8.2 assists, 5.2 rebounds) is coming off a career season, solidifying himself as one of the top guards in the league. He is a triple-double waiting to happen. He proved that by averaging a near triple-double in the playoffs (16.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game). The Celtics are looking for him to be more consistent this season and to be more of a leader on the floor.

Guard — Ray Allen (18.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists) is in the final year of his contract and is looking to prove that he still has a lot left in his 34-year-old legs. After being selected to his sixth consecutive NBA All-Star team, he trained all summer and says he is in the best shape of his career. He returns as one of the best shooters in the game.

Forward — Paul Pierce (20.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists) is still one of the game’s most impressive players. He ranks among the top in nearly every offensive category in team history. When games are on the line, the offensive usually flows through him and he delivers, but he is happy to share the wealth. He also is a tenacious defender who likes to guard the opposing team’s best offensive player.

Forward — Kevin Garnett (15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists) is back and is the anchor of the defense. His right knee seems fine, but he has been fighting through shin and calf pain all preseason. Much of the Celtics’ success this season relies on him staying healthy. He is a proven scorer, rebounder and defender, and he is the Celtics’ inspirational leader.

Center — Kendrick Perkins (8.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists) has improved every season since joining the NBA, and this season should be no different. He showed up for camp 15 pounds lighter and is running the court better. He’s improved his post moves, is one of the league’s best defenders in the post, and is a solid rebounder.

KEY RESERVES:

F/C — Rasheed Wallace (12.1 points, 7.4 rebounds) will spread the floor with his outside shooting. He is also a terrific defender, a good rebounder, and has an array of post moves. He provides some insurance in case Garnett reinjures his knee.

F/C — Glen Davis (7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds) worked on losing weight and improving his midrange jumper this summer. He looks to pick up where he left off in the playoffs last season, when he averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

G/F — Marquis Daniels (13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds) will be counted on to run the offense with the second unit and provide an offensive spark off of the bench.

G — Eddie House (8.5 points, 1.9 rebounds) is the Celtics’ 3-point specialist who broke Danny Ainge’s franchise single-season record for 3-point percentage last year (44.4 percent).

roblee@projo.com