But beyond the question of who will do what, there remains the question of how hungry this team will be. Will the "Big Three" be able to summon the same intensity in 2008-09 that they had when they were chasing the title that validated their brilliant but title-free careers?

"There is the exhale," Maxwell says. "No doubt that happens, but that exhale with veterans isn’t like it is if you’re a second-year player who’s gotten there and thinks it’s easy to get there again. Older players may relish (the success) a little more knowing their time and opportunity is shorter. These guys have a sense of urgency to win it."

When asked about the hunger of his veterans, Rivers says without hesitation that it's there. But he adds just as quickly, "It’s the other guys who’ve done the pat on the back and trophy tours all summer, we’ll see how hungry they are."

Asked if they are up to the task of being the marked team for the rest of the league, Rivers says, "I don’t know the answer. That’s something we’ll see. I have seen that they are hungry. They have a great sense of urgency in practices.

"Right now, it’s not a concern. But once the season starts and everybody’s attacking you every single game that will be something we’ll have to face and see what our resolve will be. When you're the world champions, every night is a big game for the other team."

And that will make it a long, hard journey. One that will inevitably take a physical toll. After playing 108 games last season (a schedule that began with a trip to Europe), these Celtics have some wear on their tires. Staying healthy is the X-factor.

Health is what kept the Rockets from a three-peat, says Cassell.

"You understand what it takes, but getting your body to do it? Injuries (have to be a concern)," he says. "My third year with Houston, we were so beat up we had no chance."

Rivers says that was on the team’s mind last year and will be again.

"We managed the regular season last year,” Rivers says. "We cut the Big Three’s minutes. They understand when they are on the floor they have to perform. But their ego is on the line every night, the Big Three, and it has been through their careers. The role players are the ones I’m more concerned with."

It’s a long journey from the Oct. 28 opener against LeBron James and company to the Finals in June. And Rivers seems to understand that the best way to manage that is to keep his head down and focus on the present rather than thinking about what may happen when the weather’s warm again.

"Do it again, Doc!"

Rivers knows that's going to be a lot easier said than done.

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