The Boston Celtics aren't dead yet; they just need to do a little tweaking.

That much was obvious following their elimination from the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Orlando Magic on Sunday.

It's also pretty clear the Celtics will want to hold onto their Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, as well as starting point guard Rajon Rondo and center Kendrick Perkins. Those five form the core of the team that won the championship in 2008.

It's true that Garnett (32), Allen (33) and Pierce (31) are all older than 30 — which is like being older than 55 in most careers. You don't need to retire, but you at least need to start thinking seriously about life after work.

But unless Celtics general manager Danny Ainge can pull off the trade of all trades (and don't think he might not try), the Big Three will return together for a Year Three.

The larger concern is what the Celtics will do with all those role players — younger, inconsistent types such as Leon Powe, Glen Davis, and Tony Allen, and once-in-a-while veteran contributors such as Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore, Eddie House and Brian Scalabrine.

Let's start with Powe and Davis. Both were better-than-expected fill-ins for Garnett, although neither will ever replace The Big Ticket's greatness. Both are also free agents this summer, and it would be a little bit of a surprise if the team were to keep both. Powe spent the end of the year on the injured list after knee surgery, and it will cost the Celtics a little more than $1 million to keep him (or retain the right of first refusal). That appears very iffy at this point.

A lot of that has to do with the status of Davis. Ainge has said he'll extend a qualifying offer — but for how much? Word is the Celtics will aim to make an offer in the three-year, mid-level range. If so, that ought to be enough to hang on to their Big Baby. And after seeing how Davis held his own (and even hit a game-winner) against stars like Orlando's Dwight Howard, as well as Chicago's athletic frontline, his return should be a high priority.

As for the frontcourt veterans, Scalabrine is under contract for one more year — although he can probably forget about an extension. He's aggressive and a solid shooter, but pretty limited physically.

Meanwhile, there was way too much hype over the late-season signing of Moore, who barely got on the floor in the playoffs with both Garnett and Powe sidelined. The Celtics have absolutely no reason to bring him back and almost certainly won't.

In the backcourt, there undoubtedly will be change. The Celtics are saying they want Marbury back, but they're not going to be all broken up if he looks for a larger role (and bigger contract) elsewhere. So a separation seems likely.

Eddie House can opt out, but that would mean walking away from close to $3 million. Considering he's not likely to get more minutes anywhere else — and the fact coach Doc Rivers appreciates him — means House probably isn't going anywhere.

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