Could the Boston Celtics have been rope-a-doping us all along?

I've thought it; you've thought it. Or maybe if you haven't, you should have.

What, you ask, am I talking about? The "rope-a-dope" Boston Celtics, ladies and gentlemen.

Yes, it arose in most of us from plumbing the depths of the tin foil hat-part of our brains as we sought to explain why a widely-lauded coach and talented team were (not) working together to produce such an underwhelming season. No, I don't actually believe this.

At least, I'm pretty sure I don't.

In case you're not following me, hear me out. "Rope-a-dope" refers to a boxing tactic made famous by Muhammad Ali, which entails faking distress against the ropes, so opponents go for a knockout with sloppy punches and little defense,…