For these people at this time, it is the only acceptable outcome. If the Celtics do not win the 2010 NBA championship, they will have failed. They know and accept this.

Sure, the majority of teams come into the season saying their only goal is the Larry O'Brien Trophy, but most of those statements wouldn't stand up to cross-examination. Depending on where they are on the developmental ladder, success for many clubs can be defined as making the playoffs or going a round or two. If the Milwaukee Bucks make it to the conference semifinals and lose, it will be a good year. If the Boston Celtics make it to the conference semifinals and lose, it will be a bad year. What did a 27-2 start and winning streaks of 19 and 12 games get them last season?

We cannot see completely the twists in the road ahead this season, but we know for certain that, unlike some clubs, the Celtics will not be graded on the curve. Before they play even their first game, that is a victory.

Here are five issues that will help determine whether their final game is a `W', as well.

1. FIXING HEALTHCARE

Here is an excerpt from last year's column: ``It doesn't make for great discussion or debate, and it's not something one can accurately predict. But the fact remains that much of the Celtic outlook for the 2009 postseason will come down to health. ... If Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen walk through that door -- without a limp -- for the start of the playoffs, get ready for another good run.''

We learned last spring just how fragile things can be, and you'd have to believe this element will be even more of a question with key players growing deeper into their 30s.

Just as it's possible the Celtics wouldn't have won in '08 without P.J. Brown's 20-footer in Game 7 against Cleveland, there is the chance we'd be speculating on a three-peat now if Garnett's knee didn't fail him last February 19 in Utah. Everything can change in a New York minute or a Salt Lake City second.

2. A GOOD PRESCRIPTION PLAN

Dr. Brian McKeon is the Celtics' team physician. Doc Rivers is the psychiatrist.

The guys in sneakers have to make the plays, but, more than at any other time in his tenure here, the coach needs to have a good year. Not to minimize Rivers' significant contributions, but the 2007-08 group was guided by three stars seeking their first championship and last season was a continuation bet until KG went MIA.

This year Doc has an excitable addition at forward, a point guard coming off a turbulent offseason of trade talk and contractual barbs and a rotation to rebuild beyond the first five. He has to nurture older players now being challenged by their bodies and bring along people like Bill Walker so the Celts are better able to withstand a blow to the lineup.

3. THEY FEEL THE NEED, THE NEED FOR 'SHEED

The Celtics won a championship with key support from an aging Brown and kids like Leon Powe and Glen Davis. Even at this stage of his career, Rasheed Wallace is better than all three.

The word from the inside in Detroit is that Wallace's anger was often fueled by frustration that he no longer had a 27-year-old body. But those same people are saying that with what he now has surrounding him, Boston was the best landing spot for Wallace. The Celts need those Piston people to be right.

The only question may be whether he's willing and able to get inside on offense (something the Celts have begged Garnett to do, as well). In any case, Rasheed can be unguardable outside, and his overall presence will spread intensity throughout the rotation.

4. GETTING THE POINT

The feeling here is that Rajon Rondo will be just fine after a summer that seemed harder than it had to be. But neither Eddie House nor Marquis Daniels is a traditional point guard. Both can play the game, but it's a good bet that after watching their bench face pressure defense, the Celts will be, as they were last year, in the market for an experienced dribbler.

5. CARPE DIEM

It is critical that the Celtics understand and embrace the fact that time isn't on their side. You will hear the phrase ``window of opportunity'' quite a bit as the season progresses, and the point will be as valid as it is cliche.

You'd be stunned at the many side issues -- some serious, some petty -- that arise around NBA clubs through the year, but the Celtics cannot lose sight of the fact they won't exist in this form much longer. Each player has needs as an individual, but putting them aside in the interest of the collective is a huge key. In this league, that is never a given.

ILLUSTRATION: Kevin Garnett and the Celtics are playing against the clock. STAFF PHOTO ILLUSTRATION