Five predictions for the second half

The Celtics begin their unofficial second half of the season on Wednesday night. The very next day is the trade deadline. In all likelihood, Wednesday night could potentially be the last time this whole group plays together.

So what's in store for the second half?

Here are five predictions:

1. Jeff Green and Brandon Bass will be traded: Where there's smoke, there's fire, and there sure is a lot of smoke around Green and Bass. Both have a lot of value, and the Celtics could get a decent return. Look for Danny Ainge to try his best to get rid of these two.

2. Kelly Olynyk will be named to the All-Rookie second team: The NBA rookie class is pretty weak. Aside from Trey Burke and Michael Carter-Williams, there are no standouts. The Celtics will more than likely be sellers at the deadline, and Olynyk will have more of an opportunity to make an impact in the second half. The C's will be sniffing the finish line, and Olynyk will get a real shot to show what he's got. But to be safe, I'll put Olynyk on the second team.

3. The Celtics will finish with the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference: There's no way the Celtics will catch the Milwaukee Bucks (9-43) or the Philadelphia 76ers (15-39) for the worst record in the East. Both teams are in full tank mode. The Celtics aren't quite there yet. They'll still be bad, but they won't be that bad.

4. Brad Stevens will finish in the top three in the Coach of the Year voting: If the Celtics were vying for a playoff spot, I could see Stevens as the front-runner for Coach of the Year. Nonetheless, Stevens has done a great job in his first season as an NBA head coach. His poise and basketball knowledge have been off the charts. This team takes their cue from Stevens, and he's done a nice job of remaining even-keel throughout this rough season. Atlanta Hawks' head coach Mike Budenholzer and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts should be the front-runners, but Stevens should be right there with them.

5. Rajon Rondo will not be traded: We've been hearing Rondo's name in trade rumors for four years now. And yet, he's still here. Rondo was recently named team captain, and Ainge told 98.5 The Sports Hub that the team has engaged in preliminary contract extension talks with Rondo. Ainge and company have stood behind Rondo and have said all the right things. This team will be built around Rondo.