One thing’s for sure, Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge isn’t worried about the Miami Heat.

“We’re the Eastern Conference champions. And we think we’re going to be better next year.” Those were the words uttered by Boston Celtics manager Danny Ainge heading to the 2010 NBA basketball season, a season already proclaiming the trio of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh in Miami the heavy favorites to win it all.

Ainge confirmed that the Boston Celtics have agreements in place with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen that would keep Boston’s Big Three intact for a run at a third NBA Finals stint in four years. Ainge also said he expects to sign free agent center Jermaine O’Neal to fill in while center Kendrick Perkins recovers from knee surgery.

A six-time All-Star, Jermaine O’Neal has averaged 14 points and 7.5 rebounds in a 14-year career for Portland, Indiana, Toronto and Miami. With the Heat last year, he averaged 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in 28 minutes. However, O’Neal struggled mightily in the playoffs against the Celtics, averaging just 4.2 points per game in the five-game series.

Remaining on Ainge’s list of potential free agents are re-signing longtime Celtics bench player Tony Allen and midseason acquisition Nate Robinson.

“We’re trying to fill our roster in. Once we get this taken care of the next couple of days, then we’ll start working on the next group of guys,” Ainge said. We like Nate and Tony. I’m sure they’re still looking at the market, too, because the market’s pretty crazy right now. So we’ll be patient and look at other options as well in case they go in another direction.”

“We intend to sign him,” Ainge said. “Our priorities to start the offseason were obviously Paul, Ray, and to strengthen our center position in light of Perk’s injury. Hopefully by tomorrow we’ll have these things taken care of and then we can continue working.”

Ainge said he thinks Boston remains the team to beat in the East, regardless of the fact that LeBron James chose to play for the Miami Heat. The Heat has already agreed to terms with top free agents Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

“I have a great deal of respect for all those guys — all the top-notch free agents,” Ainge said in Orlando, Fla., where the Celtics are playing in a summer league. “Whatever happens, I know that it’s going to be a challenge. The East is going to be stronger. But I think everybody that’s worth their salt thinks they can beat somebody.”

Part of the reason for optimism could be the fact that the Cavaliers, who had the best record in the NBA last season, will be diminished as a threat without James. And even with him, Cleveland lost to the Celtics in the playoffs in two of the past three seasons.

Which team will win the 2011 NBA Championship? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Miami Heat 2.75

Los Angeles Lakers 3.75

Boston Celtics 13.00

Dallas Mavericks 19.00

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Boston Celtics Jermaine O’Neal