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Past success doesn't guarantee results, but, on paper, the Celtics appear to have put together a solid offseason, particularly given the salary constraints the team faced. But we won't know until the new season begins if it truly was as shrewd a haul as it seems to this point.

Boston's offseason was governed by a low-risk, high-reward mentality. There were times last season when it seemed like Daniels and Robinson had no chance of coming back. But the market dictated Boston give them a second look and, knowing both likely underperformed for much of their time in Boston, it was worth the sticker price to hope they bounce back this season (particularly in more defined roles).

In a market particularly thin on perimeter players, the Celtics likewise hope that Wafer can find the game he displayed in 2008-09 with the Rockets. For a minimum salary, it's worth the gamble.

Even veteran players like the O'Neals and even Ray Allen offer some risks given their NBA mileage. But Boston pins its hopes on the fact that these past All-Stars still have gas in the tank, something they all showed at stretches last season (even if they also struggled at times).

What's more, the Celtics didn't mortgage their future in order to remain competitive. Pierce is the only player who received a contract of more than two years this offseason, and there's reason to believe he'll remain effective into the twilight of his career, lending his talents even when this roster is overhauled.

For sure, there's still work to be done, particularly in integrating the new faces and ensuring that all these big egos fit into Boston's locker room. But consider the alternatives to how this offseason played out: Imagine if Boston didn't retain Pierce or Allen. Imagine how the team would be struggling to fill those sort of holes, especially with limited resources, much of which were devoted to simply plugging the void presented by Perkins' absence to start the 2010-11 season.

The urgency of the offseason is waning as Ainge's checklist nears completion. It's time for everyone from Ainge to the fans who stayed on this Celtics roller coaster straight through the 2009-10 season into free agency to enjoy the lull that August and September should provide.

The roller coaster will start back up again before you know it, and it's sure to be another wild ride. One that the Celtics hope won't offer another break until late June of 2011.

Chris Forsberg is the Celtics reporter for ESPNBoston.com who's checking in from Patriots training camp this week. Follow him on Twitter.