Like the leaves changing colors, it’s an annual rite of October for NBA teams across the land to announce their commitment to the running game when training camps open. Really, what else are they going to say: We’re going to play a boring, slow-down game that our fans will hate? 

Obviously not. 

Before departing for Europe, the Celtics talked up the transition game, and for the first time in years, they actually might mean it. With Jeff Green, Courtney Lee, Chris Wilcox and a handful of rookies on hand, the C’s finally will have the young legs to keep up with Rajon Rondo in the open floor this season, which would be a welcome change. 

With an offense that ranked a dreary 25th in points per possession and operated at a snail's pace -- 21st overall -- they sure did like to make things hard on themselves. Compounding the issue is their dreadful turnover rate, which again ranked near the bottom of the league. 

In Rondo, the Celtics have one of the most dynamic open-floor players in the league, but too many times last season potential fast breaks were snuffed out before he had a chance to attack the basket. They are at their best when they get multiple stops on defense, which lead to breaks and quick points, as coach Doc Rivers is all too aware. 

Rivers worked extensively on smaller lineups before the team left Waltham, and he said that he’s committed to using them every game. A key component of that will be Green, who has the speed and power to serve as a high-flying complement to Rondo on the wing. Green worked on his ballhandling during his year away and Rivers suggested that one of the keys to running the break is getting the ball to him ahead of the play, rather than just at the basket. 

It all sounds good in theory, but until the C's are able to show this newfound dimension, skepticism will have to suffice. It won’t be from lack of effort, however, as the transition game will be a key focus of their work this month. 

Here are three more things we learned from Boston's abbreviated opening to training camp.

JEFF GREEN WILL BE KEY

The early returns on Green’s comeback have been positive. He’s in great shape, highly motivated and eager to not only put not only last season behind him but to show that he is worth his new $36 million contract. Additionally, Rivers is determined to maximize his talent. 

“When he’s at the 3, I want him to be a power player,” Rivers said. “I want him to post more. I thought I let him down when he was with us the first time. I didn’t think we posted him enough. If you remember the Miami series, I think in the last game, he had a little stretch in the post. I don’t have a big body of work honestly to go with Jeff.

“When he’s at the 4, I want him to be the fastest player in the gym. I want him to outrun. One of the things we want to do, and we’ve been working on the last three weeks, is throwing the ball ahead to him on the break at the 4, and telling him to drive — attack the basket. There’s a 4 guarding you who probably doesn’t want to guard you. So, we want him to be an up-tempo 4 and a power 3.”

Green is the key to the Celtics' ability to play both smaller and bigger lineups. Although he’s struggled guarding bigger players, the Celtics feel that having Kevin Garnett anchor the back line will help the adjustment. Rivers hinted that Green and Paul Pierce could also play together on the wing with two bigger frontcourt players, depending on the matchup. 

“He’s the main guy when you talk about small lineups,” Rondo said. “He played the 4 at Oklahoma City, he stretched the floor with his shooting. We can get a lot of bigs on the floor as well. He can go from the 4 to the 3. Defensively, he can check 1 through 4, I believe. We expect a lot out of Jeff, but he’s fine with that pressure.” 

JASON TERRY IS FITTING IN NICELY

Celtics fans got a hint of Terry’s involvement this summer when he took it upon himself to mentor some of the younger players on the roster. He also was actively involved in a number of community appearances, and after eight years in Dallas he seems energized by the change in address. 

“So now, for me as a veteran player, it’s [my job] to help these young guys, those guys we’re going to need off the bench, be the leader for them and help them understand what it’s going to mean to win a championship,” Terry said. “There is no other goal. The goal is to win a championship, and I believe this year we have the talent, the coaching staff, the fans to get the job done. We believe it, we believe it to a man that we will win.”

Terry’s role is to provide instant offense off the bench, and he also is the de-facto backup point guard. Once again the Celtics do not have a traditional backup for Rondo, but Terry has the skill and savvy to handle the job. 

“I knew he could score of the dribble, but he’s really a natural at the point,” Rivers said.  “That surprised me. We have no choice right now with Avery [Bradley] out. We’re trying to create an offense where it’s not a point guard-dominated offense, unless Rondo’s on the floor.” 

THE RAY ALLEN THING WILL LINGER

You didn’t think this would go away, did you? Garnett stoked the flames by suggesting he’d lost Ray Allen’s number, and in case anyone didn’t get the memo, Terry batted back a question about replacing the sharpshooter by saying, “Who?” 

This will be on low simmer for a while, but expect it to be ratcheted up again heading into the season-opener on Oct. 30 in Miami. We’ll have to wait until late January for the city’s reaction to Allen’s return, but it likely won’t be pleasant. 

Allen aside, the C’s are far more relaxed and focused than when they convened for the abbreviated camp last season. The lingering animosity from the lockout seems to have cooled and there are far fewer questions about health and fitness, to say nothing of a summer blessedly free of trade rumors. 

The trip to Europe will help solidify their bond, but the Celtics appear to be rested, healthy and rejuvenated for the long season ahead.