One former NBA coach said that if the Celtics were simply going to be an eighth seed next season, they should rebuild. But they pushed the conference’s best team to a seventh game with a depleted roster. And next season, the Eastern Conference could be similar, with the Bulls possibly without former MVP Derrick Rose for most of the season after he tore his left ACL during the first playoff game.

With reinforcements, the Celtics could make another serious playoff run, if they avoid the rash of injuries of the last few years.

“It would be great to end my career with Kevin,’’ Pierce said Saturday night. “I have a couple of years left. Who knows what his future is going to bring? Maybe management can do something to bring him back. I think you add some pieces to this team to get over the top. If not, it’s been a tremendous run.’’

Garnett left after Game 7 without speaking to the media, and has given no indication about his plans for next season, although retirement could be a possibility. Allen said he will undergo surgery, leaving his effectiveness in question.

Pierce, who has two years left on his contract, is the only one certain to return, meaning Ainge and coach Doc Rivers possibly would have to recruit Garnett and Allen to come back.

“I think a lot of people forget how we started the season,’’ Allen said when asked if the Celtics could make one more run with the Big Three and Rondo. “It was so helter-skelter trying to put together a team. We went through a lot of adversity, losing Wilcox, losing Jeff Green. Under the circumstances, we’re proud of what we accomplished. I don’t know what Kevin’s situation is. There’s still a lot of basketball left in my legs, I know that for sure. So it’s hard to say what can happen. But the four of us know how to play basketball. We know how to win games.’’