As another regular season bounces to a close, it's obvious that the Celtics have set the standard for going another way. Based on upgrading their victory count from 24 to 64 (at post time), the C's have managed the greatest bad-to-good turnaround in league history and experienced an even more dynamic rally than John McCain.

But while this change of direction is compelling and seemingly impossible to match, the NBA has witnessed an impressive list of turnarounds. Some of these changes have tangible evidence in the win or statistical columns, while others are linked with a revival or calamity of perception.

So before grinding into the playoffs, let's review and admire the NBA's most intriguing turnarounds for 2007-2008:

MITCH KUPCHAK

As general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, Mitch had gone from being "no Jerry West" to an alleged goof incapable of surrounding the great Kobe Bryant with enough playmates to prevent a radio tour of trade demands.

But fleecing the Memphis Grizzlies for Pau Gasol enabled the Lakers to seize a favorite's role in the potentially deadly Western Conference playoffs, while Kupchak's profile has risen exponentially.

In truth, he had been on the rise before Gasol suited up for Phil Jackson. A big boost for Kupchak occurred when kid center Andrew Bynum turned into what certainly appeared to be a dominant center.

Other relatively sage moves include the return of Derek Fisher (which may have had more to do with Fisher than anyone else) and the acquisition of Trevor "I'll play defense" Ariza (a variable possibly eclipsed by the dumping of Brian Cook). Mitch also received a perception boost from the improvement of key reserves (Jordan Farmar, Vlad Radmanovic, et. al).

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Let's begin at the win column, which currently credits the Hornets with 55 victories, or 16 more than they mustered last season.

While point guard Chris Paul implemented the wishes of coach Byron Scott, the Hornets also coaxed New Orleans fans into demonstrating that a winning team can generate enough interest to survive in the Crescent City.

The Hornets, who motivated fewer than 10,000 fans into showing up three times in their first seven home games, have attracted at least 17,000 to their last five.

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL

Sure, he sort of accepted being second fiddle to Dwyane Wade in Miami, but that didn't prevent Shaq from whining about a lack of touches in the South Florida post.

O'Neal's biggest challenge this season was to arrive in Phoenix, play for contending a team with established scorers and do this without getting huffy when the ball goes elsewhere.

Thanks to miracle hip cures produced by the Suns' medical and training staff, Shaq showed up begging everyone to let him be a rebounding/defending bully.

After a few early glitches and some prolonged inconsistency from the team, the experiment has played to mostly strong reviews.

And without grumbling about it, the ball is finding its way to Shaq a bit more frequently.

KOBE BRYANT

The second Lakers employee to qualify for our list was just a few weeks removed from "trade me" insanity when something marvelous happened — Kobe noticed that the majority of guys wearing the same style of uniform really didn't stink as much anymore.

With that knowledge tucked into his hip pocket, Bryant went out and played defense like he did for Team USA, moved the ball around to buddies who made shots and almost refused to go for 40 unless the Lakers had a key injury or throwback promotion.

In the process, Kobe is a serious threat to be named Most Valuable Player for the first time.

DAVID STERN

OK, so most of this guy's perception downgrade was accrued before the season tipped off. But thanks to appearing dazed and confused during his rogue referee press conference, Stern has gone from being the William Wallace of commissioners to a guy with softer teeth than Roger Goodell.

JASON KIDD

Instead of returning to Dallas and leading the Mavericks into the playoffs with expectations of glory, J-Kidd now ranks as a possible panic hire with little chance of keeping Chris Paul off the floor in Beijing.

RICK ADELMAN

While Jeff Van Gundy deserves residual credit for the Houston Rockets' relative commitment to defense, Adelman has been issued coaching bouquets for showing up in Texas and not turning the entire place into a run-and-gun circus.

As the architect of a fun offensive party in Sacramento, I believe Adelman is one of the few coaches smart enough to covet a crazy-tempo offense while still noticing (and accepting) that Steve Nash is not on his team.

CHICAGO BULLS

While prying Bryant out of L.A. may have been impossible, it seemed as if GM John Paxson didn't even pretend to try.

Perhaps he deserves credit for not inspiring false hope. We'll put that reach for positive spin next to a team that still does less work inside than a landscaper.

Chicago's big trade did rid the Bulls of Ben "Buster" Wallace, but suiting up Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden won't lead to any late-June gatherings in Grant Park.

The blame within the blame: nice season from Kirk Hinrich.

MIAMI HEAT

The Heat won the title two years ago. Last season's explanation was injuries. This year, Pat Riley and his team have been bad enough that Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose could be around to rebuild it.

ANDREW BYNUM

The startling development of the next Laker on our list suggests that Trader Kobe really is the next Michael Jordan ... in terms of talent assessment.

HEDO TURKOGLU

While boosting his field-percentage three points (to 45), the Magic forward dragged his scoring average up to 19.6 from 13.3 — not bad when we consider that post phenom Dwight Howard is getting more touches and Rashard Lewis is a first-year teammate.

We also should note that Hedo's rebounding has improved from 4.0 to 5.8 while his dime dropping has been raised from 3.2 to 4.9.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Including a two-game losing streak, the young Sixers have won 22 of their last 32 games.

While the play of the Andres (Iguodala and Miller) was not unexpected, some league observers have been a bit surprised by contributions from rookie Thaddeus Young and former preps-to-pros shooting guard Louis Williams.

BOSTON CELTICS

Looking inside the NBA's single greatest turnaround, we find Kevin Garnett proving that he can inspire a talented supporting cast into playing great defense and sharing the ball.

Doc Rivers has demonstrated that being unable to turn undeveloped young talent into a winning team is no reason for absolute condemnation.

After inspiring considerable doubt, GM Danny Ainge looks like he's capable of having a successful-trade percentage that's higher than his Major League batting average.

RASHEED WALLACE

Wallace hasn't completed the transition from seeming emotional on-court bozo to loveable grouch, but at least he's made a few of us consider the possibility.