Celtics are about winning - and mostly about winning championships, not division titles.
Celtics are also about being a unique franchise in a league full of cut-outs - a unique franchise that values its players and takes care of them and doesn't treat them like chess pieces. remember Tommy talking about Boston being a team where you felt safe buying a house because you knew that even when you had lost a step, you stayed to be a role player and to teach the young guys how to be a Celtic.
sometimes those two values are in complete conflict. i have been in agony ever since Game 7 2010 and have wanted another banner for this group in the worst way. i also would never have traded Bird, Parish, McHale, DJ or Ainge and i wouldn't trade Garnett or Pierce either. i know this is a different time and all, but some values should not be compromised.
sometimes in life, you ride it out with what's in your heart and have faith that things will work out.
remember that the 90's era flatline was much more about losing Len Bias and Reggie Lewis than it was holding onto veterans that deserved to retire here. what franchise could have endured those kind of losses and recovered quickly ? the early 2000's are on Pitino.
Well Said.
I think that, for me, by the time the Pitino Years had rolled around, I was about as numb to the losing as any fan was.
If Danny can hold onto Pierce and KG, and even Rondo to some extent - then this franchises' path the to the future will be secure.
The Boston Celtics are unlike most NBA franchises, save perhaps the LA Lakers. There is a TON of tradition, here. That is why the Lakers played with emotion and fire after Kobe made his comments about Dr. Buss passing.
Dr. Buss was, IMO, their Red Auerbach, to some extent.
Danny was, I'm sure - just being a prudent GM. But as a former Celtic and starter with one of the best starting 5's in NBA history, I'm SURE he has some emotional attachment to this team and KG and Paul....and for that I'm glad.
Danny has, for the most part - done right by this team and players. I was a bit sore about Perk and Ray, but Ray pretty much left of his own choice, and Perk's trade, while sad - was understandable.
For what it's worth, KG and Paul will retire as Celtics, and keep that long tradition moving forward.
Cousy...Russell..Havlicek...Cowens...Larry/Chief/McHale/DJ/Ainge....Walker (Yes, Walker - he did his best with what he had)...and now KG and Paul.
I'm glad things turned out the way they did last Thur.