” This trophy has a busier schedule than most people. “The remark by Kara Keena, the Celtics' director of basketball operations, is enough to make Joe Mazzulla smile. After the first celebrations of the title, he had wondered what would happen next and what would happen to the trophy during the summer.
While the leader, returning from a short trip to Miami, was leaning towards a simple return home, the Celtics coach had This formula reported by the Boston Globe : ” No, we have to introduce Larry to people. »
” Larry » O'Brien to be precise, named after the trophy that Bostonians have waited 16 years for, the C's last title dating back to 2008. The franchise therefore had to put logistics in place to ensure this summer tour. And designate the person in charge of watching over the object in question.
” When you read a job description, it always says 'Other duties as assigned'. I don't think I ever considered being a trophy keeper. But I'm glad it was added to my resume. “, smiles Kara Keena, in charge of this mission like no other, alongside Vice President Peter Fayette.
Be careful when handling it
” Larry ” has traveled across the country, overseas and throughout New England. It has been held by dignitaries, star musicians, Major League players and amazed children. It even occupied a chair at a high-profile wedding. That of Payton Pritchard, giving rise to some rather funny photos.
A calendar had to be put in place to rationalize the trophy's schedule, which also passed through Joe Mazzulla's native lands, to meet the maximum number of requests.
While taking the usual precautions: ” You think, 'Wait a second, this could be easily broken.' The hardest part is wanting to share it while still maintaining the balance of protecting it. ” notes Keena.
The latter adds: “ The last thing you want is for players to feel the pressure of, 'Here's this big trophy,' and the case and all the rules that come with it. Like, 'Don't spin it. Don't break it.' So Pete and I played babysitters. »
Before Usher performed at TD Garden last month, the Celtics asked him if he wanted to see the trophy. The superstar accepted the invitation, and Fayette handled the logistics.
After about… 80 appearances during this particularly eventful summer, Larry will return to the Garden in style. It will be on October 22, on the occasion of the start of the season against the Knicks.
