Historic franchise of the NBA, not only for its record of championship titles (17) but also for its presence in the league since the first season, in 1946, the Celtics place great emphasis on their history. We remember, for example, the filmed discussion between Kevin Garnett and Bill Russell, when the former arrived in Massachusetts.
This summer, Joe Mazzulla wanted to reconnect with this desire to get different generations talking.
“I sent an email to all the former Boston players because I think it’s important that they share their experience with my players”he says for NBC Sports. “They started this tradition and now it’s our responsibility as the franchise to continue to keep it alive. The past is the champion banners but it must also be the men. So I thought it was important that any Boston player could be welcomed for a practice or a game, to build a brotherhood. »
The former glories of the franchise are therefore invited to join the Celtics 2023/24, whether at practices and matches or even during plane trips and team dinners. The first to respond to this call were Tom “Satch” Sanders, Eddie House, Leon Powe and Paul Pierce.
“This is what I think should be done.” comments the champion and MVP of the 2008 Finals. “It’s always been like this since I’ve been in this franchise. Whenever I looked up, Tommy Heinsohn was still there. And there was John Havlicek, Bill Russell, Bob Cousy. As soon as they were there, they brought a certain energy. I love Joe Mazzulla’s idea of contacting us so that we can be more present, and that we come not only to the matches but also to the training sessions, so that we can be around this team. It’s part of our culture. »
Paul Pierce was already very close to the Celtics since the start of the summer since he trained with Jayson Tatum. And the latter appreciates seeing former glories getting closer to him and his teammates.
“It’s great to have old people around you. Their presence, the fact of being able to talk to them, it’s positive,” thus advances the All-Star. “Paul Pierce told us a lot of stories about their championship team, things that will help us this season. »
