Tradition Continues.

Stephen M. Hague - June 17, 2008

Sorry Rudy, Rocky, and Raging Bull. This is a script writers dream. The story of the 2008 world champion Boston Celtics couldn't have been written any better. Think of all of the characters and story lines that are woven into this gem.
THE GODFATHER:
Start at the top with the late patriarch of the Celtics, Red Auerbach. Who after all of those championships as coach, general manager, and president, passed away a year and a half ago. Make no mistake though, that his input and tutelage of Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers was present.
THE VP and GENERAL MANAGER:Ainge himself a two time winner as a player, collected the pieces as GM to deal away at the right time in building this team. His team "lost" the lottery last year and traded the 5th pick to obtain Ray Allen. He also talked old friend and Timberwolves VP Kevin McHale into trading Kevin Garnett for a couple of first round draft picks and a handful of complimentary players.
THE COACH:Doc Rivers who was fired from Orlando after 4 winning seasons as coach and 3 straight trips to the playoffs. His team's 18 game losing streak last year no doubt left his job in jeopardy, but Celtics management and ownership stayed with him. He's only the fourth coach in Celtics franchise history to have earned the NBA Coach of the Year Award and he was instrumental in keeping his team focused all year. He also badly outcoached 9 championship winning coach Phil Jackson.
THE PLAYERS:
Finals MVP Paul Pierce - 10 year survivor of mostly mediocre Celtics teams. Matured into a great player and team captain. Came back from a scary knee injury in game 2 to lead the team to a win.
Kevin Garnett - Big Ticket whose leadership ability was questioned in Minnesota because he could never win it all. Unquestionably the biggest reason banner 17 will be raised to the rafters this fall. His defensive intensity helped bring this team from worst to first.
Ray Allen - One of the greatest pure shooters the NBA has ever seen. Like Pierce and Garnett, sacrificed personal statistics for the chance at a title. Fought through a difficult shooting slump early in the playoff's to have a great final 2 series including a record tying (7) 3's in Game 6. Also played the last 2 games on very little, if any sleep after his infant son was hospitalized and diagnosed with diabetes.
Rajon Rondo - 2nd round pick last year struggled in the games in LA and willed himself to 21 points, 6 steals, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in Game 6.
Kendrick Perkins - 23 year old anchored the defense in the middle and played the last 2 games with an injured shoulder.

All that's left is to choose the producer and director. Let's see if we can also find a role for Jack Nicholson.