May 14, 2009 2:02 pm US/Eastern
C-E-L-T-S = T-E-A-M
Reporting
Dan Roche
ORLANDO (WBZ) ―
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Eddie House, Stephon Marbury and Ray Allen celebrate the Celtics Game 5 win at the Garden, May 12.
Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images
We have been blessed in Boston for this decade, no question about it.
You start with the three-time Super Bowl winning New England Patriots.
The team that wanted to be introduced "as a team" in their stunning upset of St. Louis in their first Super Bowl victory.
Bill Belichick says that was all on the players.
They wanted that.
And as we've seen, no player has been bigger than that team.
It's a credit to Robert Kraft, Belichick, and the players.
Next up, the two-time World Series winning Boston Red Sox.
From the "Cowboy Up" days of Kevin Millar, Johnny Damon, David Ortiz, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield... all the way down.
This was a team.
Then they brought in the likes of Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, etc. in 2007 and they do it again.
Starts with John Henry, Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino, Theo Epstein, Terry Francona and goes down to the players.
The Bruins?
They are getting there, no question.
Give credit to Jeremy and Charlie Jacobs for bringing in Peter Chiarelli, Cam Neely, Don Sweeney, etc. into the front office, Claude Julien and his staff behind the bench.
And then Chiarelli bringing in veterans such as Aaron Ward, Zedeno Chara, Tim Thomas, Dennis Wideman, Marc Savard, Mark Recchi, and PJ Axelsson to go along with youngsters such as Milan Lucic, Phil Kessel, Byron Bitz, and Blake Wheeler.
Let's hope they win a Game 7 against Carolina.
I also give credit to the New England Revolution.
They have had solid ownership Jonathan (and Robert Kraft).
A great coach in Steve Nicol.
Players such as Taylor Twellman, Jay Heaps, Steve Ralston, Matt Reiss, etc... they have been to four MLS Cup Finals.
No, they haven't won yet, but they've been one of the best franchises in the MLS.
And finally, the Boston Celtics.
They are the ultimate team in the NBA.
I don't know about you, but I am not a big fan of the constant NBA "hype machine."
I hate the NBA shoving the likes of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James down our throats 24/7.
They did this all last year during Boston's drive to their 17th title and they are doing it again this season.
Much like the San Antonio Spurs, who quietly have won 4 titles, the Celts don't really get promoted by the league.
It's amazing how the Celtics were thrown together last season and somehow managed to win a title.
KG, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce pushed aside their personal stats in order to get it done.
Why am I bringing this up?
Well, the dust-up between Orlando's Dwight Howard and coach Stan Van Gundy got me thinking about it.
Yes, I know Howard must be frustrated watching the last two games waste away, but... he should have aired his grievances quietly.
I'm sure KG, Paul, or Ray had to be frustrated at times last season.
I'm sure in the playoffs (especially on the road) they were probably saying, "Hey, just give ME the ball" and I'll get it done."
However, no whining.
They probably argued behind closed doors.
But, they didn't show any frustration in public. It was fun to watch.
And by the way, give Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers credit for keeping the ship straight.
This year?
How about losing KG and Leon Powe and STILL getting it done.
Pierce and Allen playing monster minutes and now the young guys stepping up into bigger roles on the team.
The "New Big Three" of Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, and Big Baby Davis.
Add in the likes of Eddie House (who could be starting on many other teams), Brian Scalabrine, and Stephon Marbury.
And, by the way, say what you want about Marbury, but he's used to being "the guy" on NBA teams.
He's been very professional and was rewarded for it by coming up with a huge 4th quarter in Game 5.
So there you go.
Yes, we are spoiled. Enjoy it.
This is very, very cool stuff to watch.
And a great life-teaching lesson for kids everywhere.
Enough of the Kobe and LeBron jerseys.
How about just a Celtic jersey?
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