Classic Legacy

by Jeff Clark on Mar 12, 2009 10:52 PM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

Normally I don't get into the NBA Hardwood Classic games, but tonight I was flipping around and stumbled upon the Celtics-Suns Game 6 classic from 1976 (in my world, the year after I was born).

I couldn't believe how many familiar faces there were out there. Of course Tommy was coaching. Of course there was Cowens and Havlicek and Jo Jo White. But then there was Don Nelson coming in off the bench. And there's Paul Silas grabbing a rebound. (Not to mention some guy NOT named Bird wearing number 33!) And it got me to thinking about all the former Celtics that went on to be coaches, GMs, and other respected members of the NBA community.

I wonder if any current or recent Celtics will be coaches or GMs one day. Of course Sam Cassell is headed in that direction. But what about Ray Allen? I've always thought he was extremely intelligent and watching him the last few years has only increased my respect for him. He's got a great way with the younger players and he's so smooth with the media.

The other guy I thought of was Brian Scalabrine. Everyone talks about what a smart player and great locker room guy he is. He also fits the mold of average-player-turned-good-coach. I wouldn't be surprised to see him stick around Boston when his career is over.

Beyond those two, however, I'm not sure anyone is cut out for it. KG? Too intense. Rondo? Too quiet off the court. Maybe Paul Pierce could be a GM. He's played the role of recruiter in the past and he's been vocal about personel moves.

Regardless, I continue to be awed by the legacy that the Celtics have in this league. It is easy to take it for granted, but every once in a while it hits you and you have to stop and smile about the good old days. And when our kids grow up, we'll be able to show them classic games from the 2008 Finals (and hopefully many more to come).

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Celtic coaches

Wish DJ had had more time.

by Thruthelookingglass on Mar 12, 2009 11:04 PM EDT reply actions

Nice look back

More of this once in awhile – nice – thanks

Love the Tommy Jacket. Viva la Sears Catalog

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Mar 12, 2009 11:23 PM EDT reply actions

I didn’t have time to watch the whole game, but I had trouble pulling myself away from it. Tommy always talks about Cowen’s hustle but it’s so rare that you get to see it. good stuff.

by pumpfake on Mar 13, 2009 1:25 AM EDT reply actions

coaching by ex-celtics is Auerbach's lasting legacy

Whilst unsure of the exact number of ex-celtic players who went on to coach, i know of at least 16. wow! Some obviously, have coached celtic teams, and even won championships as coaches. Others have succeeded with other teams, and several have become GM’s as well.
Seems to me after 30 years of watching and reading (the tales of Red’s teams have been Boston’s great treasure all this time) that Red’s lasting legacy is his establishment and perpetuation of a team ethic and worship of fundamental execution in basketball. The success of ex-players who’ve absorbed Red’s basic approach to the game is testimony to his skill at breaking down the game and building a team.

by jyrecelts on Mar 13, 2009 7:18 AM EDT reply actions

memories

I had that picture on my wall when I was a kid (no, 1976 is not known as the year after I was born in my house).

by slamtheking on Mar 13, 2009 7:29 AM EDT reply actions

#35

Reggie Lewis never did anything to deserve to get his number retired. Paul Silas did.

by Black Jack Pershing on Mar 13, 2009 7:33 AM EDT reply actions

i agree with you about ray . he has the smarts and communication skills, but i see him liking a smoother lifestye-back to the movies or tv for jesus.

by nazzbo on Mar 13, 2009 7:35 AM EDT reply actions

who was the guy not wearing “33” ?

by kuberski on Mar 13, 2009 8:00 AM EDT reply actions

That was a fun discovery after a grotesque night of college basketball. It was striking to note the difference in game tempo – the 1976 Celtics really pushed the basketball, as opposed to what we see now.

by CoachBo on Mar 13, 2009 8:22 AM EDT reply actions

Spurs fan, Chicago resident here… You guys have a great site here, btw.

I love the Celtics teams of old. I’m sure that plenty of you guys have heard of it, but if you have not, there is a fantastic book called “”http://www.amazon.com/Last-Banner-1985-86-Celtics-Greatest/dp/155850835X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236961173&sr=1-1" >The Last Banner", written by Peter May. [the title needs to be corrected ;) .] It chronicles the season of the 1986 Celtics (my favorite C’s team ever, and my pick for greatest NBA team ever).

It was appropriate that I read the book over the course of last years playoffs, after owning the darn thing for nearly 12 years. There’s some excellent insight in this book. I love books like that, that have an author follow the entire team through the season, profiling the players coaches, opposing players, matchups, lots of details (If anyone knows of any others similar, please send them my way). The great C’s are in there, like Bird, DJ, Chief, McHale, Ainge, Red, KC…and they discuss all the possible trades, the voided trades, etc. I won’t ruin it for you, just give it a read if you have not. You’ll love it like I do.

"Nothing can stop the man with the right attitude from achieving his goal, but nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong attitude." -Thomas Jefferson
http://myspace.com/eme0916
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=569220294&ref=profile

by Ed (dfjmed) on Mar 13, 2009 12:27 PM EDT reply actions