The ghosts of fifty years past came flooding to mind as the Boston Celtics won their 17th NBA title last eve. In 1957, it was Coach Arnold (Red) Auerbach, Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, Tom Heinsohn, Jim (Jungle Jim) Loscutoff, Bill Russell, and the prototype of the 6th man, Frank Ramsey. Before there was a point guard, there was Bob Cousy. Before there was a shooting guard, there was Bill Sharman. Before there was a strong forward, there was Jungle Jim Loscutoff. Tommy Heinsohn was the gunner who always looked for a shot opportunity. In the post was Bill Russell. Those Celtics defeated Bob Pettit and the St. Louis Hawks for the title in a 7-game series: 4-3. The most notable thing about the team photo in 1956-1957: Bill Russell was the only player of color on the team.
Flash forward 50 years and the 2008 Boston Celtics are all nonwhites, save two players: Scott Pollard and Brian Scalabrine. Last eve's Celtics were coached by Glenn (Doc) Rivers and featured the Big 3: Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. Pierce — the team captain — in a lineage going all of the way back to Bill Sharman, led by example. Ray Allen was the gunner who tied an NBA record for 3-point shots in a single game. Kevin Garnett was in the post. In the postgame celebration, Garnett was overheard asking Bill Russell, "Did we make you proud?" Russell replied, "Yeah." Somewhere, Red Auerbach was lighting a big cigar. If this is (fair & balanced) ubuntu, so be it.
[x Celtics.com]
Team Photos
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