NBA Finals

Since the early 90's the Celtics have struggled, with exception of making the eastern conference final a few years back with Kenny Anderson at point, whom they promptly let go. Here are some points in the slide....

• Larry Bird who wasn't even a young rookie got old with a bad back.
• Robert Parish got old and retired.
• Kevin McHale retired and became general manager for the Timberwolves.
• Reggie Lewis died.
• Lenny Bias died.
• ML Carr was made general manager.
• Drafted Brad Lohaus from Iowa in the 1st round, and then made the mistake of signing him.
• Drafted Jon Barry from Georgia Tech in the 1st round and did not offer a fair contract, failing to sign the player.
• Rick Pitino was made coach and sucked big ones, banking on a bunch of Kentucky players.
• Having something like a 75% chance of getting the #1 pick in the Tim Duncan sweepstakes and missed out. I would have said stiffed but they did get Paul Pierce and Chauncy Billups.
• Let Chauncy Billups go for who knows what.

I enjoy this team but except for Pierce feel like they are a bunch of visitors. Garnett is talented with fantastic drive, but fear the Ray Allen is a choker. Gone are the days when even the bench Celtics were heroes in our New England town. Players like...

• Don Nelson, yes the coach.
• Jo Jo White, smooth
• Paul Silas, a rebounding stalwart.
• Nate Archiblad, another late career resurrection.
• Bill Walton who while he was a mercenary seemed to mesh.
• Rick Robey, from Kentucky but a good basher.
• Dennis Johnson, came over from Seattle where he had already one a title but remembered for his good defense primarily against Magic.

And the obvious players....

• John Havlichek, played at Ohio State with Bob Knight, never stopped moving.
• KC Jones, later coach for the Bullets and Celtics.
• Sam Jones, the great guard.
• Satch Sanders, later coach for the Celtics.
• Bill Russel, not Wilt but Red would not have swapped.
• Bob Cousy, who I never saw play, but remember well being as being the example to play like, a smart passer.

It will probably drive my bride nuts but I'll be watching the finals this year.
Here the game in the 4th quarter, Celtics are up by 4, the announcers, which include Jon Barry, mentioned that Ted Kennedy was recovering while watching the game. Thanks a so much for reminding me that I agree with that fat bastard.