Celtics legend Bob Cousy is eagerly watching as his team inches closer to their 18th NBA championship, a milestone that would make them the winningest franchise in league history. At 95 years old, Cousy is keenly aware of his limited time left and is rooting passionately for the Celtics to bring home another title as he spoke to Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe.
“I’m 95 f*cking years old with one foot in the grave and I can barely move. I know I’m in overtime. So everything in your life becomes more meaningful. And one of the last things I want to be able to see is for the Celtics to hang up banner No. 18.”
“I will take great pride in seeing this. This puts us back ahead of the Lakers. To have been a part of that is as good a legacy as I could hope for.”
Cousy’s legacy with the Celtics is storied. He was the NBA’s first superstar and the league MVP when the Celtics won their first championship in 1957. A 13-time All-Star, he won six rings and was a key figure in the Celtics’ dynasty, which saw them win eight straight championships by the time he retired after the 1963 Finals.
Other than 85-year-old Satch Sanders, who joined in 1960, all of Cousy’s contemporaries from the early Celtics dynasty have passed away. Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, Sam Jones, Tommy Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, and John Havlicek have all died in recent years.
Cousy won an NCAA championship at Holy Cross in 1947 and joined the NBA in 1950-51. Known as “Mr. Basketball,” Cousy’s influence extended beyond his playing days into coaching and television analysis. Despite acknowledging that today’s players are superior athletes, he still has a keen eye for the game.
He praised the Celtics’ current roster and coaching, particularly their defensive prowess and strategic gameplay as they are 2-0 up against the Mavericks. Cousy’s insights are a blend of his old-school basketball mentality and an appreciation for the modern game’s evolution.
As the Celtics prepare for Game 3 in Dallas, the NBA is expected the legacy of Jerry West, who recently passed away. Tributes are pouring in from across the league, and the Celtics’ quest for their 18th championship is not just a pursuit of glory but a homage to the legend who paved the way.
The Celtics Have Lost The Title Of NBA’s Best Franchise
The Boston Celtics, once the undisputed kings of the NBA, have seen their position as the league’s best franchise wane over the last 30 years. Despite their storied history and 17 championships, the Celtics have managed to secure only one title in the past three decades, which came in 2008 with their superteam of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.
In stark contrast, the Los Angeles Lakers have claimed six championships in this period, further cementing their legacy as the NBA’s premier franchise. The San Antonio Spurs, with their remarkable consistency and five titles, and the Golden State Warriors, with four championships during their recent dynasty, have also surpassed the Celtics in terms of success. Even the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls, with three titles each, have seen more success in the past 30 years than Boston.
While the Celtics have remained relevant and competitive, they have frequently encountered formidable obstacles. During the 2010s, their primary nemesis was LeBron James, who eliminated them from the playoffs five times between 2011 and 2018, often thwarting their championship aspirations. Despite building strong teams, Boston consistently fell short of reclaiming their past glory.
The current Celtics roster is undoubtedly talented, with players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown forming a dynamic duo capable of leading the team deep into the playoffs. However, to truly regain their status as the NBA’s best franchise, they need to build a dynasty that can dominate for multiple seasons, similar to what the Warriors achieved in recent years.
Winning the championship this year would be a significant step in the right direction, but it won’t be enough to restore the Celtics’ position at the top. Sustained success over several years, including multiple championships, is essential for Boston to reclaim their title as the NBA’s premier franchise.
The Celtics have the potential to achieve this, but they must overcome the hurdles that have impeded their progress in the past and capitalize on their current roster’s talent and depth.
The Celtics’ historical legacy remains intact, their recent track record pales in comparison to other franchises. To re-establish themselves as the NBA’s best, Boston must embark on a new era of dominance, consistently competing for and winning championships in the coming years.
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