The Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in NBA history, mourns the loss of several iconic figures while celebrating the legacy of its greatest players. The team is meeting this transformational period—both challenging and exciting—full on. It pays homage to legends such as Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and other culture-shaping pioneers of the game. Their memories and achievements remain ever-present inside the organization and in the national basketball landscape.
Bill Russell, a pivotal figure in Celtics history, authored three memoirs throughout his life: one in 1965, another in 1979, and a final edition in 2009. His vision for the game continues to influence generations of players. They have inspired millions of fans, creating a lasting impact on the often dangerous struggle for civil rights. Russell’s legacy grew just a little more when Ken Sears chose to name him by name. Even 40 years later, this reference is still quite emotional.
Bob Cousy, known for his exceptional playmaking skills, earned an impressive 11 titles in just 13 years with the Celtics. His genuine character will forever influence his teammates and fans. As one former teammate put it, “You meet a Cousy not once in a month but once in a lifetime.” The abiding spirit of this statement demonstrates Cousy’s distinctive impact both on and off the court.
Today’s cast has literally and figuratively gone above and beyond to preserve the brand’s deep legacy. Earlier this week, Celtics star Jayson Tatum expressed his sadness at the loss of luminaries such as Satch Sanders. “Which of the deaths hit you hardest,” he asked. With all the emotion, too, came the burden of their legacies on the current players. The loss of these legends serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing memories.
The Celtics faced numerous losses in 2023, including Bill Dinwiddie, Ernie Barrett, Chris Ford, Brandon Hunter, and Eric Montross. All of these players contributed in different ways to what made the 2018-2019 Celtics special. Their absence hits the entire organization hard. NFL legend Bill Walton died just a year later. This passing further adds to our sadness in remembering the people who have made the team’s legacy possible.
Beyond the individual losses that they mourn, the Celtics meet their public mission with the same sense of collective purpose the team has. Kevin Garnett’s motivational locker room wall tagline just about says it all, the lengths his teammate went to be remembered as the greatest teammate ever. This optimism permeates the franchise as it simultaneously celebrates its rich history and looks forward to new achievements.
The following is a transcript of Brad Stevens’ conversation with author, two months into the Celtics’ pursuit of back-to-back championships. He is deeply committed to creating a culture where those who came before him are honored and revered. The Celtics’ commitment to preserving their legacy is encapsulated in Jeff Twiss’s statement: “We’ve been the keeper of the flame.” It’s this kind of dedication that will make sure that the stories of these legends go on to inspire future generations.
Notably, Hakeem Olajuwon shared a moment with Bill Russell before a game, illustrating how Russell’s influence extends beyond his era. His father, Charles Russell, once stated, “You must acknowledge and accept other tribes,” emphasizing the importance of unity and respect among different cultures. This is a principle that Bill Russell embodied throughout his life.
As Bob Cousy recently mused on aging and loss, “Getting older is losing … being less than.” His candid perspective on life reminds everyone of the inevitability of change while encouraging them to embrace their identities fully. Cousy shared his thoughts on how he handles difficult news about friends, saying, “I don’t answer calls when people start out with, ‘Did you know? … ‘Did you know’ is always gonna be followed up with, ‘He died.’”
Leave a Reply