Though this topic probably belongs in the 'Irrelevant Thoughts' forum, I decided to go ahead and post anyway.
I have been thinking about how history will portray the current group of transplanted Celtics veterans: Ray, KG and Shaq. Will they be thought of as Celtics? Or perhaps they are tied too strongly, branded if you will, to a former team? Maybe it depends on how much longer they are Celtics or whether they play for other teams post-Celtics. Or perhaps it is solely dependent upon the sucess (or lack thereof) that they experience while here.
I began with the assumption that posterity will never really view Shaq a Celtic (on a side note, I am thrilled he is a Celtic despite my deep hatred of the Lakers). But, regarding KG and Ray -- I was not too sure. I'll discuss them each after some analysis of former Celtics (which has inluenced my initial assumptions).
I realize that in the examples I cite below that my opinion is impacted by the fact that I see things though my provincial Boston eyes and my love for the C's. But, I tried to be as objective as possible and provide my honest, if uninformed, thoughts. Not an exhaustive or near complete list, I include here only C's since 1974 who were transplanted after a substantial career elsewhere:
A few examples from Celtics history:
DJ: DJ was traded to (stolen by) Boston after 7 seasons with (Seattle and then Phoenix). In Seattle, DJ won a championship and a Finals MVP award. But after 8 seasons and 2 championships in Boston, I think there is no question that posterity views him a Celtic.
Bill Walton: A tougher one. Actually, the first thing I think of when I think of Walton is UCLA. After that, strangely, I think Celtics. This HAS to be a provincial influence. He played 8 years out West, 4 in Portland during which he won a championship. He really played only 1 year in Boston and yet my perception is that most folks consider him a Celtic.
Tiny Archibald: Tiny played 5 seasons with Boston with 1 championship. He averaged about 1/2 his offensive production in Boston than he did with Cinci/KC (Royals/Kings)where he won scoring titles, yet he was an essential contributor to the 1st iteration of the Bird era. Tiny is a Celtic forever in my view -- and I believe in the view of most basketball fans save a handful of remaining KC Royals/Kings fans.
Paul Silas: Can you believe that Silas played only 4 of his 16 seasons with the C's? It's true. 2 of them were championship seasons, and, since he played for no other team more than 4 years, he is indelibly etched a Celtic.
Chris Ford: Played only 4 of 12 seasons with Boston (almost all of his prior seasons with Detroit). One championship with the C's. But no doubt, a Celtic.
ML Carr: Needless to say, he is viewed a Celtic, even though his production as a Celtic was minimal. He had decent numbers prior to his C's career -- but he made himself a Celtic by his personality more than his play.
My incomplete list of C's transplants who are not viewed by history as Celtics include (note: I only include C's who had substantial prior careers with other teams): Charlie Scott, Quinn Buckner Bob Mcadoo, Artis Gilmore, Dominique Wilkins, Alton Lister, Kenny Anderson, Xavier McDaniel, Otis Birdsong. There are others. Aside from Buckner and Scott, no one else on this list played on a championship C's team.
Not surprisingly, it seems in most cases championship glory leaves a historical marker on a player -- one that typically brands them to a particular team. While this leaves Ray and KG in position to have their only championships in Green, clearly other players (DJ, Walton) had prior championships that seem erased by their Celtic banners (though this is quite likely my green-colored glasses talking).
Ray: Despite the discussion above, somehow I still picture Ray as a Milwaukee Buck. He was great in Milwaukee and I think it will require a couple more years (and perhaps another ring) to remove the Buck from Ray (at least for me).
KG: I see KG as a Celtic already. After only 3 years and 1 ring, KG seems to be a Celtic for all time. Why? I can't explain.
Shaq: Can Shaq ever be viewed by history as a Celtic? His brand is so tied to his Laker run that I think it unlikely. However, if at all possible, it will be a combination of his exhuberant personality (if displayed in full force with Celtic Pride throughout his time here) and winning championships the next 2 seasons that could do it. Anything less than 2 rings and I think posterity pictures Shaq in Purple and Gold.
I am sure there is a great deal to disagree with in the above discussion. But, as stated , these are just meaningless opinions on an unimportant topic -- always subject to change in face of a compelling argument.
Topic: Will Posterity View Our Transplanted Vets as Celtics? (Read 4189 times)