Three Ways the Big Three Era has Helped the Boston Celtics After Disbanding
Apr 28, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett (5) and small forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrate against the New York Knicks during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Three Party is now helping the Celtics well after their time in Green.
The Big Three Era in Boston was the most successful period of basketball for the Boston Celtics since the days of Larry Bird. The trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen brought great success with a title in 2008, the franchises record seventeenth championship.
They also produced some unforgettable moments like Garnett’s push ups, or Pierce’s multiple dagger shots in the playoffs. But somehow, 4 years after the era ended, the Big Three is still helping the Celtics. Here are three ways their presence is still felt in and around TD Garden.
Apr 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Paul Pierce (left) talks to center Kevin Garnett (2) at halftime of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
1. The Nets’ Picks
On Draft night in 2013, the Celtics fleeced the Brooklyn Nets in a trade involving Garnett and Pierce. This trade has given the Celtics an immensely bright future, while the Nets look like they won’t bounce back from the deal for years to come.
Receiving three unprotected first round picks, with the option to swap a fourth, is a return you likely won’t see ever again. Boston now has the opportunity to compete for championships, while rebuilding at the same time. This type of situation almost landed the franchise Kevin Durant this past summer.
Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) sits on the bench during a time out in the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
2. Current Players Witness the Rewards of Succeeding in Boston
Once dealt away, Pierce, Allen and Garnett all made their returns to the TD Garden. Each time, Celtics fans showered their ex-players in cheers and standing ovations. As that happens, current Celtics players can witness the difference in succeeding in Boston than in other cities.
That kind of motivation can push players to try and be the best player possible for the chance at immortality. If everyone on the roster buys-in to a certain idea regarding the history of the franchise because they’ve seen it first hand, it can help the team in a tremendous way.
Feb 3, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (left) and Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (right) exchange words during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
3. Boston is a more Attractive Destination
Similar to current Celtics players witnessing ex-Celtics receiving unparalleled cheers from fans, opposing players see it too. As a superstar looking for a change of scenery, wouldn’t it be more attractive to go to a place that treats its players better than anywhere else in the league?
Celtics fans have always treated their players with great respect. In Boston, if you win, you’ll always be remembered. If you were one of the best players on a championship team, you’re a legend.
Players want to be remembered, and the tributes Pierce, Garnett, and Allen received are a great example of what can happen if you play for the Celtics. I believe this helps the Celtics chances at acquiring a franchise altering player. So it’s another way the Big Three continues to help out their old team.
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