I admit I can be cynical and when I first heard about the Celtics Ubuntu huddle break chant I thought of it as just another form of cliché. However, the Celtics won tonight and the 17th NBA championship because of the Ubuntu philosophy of having your destiny intrinsically tied to others. Every single member of the Celtics organization from ownership all the way down to the kids who wipe the sweat of the parquet floor during time outs should feel proud of this championship.
First and foremost…
Paul Pierce: Pierce has been with this organization during some tough times for the team and him individually. During these playoffs he was the MVP and raised his game every time the moment called for it. He outplayed the alleged best player on the planet Kobe Bryant. He went toe to toe with Lebron. He played hurt. He scored when he had too. He played lock down defense. In short he did everything that was asked of him. More then anyone else, he deserved this and now can be ranked with the all time greats Celtics and as one of the best of his generation.
Kevin Garnett: It was his arrival that changed the entire nature of Basketball in Boston. His passion, defensive intensity, and team building was a huge part of this championship.
Ray Allen: Ray has one of the sweetest shots around; though he had a few weeks there when he lost it, overall this season and this playoffs he was the key extra guy that put the team over the time. In addition, Ray did it all with a preponderance of class.
Doc Rivers: No one else has a right to give shout a fuck you to the world more then the much maligned Glen “Doc” Rivers. I admit he frustrated me at times, but he pushed the right buttons and got the team a championship.
Rajan Rondo: For a second year point guard to help lead a team to a championship is freaking amazing. Tonight, his energy especially on the defensive end more then anything else is what put the Lakers away.
Kendrick Perkins: KP is a Beast. Plan and simple. He continues to get better and outoughed the entire Lakers team with 1 arm.
James Posey: One of the best six man in the league. Fucking shut down defense the entire year and hit a countless number of HUGE 3 pointers.
Eddie House: Boundless energy and a shit load of huge 3 pointers in the playoffs and the entire year.
Leon Powe: No one hustles harder then Leon
P.J. Brown: Great defense since he has been signed, huge basket in Game 7 vs. the Cavs, and a great stabilizing veteran presence.
Sam Cassell: Never saw a shot he did not like and he hit some big ones while he was here.
Tony Allen: Did not get frustrated even though he is a very talented guy. Made the most of every opportunity he got down the stretch.
Scalabrine, Brian & Pollard, Scot: the 2 coolest white guys on the planet. Always gave effort when they where in there and where the biggest cheer leaders on the sidelines.
Gabe Pruitt: Dude, you just won a ring!
Danny Ainge: Amazing Job assembling the team (with a little help from his old friend Kevin) great job creating a deep and experienced bench.
Wyc Grossbeck: he spent the money and did a great job being an ambassador for the team and running everything.
A few other thoughts: The Lakers are dogs and Kobe you are not anything more special then Dwayne Wade till you win it without shack. Phil Jackson, you are not getting another title on our watch.