Boston Celtics – How To Create A Winning Team

The Boston Celtics have done it! They captured their 17th National Basketball Association championship – a record, but their first one since 1986. They did this by by defeating (demolishing) the visiting Los Angeles Lakers: 131-92.

How Did They Do It?

Last year was one of the most dramatic seasons in the once notorious Boston Celtic’s history. With just 24 wins in the whole season the club once feared by all in the league became the laughing stock of the NBA. They ended at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

On a positive note: they were not the worst of the whole competition: the Memphis Grizzlies only managed to win 22 games.

How Danny Created A Winning Team

Boston Celtics Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge held summer cleaning: all players but Boston’s icon Paul Pierce could look for a new club to play for. Top of Ainge’s shopping list: Kevin Garnett of th Minnesota Timberwolves, who at 31 had been voted Most Valuable Player four years prior, but was still missing the championship’s ring. Kevin however, was a little hesitant to move to Boston, Massachusetts…

Being persistent paid off, as Danny Ainge decided to add Ray Allen (then Seattle Supersonics) into the mix. Another veteran player with a record in the National Basketball Association to drool over – but without a championship.

With Ray Allen on board Kevin Garnett dared the move, and a new Big Three was born. Back in the eighties it was the terrific trio Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish – now Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are a new force to be reckoned with.

And this year?

• 66 wins – the second best performance in the Celtics’ history
• #1 in the Eastern Conference
• #1 in the NBA overall
• Kevin Garnett NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
• And ultimately… WORLD CHAMPION!

Oh boy – I thoroughly enjoyed watching the high-calibre games between the Celtics and the Lakers.

Want To Create A Winning Team Too?

Well… when we talk about The Big Three, one thing is evident: the Celtics were crowned champion because of their TEAM EFFORT.

So:

• Make sure you have a great team around you (find someone else to do the things that you are not great at yourself)
• Aim high – it will elevate your play
• Thank the fans – in your case: family, friends, co-workers; anyone that contributed to your success

Will we see each other again at a celebratory post next year?

I hope to see you before then – celebrating Dutch success at the Euro 2008 soccer championships!