It’s kind
of a tiring discussion, the one about whether it makes sense to love a team and
being able to truly suffer and rejoice with their losses and wins. I’m on the
side of those who live all the moments of a team as if they were part of it. I
like to think it all has to do with empathy, but more than that, it has to do with
the feeling of belonging. Something about that team makes you want to belong
there. I really am not the best guy when it comes to picking a team to support.
Well, it actually depends on the way you look at it, but when it comes to
winning titles, my oh my, it usually doesn’t go right for me. Still, as most of
you know, I’m one of those Boston Celtics hardcore fans. I’m 27 years old now,
and unfortunately I only got to see my team winning one title – the 2007/2008
championship. This is the moment you ask – why the hell would someone, who was
born in 87, want to belong to these Celtics franchise?
The players
that wear that green and white jersey, they are the reason why you want, in
your own way, belong to the franchise. Yesterday’s game was an emotional one
for any Celtics fan. Two of those players that make you want to be a Celtics
fan returned home, now playing for another team, but still deserving a huge tribute
from every single fan at the TD Garden. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce returned
to Boston for the first time since they were dealt to Brooklyn. I followed KG
since he was a young wolf playing for Minnesota, and when he came to Boston in
2007 I knew he would be one of the green future references. In the end, he
counts 6 solid years with the Celtics and one Championship ring. But my friends,
even though I love Garnett, Paul Pierce is one of those players that alone can
be the symbol of the franchise. “The Truth”, as once Shaquille O’Neal called
him, was drafted in 1998 and played 15 seasons for the Celtics, becoming third
in franchise history in games played and second for most points scored. He was
the one who carried Boston’s name when, for years, no one gave a shit about the
franchise. When things were rough, he stood there. When things got better, he
was the leader that we needed, and finally when he was given a chance to win
his first championship, he took it! Just like Kobe will finish his career with
the Lakers, just like Nowitzky will shoot his last fade way shot for the
Mavericks, so should Pierce make his last “and one shot” playing for the
Celtics. Sometimes, even the most rational management decisions have to
consider what’s inside a player’s and fans hearts. Celtics General Manager decided
only with his brain, and let one of our greatest players go away and finish his
career somewhere else.
Even though
we lost last night’s game, the standing ovations at the TD Garden, and the
constant support from the fans to two adversary players, were something that I
will never forget. I stood up from my couch and gave them both my own round of applause.
To both of you, “Big Ticket” and “The Truth”, thank you.
LET’S GO CELTICS!
