Thursday, June 19, 2008

The Road to Triumph - Boston Franchise (The Third Act)

(Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images)

Witnessing Celtics' 17th championship is bitter-sweet, whether you are Boston fan or not.

The triumph marks the end to their 22 years of wilderness and setting whole list of new NBA benchmarks, but more significantly, it demonstrates a group of people with good hearts making it through perseverance, commitment and integrity.

Everyone by now knows Paul Pierce as a player. But as a person, he personifies someone who is willing to face and grow from his untidy history, instead of turning away from it and starting over.

Kevin Garnett personifies a gifted individual, who is willing to carry the responsibility that comes with it. It means sticking to it through tough time and surrounded by public criticism.

Ray Allen personifies role model of the team, the franchise and the community, who serves that role with discipline and commitment.

But we are not just talking about the players.

Doc Rivers is someone who possesses consistent work ethics - day after day even when his team is lousy, and with accountability - even if losing his job. He treats all his players with respect and they, including the bench, are willing to play hard.

Danny Ainge resembles a family-oriented guy both privately and professionally. He serves his Celtics' root with persistence and patient. Ainge understands that it takes time to assemble a team with the right attitude for the game. He values individual heart, genuineness and work ethics.

Wyc Grousbeck, the co-owner of Celtics, resembles a businessman with good heart and perspective in life. He interacts with the community, building working relationship and getting advice from other owners of the Red Sox and Patriots. These owners who are visible and accountable, have vowed to spend the requisite amount of money to field winning teams. Team A and Team B are always pulling for Team C, and joining hand in community fund-raising. The revival of these franchises mirros what's happening to Boston as a whole.

(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Their triumph is truely a powerful testimony to other player and management in the league, in which team-success is far more gratifying than 'me-first' or financial fulfillment. And community involvement will serve well in the business world.