We all knew this would happen. The writing was on the walls at the practice facility in Waltham written with Shamrock green paint. The 2010-2011 Boston Celtics are full of colorful, strong, diverse and at times, jovial personalities. While the LA Lakers are (GULP) defending champions, and the Miami Heat have the increasingly aggravating Superfriends, make no mistake: this Celtics team is the one to be following.
If there was an NBA version of HBO's "Hard Knocks" the Celtics would be without question the best choice (sorry NBATV, I like "Real Training Camp" and all, but until I see Doc Rivers screaming at the C's, telling them to eat a "snack" then Rick Kamla's exuberance just can't compete). Besides, what would you rather watch: Nate Robinson taking photos of sleeping Celtics, or LeBron flexing his muscles in the mirror? Tweets about 75 reporters waiting inside a men's room on an army base waiting to get a glimpse of Dwyane Wade (shockingly) dunk the ball, or Rondo being interrupted by a screaming KG in the other room?
Speaking of KG, perhaps the best news of the day came via Chris Forsberg on ESPNBoston.com:
Doc says KG looked "phenomenal and explosive" in today's first practice.
Just a bit different from about a year ago, wouldn't you say? This kind of thing can get everyone fired up, hopefully as fired up as KG himself was here is this clip from Game 7 of the Finals (I apologize to bring up Game 7, but you will enjoy it):
Also, if KG is truly returning to his pre-injury form, it would be amazing to see more games like this from him, even though they don't necessarily NEED him to deliver them. This is Game 7 from the 2004 Western Conference Semi-Finals against the Sacramento Kings. The entire game is well worth the viewing, as KG led the TWolves to the victory with 32 points, 21 rebounds and the game winning block:
