— Boston Together with Steve Pagliuca, Wyc Grousbeck has had the controlling ownership of the Boston Celtics for 21 years. Grousbeck expressed himself honestly on Wednesday after the Celtics’ second practice of the year was complete.
The management at C’s hasn’t seen a group this “energized, connected” in years.
The rest of us observed practice today, and Jrue [Holiday] was present, according to Grousbeck. “In my 21 years here, Steve and I have agreed that this was simply one of the most energizing, goal-driven, totally connected groups.”
Since the 2016–17 campaign, Boston has made four appearances in the Eastern Conference finals and will face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals in 2022. Boston made the decision to completely restructure their roster after failing to win the Larry O’Brien award. The arrivals of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, youngster Jordan Walsh, and several others were made possible by the departures of Grant Williams, Marcus Smart, Malcom Brogdon, and Robert Williams.
Grousbeck acknowledges there is some “annoyance” despite their failed attempt to win numerous championships. Boston has now made the playoffs nine times in a row without winning a single trophy. In the previous six or seven years, we’ve participated in how many conference finals? The Celtics owner stated, “We’ve been banging on the door, we’ve been in The Finals, leading The Finals, and lost. “We were down 0-3, battled back, and lost Game 7 last year. It is absolutely frustrating.
Jrue Holiday, a defensive juggernaut, joins Boston
The Celtics’ management and President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens got what they wanted on the eve of training camp. Malcom Brogdon, Robert Williams, a 2024 first-round selection, and a 2029 unprotected first-round pick were given to Boston in exchange for point forward Jrue Holiday.
Holiday was absent from Media Day, and several of the participants mentioned how much they were looking forward to his appearance. When #4 was finally unveiled on Wednesday afternoon, Celtics management found it difficult to conceal their excitement.
The smirk on Stevens’ face was immediately seen by a member of the media. The most emotional you’ve ever displayed on this site, we think. The reply from Stevens was, “Bad day to play poker with you.”
“We just finished practicing. We had an opportunity to watch this group engage in combat. You were at risk of being struck by balls that were hurled if you were seated anywhere close to the corner, according to Stevens. The team committed a number of errors together, the old coach admitted following practice, but this year’s group stands out.
“You know the thing that’s there? Togetherness, enthusiasm, joy, and competition are present, according to Stevens.
Holiday, who is well-known for his strength on defense, had an immediate effect there against Jaylen Brown and Phil Pressey. “I told Jrue that I was thrilled when he went after Phil [Pressey] and nearly forced him to stop coaching while he was guarding him. So, I suppose that’s possibly the reason I’m grinning,” Stevens remarked. Holiday, one of the league’s top perimeter defenders, provides the Celtics’ backcourt with a much-needed defensive presence. He fills a huge vacuum left by the loss of Marcus Smart and Grant Williams.
The guard was permitted to participate in his first practice with the Boston Celtics after clearing his post-trade physical. Holiday, a two-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-Defensive Team member, and NBA champion, joins a legendary group that only has winning in mind.
Grousbeck also struggled to contain his excitement. Since 2008, when they had Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo, the C’s have not won a championship. The only Celtic with a ring right now is Holiday.
The C’s owner told Boston’s newest addition, “So, there’s just a lot of championship qualities that you [Holiday] are bringing to the table.” “We’re pleased to have you join the Celtics. Sincerely, your presence here means the world to us. We treat this seriously, and we stick together when we partner.
