A Season for Bill Russell

 Hi everyone,

I know it's been a long time. Rest assured, I'm still here, but transferring my blog posts to a new platform has felt like a never-ending task. Don't worry, I will get there! I am trying to resist posting too much here in the meantime, which adds more posts for me to move later. I realize this is probably not the best overall strategy: It feels like a vicious circle.

But I had to break through today to honor Boston Celtics legend and all-around great human being, Bill Russell, who died July 31. I decided to wait until today, as the new Celtics season opens, to mention it because I think all efforts the Celtics put forth to win the championship this year will largely be in his honor.

Bill Russell not only made history breaking records as a Celtic – leading to 11 of their 17 championships during his 13-year career – but he did even more off the court for civil rights – from standing with Martin Luther King, Jr., to more recently taking a knee for social injustice. I could list all his historic accomplishments, magical moments, and well-deserved honors here, but you might be better served to read up on his life, watch video interviews, or enjoy memories shared by friends and colleagues to more fully to understand why Bill Russell is the greatest of all time. Discover why he became a mentor to every basketball player he reached, why the NBA retired his number across the league, why President Obama honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, and why his laugh is the best laugh in the business. 

Bill Russell inspired so many who continue to build his legacy. With him in mind, the Celtics continue it tonight with renewed energy to raise banner #18. 

Go, team!!!

Team

Thanks for an another great season, Celtics! (Okay, Orioles, let's play ball!)

(Illustration Friday: May 19, 2017)

Heroic

As usual, the Boston Celtics have been fun to watch this year. Here are a few of their heroic moves. (The Kitties practice them all the time.) See you in the playoffs, Celtics!

(Illustration Friday: February 24, 2017)

Smart

While waiting for the Celtics schedule to resume after the NBA All-Star break this week, Tyrone is practicing one of Marcus Smart's favorite shots.

(Illustration Friday: January 29, 2016)

True Celtics Forever!

Hi everyone,

Bad things happened this weekend that I can't wrap my head around. (I'm talking to you, Florida.) Among them, the "blockbuster" Celtics trade with the Brooklyn Nets became official: So long to Jason Terry (The Jet!), Kevin Garnett (The Big Ticket!), and Paul Pierce (The Truth!). It's clear to me Head Coach Doc Rivers left for the West Coast to coach the L.A. Clippers last month as protest!

I've been sad about trades before, but this summer's transactions are going to leave a scar! Do they know they've lost one of the best coaches ever? Did they realize they traded their team captain who has been with the them for his entire 15-year career? Who will be taking over for KG in the enthusiasm/intensity department? Who will master Jason Terry's suave 'n' smooth public relations skills?

At the last minute, they threw in  D.J. White into this group shipment to cover some sort of technicality. Note, he doesn't have a nickname that I know of, and I've run out of male cats to pay tribute. Simon offered to step in, but it's best not to confuse the rest of the team because we all know who Simon really is. Instead, Mini is thrilled to volunteer because she wishes she was as big and tall as the 6' 9" Power Forward.

Farewell to these Celtic stars, who I will miss seeing in green!  You may have moved homes, but you'll always be Celtics to me!

This drawing was inspired by photos and many, many memories of some of my favorite people.

Paul and KG loved watching the jumbo screen at the Garden.

D.J. White, Paul Pierce, and Jeff Green have some laughs.

Before each game, Kevin always talks to the post.

During the games, he screams a lot.

Jason Terry always flies around the court after a big basket.

After 10 years, MVP Paul Pierce takes in a championship moment in 2008!!!

It was awesome after such a long wait!!!!!

And, we were all thrilled!!!!!!!!

Okay, now I'm going to cry.

Going into the 2013-14 season, let's welcome Coach Stevens, some Brooklynites, and some newbies to Team Rondoooooo!!!!!!!!! (And, keep an eye on those Nets and Clippers games, because they have some of the coolest people over there now....)

Best,

Kernel

There is a kernel of truth to Dad's and my theory that Simon plays for the Boston Celtics under the alias "Rajon Rondo." In a recent playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics led 92 to 91 with 3.4 seconds to go. Reconvening after a time out, Paul Pierce threw the ball in to Rajon, who then outran his guard, Evan Turner, by making a u-turn and wide circle into the back-court until time ran out.

That is a classic Simon move.

(Illustration Friday: May 11, 2012)

Reverse

Congratulations all around to Coach Doc Rivers and some of my favorite Celtics--Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo--for being chosen by the league's coaches for this year's NBA All Star Game!!! Watch for them February 20!

And, welcome back to Kendrick Perkins, who made his long-awaited return to the team last month! We missed you!

In honor of all these happy moments, here's a drawing of a recent game.

(Illustration Friday: February 4, 2011)

Check out how Simon--er, Rondo--flies past the team and scores an easy reverse layup. I was going to specify the other team, but he does this all the time to everybody.

Yay, Celtics!!!

Expired

(Illustration Friday: March 19, 2010)

You all know our theory that Simon is Rajon Rondo of The Boston Celtics. (It's no surprise that this hasn't caught on. Simon is always incognito at the games, after all.) Here, he demonstrates Rajon's "Get Out of My Way!" play, with typical precision, seconds before the shot clock expires! Way to go, Simon! I mean, way to go, Rondoooooooo!!!!!

Time

(Illustration Friday - February 6, 2009 - Time)

Time is no object when Simon, star point guard for The World Champion Boston Celtics, is in the middle of a game (even if it's just a practice one).

This Week in News....

Sadly, one of my favorite ladies, Cyd Charisse, died this week. Knowing she was in her mid-80s didn't stop me from gasping when I read the news.

I first saw her in Brigadoon, opposite Gene Kelly, when I was 10, convinced that there was nothing more beautiful than the two of them twirling amid the sea of heather in that little Scottish town. I've been hooked ever since. A mesmerizing dancer, she commands your attention with her confidence, grace, and electricity. On and off the screen, she was pure sophistication and elegance.

Be sure to catch TCM's tribute Friday night to see some of her best performances. Her dancing will make you smile. If you're already in a good mood, she'll put you in a better one. Thank you and farewell, Wonderful Cyd! I miss you!

In happier news, The Boston Celtics, stomped all over the Los Angeles Lakers at home to win their 17th championship, their first in 22 years. Congratulations and thanks to Doc Rivers and all of the Celtics for this magical season!

Homage

(Illustration Friday: March 27, 2008)

For Dad's birthday, The Kitties paid homage to our favorite team. (Simon thought of it, of course, since he plays for them.) See you at the championship!

Theory

(Illustration Friday: February 15, 2008)

Dad and I are convinced that Simon is playing for the Boston Celtics under the alias of Rajon Rondo. He disappears during each game and then reappears in our garage sweaty, panting, and ready for a nap. Seeing him "play" in the driveway only whets our suspicions. I mean, who can't see through this disguise?