Draymond Green and Paul Pierce engaged in a candid conversation about the genesis of NBA superteams, specifically how the Boston Celtics’ assembly of star players influenced subsequent alliances like LeBron James joining the Miami Heat and Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors.
Draymond Green: “Well, I think I think also a thing that it did was it allowed you to see that it was possible. So we had like before that we didn’t know this was possible like but when you all of a sudden it’s now you Ray Allen and KG.”
Like this, no one ever even thought of these things before. Like how is this even possible? And so I think that opened up the world of possibilities. Now you’re like, ah, okay. I can do this now. I can put, yeah, like we can put this together now, you know?”
“And so I think when that happened, everybody’s just like, okay, now you can put these pieces in the place because I’ve seen it happen.” (3:05)
Green elaborated on the significance of the Celtics superteam, emphasizing that it demonstrated the feasibility of such collaborations. Prior to their union, the idea of combining multiple stars on one team seemed improbable. However, with the formation of the Celtics’ trio comprising Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, a new realm of possibilities emerged.
The Celtics’ success showcased that assembling a superteam was not only achievable but also effective. Their championship victory underscored the potential for success when elite talents unite under a common goal. This paradigm shift in NBA dynamics challenged conventional thinking and expanded players’ horizons regarding team construction.
According to Green, witnessing the Celtics’ superteam in action catalyzed a shift in mindset across the league. It instilled a newfound confidence in players, empowering them to explore similar collaborations. The success of the Celtics’ experiment served as a blueprint for future alliances, inspiring subsequent generations of players to pursue similar paths.
Paul Pierce’s cautionary words to Draymond Green about the potential fate of the Golden State Warriors echoed a somber chapter from his own basketball journey with the Boston Celtics. As they discussed the future of the Warriors and the importance of keeping Klay Thompson on the team, Pierce couldn’t help but reflect on the unraveling of the Celtics’ Big Three era following Ray Allen’s departure.
Pierce candidly shared the Celtics’ experience, highlighting Allen’s departure from Boston in 2012 due to a contract dispute. Despite their previous championship success and multiple Finals appearances, the Celtics’ cohesion was fractured when Allen left for the Miami Heat. The departure marked the beginning of the end for the Celtics’ Big Three era, ultimately leading to the disbandment of the powerhouse lineup.
Drawing a parallel to the Warriors’ current situation, Pierce emphasized the importance of preserving team chemistry and continuity. He expressed his hope that the Warriors would learn from the Celtics’ missteps and prioritize keeping their core intact. Pierce underscored the significance of bringing Klay Thompson back to the team, echoing the sentiment that maintaining roster stability is essential for sustained success.
Reflecting on his own team’s demise, Pierce emphasized the importance of aligning contracts, regrouping with young talent, and retaining key players to sustain a championship-caliber team. His words carried the weight of experience, serving as a cautionary tale for the Warriors as they navigate their future.
As rumors swirl regarding Klay Thompson’s future with the Warriors, Pierce’s advice serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of roster upheaval. By urging the Warriors to prioritize continuity and cohesion, Pierce hopes to spare them from the same fate that befell the Celtics.
Ultimately, his words serve as a reminder that maintaining the integrity of a championship team requires more than just on-court talent—it requires a commitment to preserving the bonds that hold a team together.
