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Banner No. 17

Email|Link|Comments (15) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff October 28, 2008 08:16 PM

Banner No. 17 heads for the rafters. (Winslow Townson / AP Photos)

Following pregame introductions before each contest during the 2007-08 season, the Celtics would gather in a circle near the free-throw line in front of their bench and bounce in unison to psych themselves up for that night's game.

So it might have been a bit odd for the Celtics to find themselves forming that same circle in front of the opposing bench before Tuesday night's season-opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Banknorth Garden.

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A new tradition? No, an old one.

After raising Banner No. 17 to the rafters -- a symbol of last year's NBA championship -- the Celtics formed that familiar circle beneath the banner and danced one last time in celebration as U2's "Beautiful Day" -- the same anthem of the 2001 Patriots championship team -- blared through the arena.

The pregame festivities began with a video highlight reel of last season, featuring clips from the Celtics' postseason run. When it finished, Queen's "We are the Champions" began and Celtics legends Bob Cousy and John Havlicek walked onto the court to deliver the Larry O'Brien championship trophy.

Celtics captain Paul Pierce received the trophy and placed it on a table decked with a black cloth and the championship rings in the shape of the number "17."

Flanked by the Celtics ownership group, NBA commissioner David Stern commended the Celtics before the ring presentation opened with Celtics front office and coaching staffs receiving their new diamond- and gem-studden jewelry. Head coach Doc Rivers received his ring last to deafening applause.

Each player from the 2007-08 squad was then introduced, sans the retired PJ Brown and James Posey, the lone offseason defector (New Orleans Hornets). Sam Cassell and Scot Pollard accepted in street clothes, while the rest of the Celtics wore their warmup attire.

The Big 3 brought up the rear of the line with Pierce the last to accept as cheers of "MVP!" bouncing off all walls.

As "Beautiful Day" began, the Celtics walked over to the banner lying near the top of the arc in front of the visitor's bench. Showing the same teamwork that made the Celtics successful last year, each player seemed to want to get a hand on the rope that hoisted it to the rafters, where -- as the chorus hit -- it nestled safely between a set of retired numbers and the last championship banner from 1986.

The familiar chant of "Let's Go Celtics!" poured from the crowd.

After lineup introductions from both squads, an emotional Pierce took the mic at center court and addressed the crowd.

"Sometimes you don't know if this day will ever come," said Pierce. "Dreams do come true."

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15 comments so far...

I have man love for Paul Pierce. This guy stuck with this franchise through the tough times. The total antithesis of Manny Ramirez. I'm so happy for him.

Posted by Teary Eye October 28, 08 08:44 PM

Great comment Teary Eye!!! I agree. Congrats to the Celtics, they're all heart! Paul, you made me cry!! Best of Luck this season. GO FOR 18!

Posted by Sarah October 28, 08 08:58 PM

Did anyone notice that #17 John Havlicek was the one who carried the trophy out to the court?

Posted by Bob Strodel October 28, 08 08:58 PM

What? So Manny coming to Boston before any championships (tough times), followed by leaving during a pennant race after two titles (not tough times at all), is the opposite of Pierce? I realize everyone hates Manny Ramirez because the media painted him as a jerk (rightfully) before he left, but that's a stretch.

Posted by academicone October 28, 08 09:00 PM

Paul Pierce is the Troy Brown of the Celts. I am so proud of what he has done for us. Without Pierce we wouldn't be raising any banner in the garden this year. Should be another great season.....Lets Go Celts! and what's the deal with the Manny talk. the dude is gone. get over it.

Posted by nellynell October 28, 08 10:15 PM

academicone.....let me correct you for a moment. Manny painted himself as a jerk. He didnt need any help from the media.

Posted by craig October 28, 08 10:16 PM

One more comment on Manny.... it ticks me off that everyone is still on his case. Did we all forget that your pal Theo placed him on waivers a few years back....was it in the end of 2003.....he played with a bad taste in his mouth since then, and it eventually overcame him. Some day in 2009 y'all wish he didn't play for the Yanks.
Cetlics rock, but can they win without Mr. D-fense (Posey)?

Posted by Ardiuno October 28, 08 10:50 PM

GO SIXERS!

Posted by Dr. J October 28, 08 11:15 PM

I've been following the Celtic's for 14 of these championships and #17 is definitely one of the best! Congrats to all the guys, and special thanks, Paul, thanks for sticking it out.

BTW, Manny is a jerk and really doesn't belong in the same sentence as these Celtics. Sorry for doing it myself, haha

Posted by Shtarka October 28, 08 11:27 PM

Manny would never be a Celtic. Being a Celtic means being a TEAM MEMBER. Manny is a HOF superstar. Someone who MAY win another WS, maybe not. But he was never a team player. We got 2 WS outta him, and for me that's enough. He can rot in LA. Being a fan of the Celtics means that the TEAM wants to win more than anything. Manny wanted money more than anything.

Posted by JiminDC October 28, 08 11:30 PM

why even bring money ramirez up?

this was the CELTICS night and PAUL PIERCE's night
brought some tears to my eyes
nice win for the champions!!!!

Posted by mc redsox October 28, 08 11:39 PM

I liked Manny. Thanks for breaking the Curse.

Posted by Brook Wiers October 28, 08 11:52 PM

It was time for Manny to go but let's not diminish what he did here. Without him, they likely don't win either World Series. Let's get over it, folks.

I just got back from the Garden and it was an awesome night. This team is primed to go back-to-back.

Posted by Rob October 29, 08 12:07 AM

Go Celtics!!! Bring another title back to Boston! Green 18!!!!!!!!

Posted by karatekid October 29, 08 12:20 AM

Praise God! May the Celtics be blessed with number 18...

Posted by Gort October 29, 08 05:58 AM