The Celtics’ Dominant Era
The Boston Celtics’ most successful period in their history was during the 1960s, under the leadership of coach Red Auerbach and players like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Sam Jones. This team dominated the league, winning an unprecedented 11 championships in 13 years.
The series covers the team’s early years, the emergence of Bill Russell, and the eventual decline of the team.
The Early Years of the Celtics
The Celtics’ early years were marked by a mix of success and struggle. The team was founded in 1946 by Walter A. Brown, and it took several years for the team to establish itself as a competitive force in the NBA. In the early 1950s, the Celtics were still a relatively new team, and they struggled to find their footing in the league. Key players from this era include: + Bob Cousy + John Havlicek + Sam Jones + Bill Russell
The Emergence of Bill Russell
The arrival of Bill Russell in 1956 marked a turning point for the Celtics. Russell, a dominant center, quickly became the face of the franchise and led the team to its first championship in 1957. Russell’s incredible defensive skills and leadership abilities made him a key factor in the Celtics’ success during the 1960s. Key achievements of Bill Russell: + 11 NBA championships + 5 MVP awards + 5 Finals MVP awards
The Dominance of the 1960s
The 1960s were the Celtics’ golden era, with the team winning 11 of 12 championships between 1957 and 1969. The Celtics’ success during this period was largely due to the dominance of Bill Russell and the emergence of other talented players such as John Havlicek and Sam Jones.
The NBA’s struggle to overcome its racist past and integrate its players.
The tension between the league and the players union was palpable, and the league was under pressure to address the issue.
The Early Years of Integration
The NBA was formed in 1946, and it wasn’t until the 1950s that the league began to integrate. The first black player to join the league was Earl Lloyd, who played for the Washington Capitols in 1950. However, it wasn’t until 1956 that the league officially recognized the first black player, Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton, who played for the New York Knicks. Lloyd and Clifton paved the way for other black players to enter the league, but they faced significant challenges and racism throughout their careers.
The Celtics and Russell
The Boston Celtics were the first NBA team to draft and sign the league’s first black player, Bill Russell. Russell was drafted by the Celtics in 1956 and went on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history. He led the Celtics to 11 NBA championships and was a key figure in the league’s integration. Russell’s impact on the league went beyond his on-court success. He helped to break down racial barriers and paved the way for other black players to enter the league.
The Tension Between the League and the Players Union
The tension between the league and the players union was palpable, even after Russell retired in 1969. The league was under pressure to address the issue of racism and discrimination, and the players union was fighting for better working conditions and more equitable compensation.
The show’s creators have done an excellent job of incorporating the legends into the narrative, making them feel like they’re part of the team.
The Magic of the 1960s Celtics
The 1960s Celtics were a dominant force in the NBA, with a record 11 championships in 13 years. The team’s success was built on a strong foundation of talented players, including Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Sam Jones.
While the network has a history of airing sports content with some profanity, this series is particularly egregious in its use of the entire alphabet of expletives.
The Problem with Excessive Profanity
The inclusion of excessive profanity in “Celtics City” is not only a turn-off for some viewers but also a reflection of the show’s lack of focus on the team’s history and achievements. The series is supposed to be a documentary-style show that explores the Boston Celtics’ past, but instead, it focuses on the players’ personal lives and antics, often using profanity to make the content more “edgy” or “relatable.” This approach not only alienates viewers who prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere but also detracts from the team’s rich history and legacy. *Some of the most egregious examples of profanity include:**
The Impact on Viewers
The excessive profanity in “Celtics City” has a significant impact on viewers, particularly those who are sensitive to strong language. Some viewers may find the content off-putting or even disturbing, while others may be turned off by the lack of professionalism and decorum. This can lead to a negative viewing experience, which can ultimately affect the show’s ratings and overall success.
The series starts streaming March 3 on HBO Max.