Celtics’ 1968-69 title team may hold lessons for today’s edition

Nobody ever said that this was going to be easy; somehow, Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge had to know that at some point the miles would begin to show. Looking back, it is a wonder that the Celtics were able to accomplish as much as they did in such a relatively short period of time. Although this may sound like their eulogy, it isn’t; and although it may seem as if this writer has written them off, I haven’t. You see, as Celtics fans, we have been here before. When you have 17 championships under your belt, there is always a piece of history there for you to lean on, and when that history involves Bill Russell, it certainly bears one’s attention.Way back in 1968-69, the Celtics limped through the regular season finishing a very pedestrian 48-34, just barely good enough for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Of course, there were rumblings way back then and questions as to whether to break apart that team or ride the coattails of its aging stars. Of course, it is very difficult to compare teams with 41 years of history separating them; however, this particular Celtics team is one in desperate need of focus and confidence, and if that inspiration can come through a look into its own past, so be it.Two years ago, coach Doc Rivers shone a spotlight onto the empty space where the Celtics hoped to hang their next championship banner. The symbolism served as a constant reminder as to the team’s larger goals, and reminded the team that anything was possible. With only 30 games remaining, the Celtics’ Kevin Garnett is well aware of the situation the Celtics have put themselves in.”Playoffs are right down the street, so to speak,” Garnett said. “And these first four games are really, really, really big games for us. The second half, it’s all about how you start, you want to get that momentum and you want to get that momentum early. This is a key part of the season right here.”When the Celtics return from their West Coast road trip next week, maybe Rivers should shine a light on the Celtics’ 1969 championship banner, this time to serve as a reminder that a difficult regular season doesn’t necessarily spell playoff demise. After all, just ask Russell, or better yet ask any member of the 1969 Los Angeles Lakers.