Le Basketbawl

There are lots of qualities that makes someone a winner in life, business and in sports. You have to have ability, drive, focus, ambition but there may be one quality that is even more important. That would be in New York Vinnie’s opinion being unselfish; putting the priorities of your “team” ahead of your own. Whether it comes down to having a happy marriage, a successful business or a winning sports franchise the principle is still the same. If you are a selfish PUD that only worries about your needs than it will eventually sneak up and bite you in the back-side. But if you have everybody on the same page and concerned with the whole instead of the individual parts you will most likely succeed.

The Boston Celtics were a perfect example of that during the 2007-2008 NBA season. After trading for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to go along with the Celtics own star in Paul Pierce the team had to find a way to jell. All three of the veterans had always been the “Go-To Guy” the “Money Player” on their teams but they could not all have that role with Boston if the team expected to contend for an NBA Title.

So all three of the Superstars instead of concentrating on personal numbers started focusing on the true priority; team victories. Because they learned to trust each other and their teammates they won the ultimate prize at the end of the season Boston’s first NBA Title in 22 years.

New York Vinnie has predicted that the Celtics are the team that I expect to win the NBA Championship next June. The team is healthy and have picked up some key veterans that will fill the holes that the team had during the NBA Playoffs last spring. One player who the Celtics are counting on big time this season is point guard Rajon Rondo; if he is steady at the helm Boston should have a great year. If he is unfocused though the team could easily fall off the track leading them to the NBA Finals next June.

Rondo and the team are currently trying to work out a contract extension for the guard before the October 31, deadline arrives. The “Boston Globe” reported on Wednesday that the Celtics starter has vowed that even if an extension is not worked out it will not effect his play on the court. Rondo told reporters “I have no idea whether we’ll get something done. It’s not something I’m worried about. It’s just not a big deal right now. Of course, I’d like to get it done, but if it doesn’t happen, I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.”

Celtics head coach Doc Rivers is not concerned about his starter’s mind-set. Rivers told reporters “I think he’s focused on winning. He understands he was part of a championship team. This year he can be the point guard that leads us to the championship. … I don’t care about contract talks. That will be something that will be handled. I’m not concerned about it. I don’t think it will affect us. Last year it made more of an issue.”

New York Vinnie is sure all sides would like to come to an agreement to lock Rondo up long term so that everybody can concentrate on just winning another NBA Title. But if Rondo stays this focused and committed to winning the money will be there at the end of the season as well as his his second NBA Championship ring.