Year One of the Big Three: Boston’s Rebirth

In summer 2007 the Boston Celtics pulled off the NBA’s wildest rebuild. Management traded core pieces for Kevin Garnett from Minnesota and Ray Allen from Seattle, forming a stunning "Big Three" with Paul Pierce. A year earlier Boston had won just 24 games.

Pierce was the team’s soul and locker-room leader. After ten years in Boston he knew the culture and best knew how to fold two stars into the system. Garnett brought defense and passion, Ray Allen outside fire, and Pierce the late-game scorer.

Boston won 66 games, rolled through the playoffs, and topped the Lakers in the Finals. From 24 wins to a title in twelve months, Pierce’s patience was the miracle’s starting point.

The Big Three’s first year taught the league: loyalty and patience are sometimes one bold trade — and one leader willing to wait — away.

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