Ted's Take

The Blogging Site of Ted Leonsis

Archive for June 18th, 2008

Storied Franchises

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

Not since 1984 had a Boston Celtics team won an NBA championship but that drought ended last night with their huge win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Garden. It is amazing how time flies and how a franchise can go that long without a title yet still be considered an elite team. The Celtics have a lot to be proud of. They rebuilt the team - literally - in the off season and Danny Ainge, the Celtics GM, delivered a championship. I thought the Celtics played great team defense and shut down Kobe Bryant while distributing points and touches well to their big three of Pearce, Allen and Garnett.

It was an amazing experience to see Kevin Garnett weeping after the game, tears of pure joy and elation. He is no longer the best player in the league to NOT win a crown.

It is good for professional sports to have teams such as the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Red Wings win their respective league’s championships. These teams are national brands and have deep passionate fan bases around the nation. TV ratings are strong and merchandise sales will be brisk.

Our goal is to break through to become one of these great enduring franchises but that only can happen when we win a crown ourselves. Well-played Boston Celtics. Congratulations.

NHL Owners Meeting

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

I will be at the NHL Owners meeting today in NYC. I am sure it will be a long and interesting meeting. 

I am up early and have received several emails that make me smile. :-)

It is almost bordering on mass hysteria and it isn’t even July yet. There are emails with messages to sign  Laich; sign Huet; sign Fedorov; sign Green; sign someone! I have requests for a stay at home D man; a rugged wing in free agency; recruit new assistant coaches; draft a big physical player; make a trade; trade up in the draft; resign Peter Bondra; retire Calle’s jersey; and on and on.

We have passionate fans. You have a lot on your minds and you are not afraid to express it. Thank you. :-)