Boston has fought the perception of not being a desirable destination for NBA free agents for some time. Even Kevin Garnett, whose arrival in 2007 signaled that the Celtics were a championship contender, initially refused to come here.
With another rebuilding job underway and loads of potential salary cap space over the next two to three years, Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck believes his franchise has a chance to change that perception. There are 17 championship banners hanging from the rafters of the TD Garden that he says might help change some minds.
“The difference is not going to be sunshine,” Grousbeck said on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Felger & Mazz. “It’s going to be winning the championship ring. People who have been on championship teams know what it’s like. It’s an unbelievable feeling. Talking about guys who have never won one, I think normally it becomes important in their career.”
Grousbeck said the Celtics have a good start with coach Brad Stevens.
“If you can create it with this coach, with this fan support, with this ownership commitment to spending and with good young players coming up, we can create an attractive place for someone to come and say, ‘My numbers are going to be great, my career’s going to be great, but what’s more, I might have a chance at being in a parade,'” Grousbeck said. “I think guys are going to listen to that.”
