As Boston Celtics fans sit in their TD Garden seats for a given game, a tilt of the head upward will lead to a sight no other fan base can claim in its home building — 17 NBA Championship banners.

The bulk of those banners — 13, to be exact — come from a dominant stretch that began in the late 50s and tapered off in the mid-70s under the organizational guide of Red Auerbach. Three more were added in the 80s, during the Larry Bird era — the time of the original Big Three.

But, as fans know, it was not always banners, cigars and parades for this franchise. To be initiated as a Celtics fan after that 16th title in 1986 would seemingly be a punishment. The much publicized deaths of promising young players Len Bias and Reggie Lewis, combined with the ping-pong disappointment of the 1997 Draft Lottery and subsequent lackluster reign of Rick Pitino, delivered a stark contrast to the organization’s glory days.

The fan base endured a byproduct of those tragedies — the Celtics failed to make the playoffs for six straight seasons prior to the 2001-2002 campaign. On the heels an Eastern Conference Finals exit, though, owner Paul Gaston sold the organization in December 2002 to Banner Seventeen LLC, a group led by Wyc Grousbeck and his father, H. Irving Grousbeck.

A virtuous plan of attack

“If you’re going to be a playoff team and just make money, that’s maybe not a championship formula. So what we did from Day One is we said, ‘We’re going to invest as much as we possibly can in this team, and the valuation will take care of itself’,” Grousbeck in a recent appearance on NECN’s CEO Corner. “So that’s how it takes four or five years to get that put together, and then luckily we did win.”

When Grousbeck took over as Managing Partner, Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Celtics in December 2002, he inherited a team that surprised many by nearly making it through a weak Eastern Conference to the NBA Finals. But a surprising team from a weak conference would stand little-to-no chance against Western Conference powers Los Angeles and San Antonio, which boasted bigger stars than Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker — not to mention a better supporting cast.

In May 2003, Grousbeck hired Danny Ainge, a two-time title winner as a player with the Celtics, as the organization’s Executive Director of Basketball Operations and General Manager. It would be his task to assemble a team worthy of restoring the luster long since gone from the Celtics mystique. The right formula would take some time.

In his first big moves at the helm, Ainge acquired point guard Marcus Banks and high school center Kendrick Perkins in Draft Night dealings. Banks never made a huge impact with the Celtics, or any other organization. Perkins, on the other hand, was Exhibit A that patience would prove worthwhile in the hunt for a 17th title.

Over the coming seasons, there would be many bearers of false hope to suit up in the green and white — Ricky Davis, Gary Payton, Al Jefferson, Delonte West, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Wally Szczerbiak and Sebastian Telfair, to name a few. Complimentary players are an easy find in the NBA. But Pierce, the foundation piece identified by Ainge, head coach Doc Rivers and Celtics ownership, required more than young, one-dimensional teammates to make a serious run at an NBA Title.

“My partners and I decided that we would rebuild the team bit-by-bit,” Grousbeck said. “We would stick with Danny (Ainge). And we stuck with Doc (Rivers), during some darker times. We didn’t feel like we’d given them enough time to show what they could do — the drafting and the coaching, and bringing it all together.”

The organization decided to look at the aforementioned role players as an answer, rather than a problem — a group with collective shortcomings incapable of mounting a strong playoff push, even with Pierce leading the way, but enough promise to lure teams with aging veterans to the negotiating table.

“All of a sudden — it seemed like it was all of a sudden — we had the pieces in place to make these trades. In fact, it was the culmination of being patient for four years. So we waited for it, when we were ready to go, we went, we got (Kevin) Garnett and (Ray) Allen and we won the championship,” Grousbeck said of the two deals that immediately changed his team’s fortunes.

On the night of the NBA Draft Lottery, Boston fans, with dreams of Greg Oden and Kevin Durant dancing in their heads, learned that neither would be in a Celtics uniform in 2007. Boston had been awarded the No. 5 overall selection in the upcoming Draft.

The unlucky bounce of ping-pong balls set the Celtics back once before. Boston would not be had twice, deciding to change its future not with a draft pick, but by using it to acquire a veteran player.

On Draft Night 2007, Ainge traded West, Szczerbiak and the 5th overall pick (Jeff Green) to Seattle for the 35th overall pick (Glen “Big Baby” Davis) and Ray Allen, a sharpshooter from beyond the arc and the key to convincing the final piece of the New Big Three to join the Celtics. A little over a month later, Kevin Garnett became that final piece. The high-scoring Jefferson, Gomes, Telfair, Green, Theo Ratliff, cash and two first round draft selections in 2009 netted The Big Ticket, who was leaving the only NBA team he had known, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Grousbeck’s patience with Ainge and Rivers culminated in the organization’s 17th NBA Title in that first season the New Big Three played together. It was an amazing run capped by the six-game defeat of longtime rival the Los Angeles Lakers.

Patience is a funny thing, though. What if the Timberwolves and Sonics were not prepared to deal Garnett and Allen? What if the ping-pong ball had landed Boston the No. 1 overall pick in 2007? Would Ainge have gone the way of former New York Knicks boss Isiah Thomas, now coaching a little-known NCAA program after a series of moves put franchise well behind the eight ball? One will never know for sure.

Sentimental value

“I think of myself as a trustee of the Celtics — it’s really not mine. It’s everybody’s in Boston and it’s Red Auerbach’s and Bill Russell’s and everybody back in the past,” Grousbeck said. “The chance to take care of one of those franchises and try to hang another banner and add to the pride and tradition is so unique that it’s hard to place a value on it.”

Grousbeck’s group originally purchased the Celtics for $360 million. In 2008, Forbes placed a $447 million valuation on the franchise. Grousbeck noted that the team’s rich history and current level of performance bumps its value, in his eyes, far beyond that $447 million figure.

The opportunity to own an NBA franchise is quite limited, as there are only so many teams to be had, and at a steep price. Accordingly, simply seeing the fruits of one’s negotiations on the court can be a thrill worth taking on the responsibility of being an NBA owner. Grousbeck admitted as much in his CEO Corner appearance.

But for him, it is more than that. Having tasted the league’s ultimate success, there is no turning back — his competitive spirit is tied to the on-court ups and downs of his team. It is the type of attitude a true fan — one that hit Powerball and purchased his hometown team — would display with pride. Because going from fan to owner takes the experience to a completely different level.

“It’s actually much more fun to win, and even when we lose I’m so devastated, but I’m so much more wrapped up in the games. I’m not just a fan anymore and I love it,” Grousbeck said.

‘Let’s have a parade in the end’

At the time of his CEO Corner appearance, Grousbeck’s Celtics were a perfect 4-0 on the young 2009-2010 season. Following Friday night’s 110-103 loss to Phoenix, the team sat at 6-1 — now 7-1.

“Well, I can’t expect that we’re going to be undefeated for the whole year, but I’d like to really cause some problems for our opponents in the league,” Grousbeck said.

Problems would be one way opponents could term a first team unit that boasts Pierce, Allen, a healthy Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Perkins. Heck, a second team consisting of new additions Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels and old guard members Eddie House and Glen Davis, would be problematic for a healthy percentage of teams in the NBA.

Seven years later, one can look back on the moves made by Grousbeck’s management team with wonderment. That is not to say his goal is accomplished, mission complete. His plan of investing in the team — the players on the court — from the start worked to increase the value of his investment, and his chances of hanging yet another banner — the 18th.

“I’m really competitive, and there’s nothing better than beating the heck out of everybody else,” Grousbeck said of this 2009-2010 campaign. “And let’s have a parade in the end.”

The Duckboats people, one would think, will be happy to hear that.

As part of the process of approving a new NBA owner, Boston Celtics owner and CEO Wyc Grousbeck met with Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov in recent weeks.

Prokhorov, 43, earlier this year was ranked No. 40 on the Forbes World’s Billionaire’s List with a net worth of $9.5 billion. He reached a deal in September to purchase 80-percent of the Nets’ shares for $200 million.

“I just did meet Mr. Prokhorov last week in New York as part of the interview process and was favorably impressed,” Grousbeck said in a recent appearance on NECN’s CEO Corner. “For a billionaire, he’s a people’s billionaire. He’s a regular guy with a whole bunch of money, seems like to me.”

Prokhorov was once held in a prostitution investigation, but never charged. He would become the first NBA owner not from North America.

Twenty-five years ago, the prospect of a Russian owning an NBA franchise would have been an outrageous one, as Cold War tensions only began to ease with a series of summits between President Ronald Reagan and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. But this is a different global landscape, one which may find the league expanding overseas in the relatively near future.

“Whether we add teams in Europe, South America, the Middle East or China, it remains to be seen. My guess is, we will,” Grousbeck said.

In that case, would the league abandon its current domestic format in favor of true geographical Eastern and Western Conferences — divided by hemispheres? Likely not.

“There may be a Chinese league or a European league, and then their champion plays our champion,” Grousbeck said.

The case for international expansion is that growing the league’s popularity, and therefore its profit capabilities, is limited so long as the NBA remains a domestic league. Fans in Israel and China may cheer for the Celtics, Lakers or Rockets, but the investment is not as deep without a team to call their own.

“The biggest growth opportunity for a team like the Celtics and a league like the NBA really is international,” Grousbeck said. “Local teams have been globalized, but it’s the same local team.”

The way Grousbeck talks, the NBA could soon be fulfilling its manifest destiny.

Patriots lead 16-10 coming out the break. But Miami is picking up momentum.

It’s quite disadvantageous to settle for field goals, as it has kept Miami right in this game. This Patriots offense needs to start going for the jugular.  At least the defense has learned to close down the option, setting the edge and forcing Pat White to keep it for a minimal loss.

But stopping the Wildcat is too tough on three straight goal line plays, with Ronnie Brown passing to a tight end for a tricky touchdown.  It all goes back to New England blowing scoring chances in the first half.  Patriots 16 Miami 17

Told you so.  The only way New England will win is by scoring touchdowns.  Randy Moss does so on a quick crossing pattern, face washing Vontae Davis to gain separation and running the rest of the way for a YAC-heavy 71-yard touchdown reception.  He adds the two-point conversion catch for good measure.  Patriots 24 Dolphins 17

You go to the bathroom for two minutes, and the Patriots get an interception called back because Pat Chung hits Chad Henne in the helmet — with his helmet.  Rookies.

With 1:09 remaining, Stephen Gostkowski ices the game with another field goal.  Patriots 27 Miami 17

Statistics:

• Tom Brady: 25-of-37 passing, 332 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Randy Moss: 6 rec, 147 yards, 1 TD

Anyone enjoy the Bye Week? Me neither.

I missed a few plays, like Tom Brady’s interception on the first drive picked by Vontae Davis, and a fumble return for a touchdown by Adalius Thomas that was called back. I had a feeling the Patriots would start slow off the Bye Week, despite everyone saying how it could only help them.

What I didn’t miss, was Randy Moss‘ one-handed grab — over Davis — that put the ball at the one yard line. Looks like his back is feeling better after the Bye. Laurence Maroney waltzes into the end zone on the next snap. He showed nice patience on this drive with the few handoffs he was given. Patriots 7 Miami 3

You can spend two weeks preparing for the Wildcat, but it doesn’t do you much good when Chad Henne is dropping back to pass on every play. Although, Pat Chung and Brandon Meriweather coming on the blitz is a good defense against such an attack. Chung gets the sack, proving himself a solid addition to this defense as a first-year player.

Aside from the one drive where Henne completed a few consecutive passes, this New England defense is looking stought. Tight coverage, good pass rush and staying home against the run. Well coached, one would think.

Brady is working the play fake like nobody’s business, marching down the field as the Dolphins are loading up against the run. Strange tactic. Still, Moss can’t catch them all. New England settles for a field goal Patriots 10 Miami 3

Oh there you are, Wildcat, as Pat White gains 33 yards for the Phins. A few plays later, he runs the option, pitching it to Ricky Williams, who bursts through the spacious Patriots defense for a touchdown. Looks like White never left West Virginia. Patriots 10 Dolphins 10

It’s always the holding penalty that sets a team from barnstorming into the end zone.  This is no exception.  A nice Kevin Faulk screen pass is called back by holding, and the Patriots are forced to settle for another field goal.  Patriots 13 Dolphins 10

Well this is a new one, the Patriots are flagged for offsides on the kickoff — one that was buried out of the end zone by Stephen Gostkowski, keeping it out of Ted Ginn’s hands.  Wonder if it is the player standing in for Eric Alexander, who is out for this game.  Like it even matters, though, because Gostkowki repeats it from 5 yards behind the normal kickoff spot.

The new guys are good at getting pressure on the quarterback, meaning Tully Banta-Cain and Derrick Burgess.  Just set those two on the either end and let ‘em rip.  Simple, but effective.

Two minute drive time from his own 10, and you just know Brady will pick them apart — mainly with the help of Wes Welker.  And Aiken, the pass interference-drawing machine.  After a drop by BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the end zone, a sack and quick play, the Pats are left with 1 second on the play clock.  You guessed it — 34-yard field goal.  Patriots 16 Miami 10

Statistics:

• Tom Brady: 18-of-29 passing, 224 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
• Wes Welker: 6 receptions, 73 yards
• Dolphins: 13 rushes, 76 yards

Following an early morning fight with a childhood friend the day prior to the season opener, which left him sidelined for six-to-eight weeks with a broken thumb, Celtics forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis will not face a suspension from the team.

The announcement was made by Celtics President of Basketball Opertations Danny Ainge prior to the team’s third game of the season Friday night against the Chicago Bulls.

“We have decided as an organization not to suspend Glen,” Ainge said. “We’ve levied a fine against him, and we want him around the team, we want him with the team on the road, we want him working out and conditioning with the team.”

The team’s fine against Davis was for an undisclosed amount.

Ainge said that Davis had apologized to his coaches, teammates and owners. Davis is wanted around the team as he works to keep in shape to make a seamless transition from the bench to the court once cleared to play, according to Ainge.

“It’s been tough, watching those guys and not being there and experiencing those experiences with them,” Davis said. “I just want to move on and work hard to stay in shape to make sure I’m ready to play.”

When asked for his overall reaction to the incident, Davis said, “It was…” and paused to find the right words. Ainge jumped in to help him out.

“Stupid,” Ainge said, drawing laughs from the media in the room and a smile from Davis.

“It was a stupid mistake, like Danny said, and something I learned from,” Davis said. “I wish it had never happened — I wish I could have learned without making this huge mistake.”

Davis averaged 15.8 points in 14 playoff games for the Celtics in his second NBA season, seeing an increased role in the stead of injured forward Kevin Garnett. He re-signed with Boston this season without signing an offer sheet with another team as a restricted free agent.

Davis had surgery on his thumb Tuesday morning.

Starting with the ball and a 21-7 lead, New England’s offense looks to recapture some of that 59-0 magic displayed in the snow against Tennessee.

3RD QUARTER:

It’s almost as if he heard the criticisms. Tight end Ben Watson streaks down field for a 35-yard touchdown reception. With tight coverage on Randy Moss throughout the game, Tom Brady needs another target other than Wes Welker. Watson provides that intermediate-to-long-range option. Patriots 28 Bucs 7

A surprising player against the run is recently extended Tully Banta-Cain. His career has been built on the pass rush, but his run blitzes up the gut this game have been essential in putting the Bucs into 2nd & long positions.

It would appear these Patriots receivers are struggling to get open, as Brady has been forced to by time with his feet, and even scramble in an effort to pick up first downs.  Tampa Bay, unlike Tennessee a week prior, is still showing fight in the third quarter.

Still a concern for New England’s defense is the poor tackling at the second level.  If a receiver gains separation from coverage, linebackers and safeties tend to overpursue, allowing a series of cutback moves by the ball carrier to take maximum effect.

A rookie making his presence known each week, defensive lineman Myron Pryor continues to find ways to get to the quarterback.  It doesn’t always lead to sacks, but twice he has brought Josh Johnson to the ground when in his throwing motion.

4TH QUARTER:

Performing much better than Joey Galloway did, third receiver Sam Aiken shows he can be explosive after the catch on short dump off passes and screen plays.  It adds to his value as special teams captain.

It’s never a positive sign, to see a stud defensive end like Ty Warren carted off to the locker room.  Mike Wright can easily line up at the end position, but it limits the defense’s flexibility to shift between the base 3-4 and base 4-3.  This will be something to monitor, if this potential injury lasts through the upcoming Bye Week.

No harm in building one’s confidence heading into the Bye Week, as Laurence Maroney gets the call inside the 10, scoring his first touchdown in Merry Ol’ England.  Patriots 35 Bucs 7

An up and down day for Brady leads to some PT for Brian Hoyer.  One wonders how important it was for Brady to put on a show similar to that of last week’s 59-0 drubbing.  He has been compared to David Beckham on a global level.  Not that he had a terrible day, but it was anything but a dominant performance.

Statistics of Importance:

• Tom Brady: 23-of-32 passing, 308 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
• Laurence Maroney: 13 rushes, 43 yards, 1 TD
• Wes Welker: 10 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
• Patriots Defense: 3 sacks; Pat Chung (1), Derrick Burgess (1), Mike Wright (1)
• Patriots Defense: 3 INT; Brandon Meriweather (2), Darius Butler (1)

A look at the first half of New England’s game “at” Tampa Bay, via Wembley Stadium in London.

PREGAME:

It’s nice to see that Patriots with some bounce in their legs, showing excitement for this game. The opposite of the team’s stoic appearance prior to losing Super Bowl XLII.  After last week’s 59-0 drubbing of the Tennessee Titans, it appears this team is having fun again.

Is Curtis Martin in the house?  One-time megastar Toni Braxton opens the game by singing the Star Spangled Banner.  Some lady of whom I’ve never heard sings God Save the Queen.

1ST QUARTER:

Brandon Meriweather gets in touch with the British fans early, celebrating his pick-six by slapping hands with those fans sitting in the front row behind the end zone. Meriweather broke quickly on a short curl route, catching Josh Johnson’s pass attempt in stride and running it back 39-yards untouched to put the Patriots on the board early. Patriot 7 Bucs 0

He makes his presence felt early, hitting Johnson as he throws. Talking about Adalius Thomas, the much-talked-about healthy scratch from Week 6. Not to lessen his accomplishment, but it appears most every pass rushing is getting through.

The 15 step drop doesn’t help, as Johnson manages to evade the pass rush, but his pass is a little high and nabbed yet again by Meriweather. New England’s offense finally makes its way on the field.

Where’s the snow machine, one might be asking.  New England’s drive stalls, as Tom Brady passes to Wes Welker, who cut off his route about two yards short.  The Patriots went with five wide.

One way to get the offense moving is a reverse to rookie Brandon Tate, playing in his first NFL game, and a crossing pattern to Randy Moss that nets big gains.  Tate gives the Patriots versatility among the receiving corps.  But it’s Welker who scores on his pattented bubble screen from 14 yards out.  Sebastian Vollmer gets out there and springs Welker with a big block.  Patriots 14 Bucs 0

2ND QUARTER

Is Tom Brady’s Red Area interception a concern?  Likely not for Patriots fans, since the Bucs haven’t gotten anything going on offense.  On the move, he throws into double coverage looking for Moss.  No. 81 puts little effort into preventing the pick.  It would have taken a perfect pass to get it into Moss’ hands, and it was underthrown.

Leave it to Brady, coming back on the following drive, evading pressure and hitting Sam Aiken on a short crossing pattern — all while moving his feet, just like he was on that interception.  Aiken takes it to the house untouched for a 54-yard touchdown.  He follows it up by sprinting down the field on kick coverage. And you wonder why the Patriots signed him to an extension this past week.  Patriots 21 Bucs 0

It’s a risk to go deep to a rookie receiver playing in his first game, but one Brady is willing to take.  Unfortunately for him, Tate doesn’t adjust to a slightly underthrown ball, leaving an uncontested Aqib Talib to come down with an interception.  That’s two picks for Brady, but he’s clearly taking more chances with a 21-point cushion.

Burned on back-to-back plays, Darius Butler watches Antonio Bryant catch a 33-yard touchdown pass on a fly route down the right sideline.  Bill Belichick may not be all that pleasant inside the locker room at halftime.  The Patriots have seemingly let up with a 21-point cushion, now reduced to 14 points.  This score led to by a blocked punt.  Patriots 21 Bucs 7

Statistics of Importance:

• Tom Brady: 11-of-16 passing, 151 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• Laurence Maroney: 4 rushes, 9 yards
• Patriots Defense: 3 INT; Brandon Meriweather (2), Darius Butler (1)
• Patriots Defense: 1 sack; Pat Chung (5 yards)

Could stand to see the offense put together a few more solid drives. The defense helped to put the Patriots out to an early lead, but the offense struggled in the second quarter.

A look across the pond at those active and inactive players for New England.

Patriots Inactive Players:

• RB Sammy Morris (knee)
• RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
• WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
• LT Matt Light (knee)
• DB Terrence Wheatley
• OL Rich Ohrnberger
• OL Kendall Simmons
• DL Ron Brace

Analysis:
– Look who’s back. It’s Adalius Thomas. Wonder if he’ll start. If so, could he be on a short leash?
– One surprise on that list is that Terrence Wheatley is out and Darius Butler is in. The latter had been on the injury list all week with a bad ankle. Funeral services for his friend and former teammate Jasper Howard will be held Monday in Miami. Can’t be easy to play with that in the back of one’s mind.
– The grass in England is always suspect, which means Laurence Maroney needs to be on top of his game. Otherwise, we may see more of BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The loose footing helped Maroney last week in the snow, forcing him to be patient and slowing the defense at the line of scrimmage. It may be tougher to play on loose grass than on field turf covered in a thin layer of snow, though.
– Kendall Simmons got his first taste of action last week, but returns to the inactive list. Sebastian Vollmer impressed last week, and Simmons is seemingly not needed as a contingency plan again in Week 7. Fresh off the PUP list, Mark LeVoir will play that role.
– With Julian Edelman out with a reported broken arm, rookie third-round pick Brandon Tate will suit up. It remains to be seen how much action he gets in the offense, but he could play a role in the return game.

It would be unreasonable to assume every Japanese player would want to join the Red Sox.

Yusei Kikuchi, an 18-year-old Japanese pitcher, is not joining the Red Sox, or any other Major League team. He made the announcement at a press conference, the news of which occurred during my long commute home from NECN Headquarters.

He had the choice of entering the NPB Draft or signing with an MLB team, but opted to forego the latter. By signing with an NPB team, he will be required to go through the transfer process to make the jump to the majors — the same process that brought Daisuke Matsuzaka to Boston. Or he can wait until he becomes a free agent, which is years away.  So maybe Red Sox fans see him down the road some day.

A mainstay in Boston’s bullpen for the past three seasons, Hideki Okajima has reportedly made a move to facilitate his re-signing with the Red Sox.

Okajima has switched to Boston-based agent Joe Rosen after experiencing difficulty with former agent Peter Greenburg, according to NPBTracker.com.

“The agent and I were not on the same page regarding contracts,” Okajima told a Japanese news agency, according to Ryo Shinkawa’s translation on NPBTracker.com. “There was no specific communication done and I struggled to understand.”

The report included a quote from Okajima in which he said that signing with Rosen would enable him to better involve himself with the Boston community. Aside from minor league and basketball players, Angels outfielder Chris Pettit is the only other Major League Baseball player represented by Rosen’s Orpheus LLC.

Okajima’s ERA has increased each of his three years in Boston — 2.22, 2.61, 3.39. Still, he has been a trusted arm for Terry Francona out of the bullpen, making at least 23 holds per season. He made $1.75 million in 2009 as a club option.