Kevin Garnett had a mini Boston Celtics reunion through his podcast. The 2004 NBA MVP brought in iconic stars like Rajon Rondo and Doc Rivers, who played a pivotal part in bringing Boston the 2008 championship. Apart from the fact that the team was filled with talented hoopers in every position, they needed something more than that to beat Kobe Bryant and LeBron James in the playoffs. In fact, it was an African philosophy that brought fire within them.  Rajon Rondo shared that former Celtics head coach Doc Rivers introduced them to a traditional African word called ‘Ubuntu’.

Originating from the Zulu and Xhola languages, the word was used as a symbol to bring unity to the team. In essence, Ubuntu means humanity to the people around you but it can also be translated as “I am because we are.” This is a philosophy that the 2008 Celtics lived with. KG explained how it worked in bringing a sense of pride. Garnett explained, “Celtics pride and Ubuntu are very parallel. Celtics pride, believing in something, giving your all. And when he [Rivers] said that [Ubuntu], it couldn’t have been more powerful in the room…”

Coach Doc Rivers joined the team during the 2004-05 season. After drafting Rondo in 2006, Danny Ainge put on a masterclass by trading for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett during the summer of 2007. However, with all the trades it took to get them there, the 2008 Boston Celtics needed a coach who could bring them all together. And that’s exactly what they did.

Doc Rivers explains how he introduced the African philosophy into the team 

The Celtics team had a lot of failed attempts in the playoffs. But in 2008, there was a new feeling inside the locker room. Following a 66-16 record, Boston looked poised to dominate the post-season with their new Big 3. And that’s exactly what they did, thanks to one African word. 

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Doc Rivers shared, “I had the rookie introduce it. They were amazing. I was shocked. Big Baby [Glen Davis] in particular. He had tears. I mean, he was talking in passionate ways, and right when he finished, Kevin yells, ‘1,2,3, Ubuntu’. 

Big Baby, aka, Glen Davis who played an integral part in 2008 believed he was the guinea pig. He shared, “I did everything and I would present that word Ubuntu to the team. We used that everywhere we went. Even if we were out there clubbing, we would Ubuntu.” 

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That’s how much the Celtics dwelt in the African culture. It helped them beat LeBron James’ Cavaliers 4-3 and Kobe Bryant’s Lakers 4-2 to win one of their toughest championships. Well, the 2008 Celtics run could be documentary-worthy! And now we have a name for it. What are your thoughts on the above story? Share your take in the comments below.