NBA Entertainment (NBAE), in association with ESPN Films, will present The Association: Boston Celtics, debuting on ESPN on Friday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. ET, prior to the network’s game telecast of the Celtics hosting the Chicago Bulls. This five-part series will follow Boston on its quest for an unprecedented 18th championship banner after the team fell just five points short of a title in last year’s dramatic seven-game NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBAE cameras will provide an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at the Celtics throughout the 2010-11 season. From the “Big Three” of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, to emerging star Rajon Rondo, to new addition and four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, to charismatic head coach Doc Rivers, The Association: Boston Celtics will focus on one of sports’ most storied franchises. While much of the preseason hype focused on the defending champion Lakers and the new look Miami Heat, viewers will see how the Celtics are working to prove that they never should be overlooked.
Similar to last season’s The Association: Los Angeles Lakers, this year’s series will focus on the season-long journey of an NBA team – but since the subject is the Celtics, it’s impossible to ignore history. The five-episode arc will give context as to how the current version of the team fits into Celtics lore, while also exploring the NBA’s longest-lasting rivalry, the Celtics and the Lakers.
Finally, besides going up close with members of the team, The Association: Boston Celtics will portray another important character in the Celtics’ saga - the city of Boston itself. With the team ingrained in the fabric of one of the most passionate sports cities in the country, the Celtics and their fans share an unbreakable bond forged through a history of resilience and triumph.
Episode 1 - Friday, Dec. 3 - 7 p.m. (30 minutes)
Episode 2 - Friday, Jan. 21 - 7 p.m. (30 minutes)
Episode 3 - Friday, Feb. 25 - 7 p.m. (30 minutes)
Episode 4 - Wednesday, March 16 - 7 p.m. (30 minutes)
Episode 5 - Friday, April 15 - 8 p.m. (60 minutes)
I'm sure as hell going to enjoy this documentary. But I'm not sure if fans of other teams will give a damn.
Oh well, if I have to deal with the Decision and the Heat Index, then they can deal with non-stop promotion of Banner 18.
