95-year-old Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy reveals he will only attend banner celebration under THIS condition

The Boston Celtics secured their NBA-record 18th championship earlier this month, delighting fans and especially one of their icons, Bob Cousy. Following the Celtics’ victory, the 95-year-old Hall of Famer expressed his desire to witness the raising of the team’s newest flag, but he has one specific condition in mind.

Special condition of Bob Cousy

When the Boston Celtics won Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals, Bob Cousy, the 95-year-old Celtics legend, shared his joy with Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe, saying he is now 95 with “one foot in the grave” and barely any movement anymore. The veteran said he knows he is working “overtime” and that is why everything in life has become “more meaningful” to him.

Cousy said, “And one of the last things I want to see is the Celtics put up banner No. 18.”

Now that the Celtics have reached this milestone, Cousy is looking forward to the banner ceremony scheduled for opening night in October. However, in a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston, Cousy set one condition for his presence: the presence of two special guests.

“It is something I would like to participate in, but I would have to make one condition,” Cousy noted. “That I share it with my dear friend and the only remaining player from the fifties and sixties, Satch Sanders, who doesn’t get enough attention.”

Cousy also expressed his desire to bring Gov. Maura Healey, who has a notable basketball background and has become a close friend. He said she was the captain at Harvard years ago. He went on to say that Healey always refers to the Celtics and how they are doing, adding, “so we would talk about the ball and then work out the issues with the state.”

Cousy’s legacy with the Celtics is intertwined with the team’s rich history of success. Reflecting on the recent championship, Cousy said, “This puts us ahead of the Lakers again. The fact that I was able to be part of that is a wonderful legacy that I could hope for.”

It now remains to be seen whether the Boston Celtics organization will accept Bob Cousy’s special demands. However, given Cousy’s respected status, it is highly likely that the Boston Celtics will honor any special requests from their 95-year-old legend.

Read more: NBA Legend Bob Cousy Urges Celtics to Win the Finals and Get That 18th Flag While He’s Still Alive

Bob Cousy: The legend of the Boston Celtics

Bob Cousy’s influence on the Celtics and the NBA is monumental. Cousy was a key player in the 1950s and 1960s and helped shape the Celtics’ dynasty. Cousy is often hailed as the first great point guard in NBA history, as he revolutionized the game with his exceptional ball-handling and passing skills.

His innovative playing style and leadership on the field earned him the nickname “The Houdini of the Hardwood.”

Cousy led the NBA in assists for eight consecutive seasons and was the first player to reach the 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 career assists milestones. His illustrious career includes six NBA championships (1957, 1959-1963), an NBA MVP award in 1957 and 13 NBA All-Star appearances (1951-1963).

The highlights of Bob Cousy “The Houdini of the hardwood” –

Upon his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971, the Boston Celtics retired his number 14 jersey. Cousy was selected to the NBA 25th Anniversary Team in 1971, the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1981, the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996 and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, making him one of only four players named become. for each of these prestigious teams.

As of 2024, he and Bob Pettit are the only living members of these teams, with Cousy being the older of the two.

Cousy’s contributions extended beyond the court, as he was the first president of the National Basketball Players Association. In recognition of his impact on sports and society, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump on August 22, 2019.

Bob Cousy’s request to share the banner-raising party with Satch Sanders and Governor Maura Healey thus underscores his appreciation for camaraderie and the deep bonds he’s built over the years. As the Celtics prepare to raise their 18th banner, Cousy’s presence, along with his select guests, will add a poignant touch to a historic moment.

Read more: Top 10 Greatest Boston Celtics Players of All Time Ranked