Fred Toucher: Draymond Green would be a bigger legend than Larry Bird if he played for the Celtics
Draymond Green‘s defensive skills make him one of the tougher players in the NBA, but would it surpass Larry Bird’s legend status if he played for the Celtics? Fred Toucher believes so!
Draymond Green, a power forward and key player for the Golden State Warriors, admired and hated for his toughness that sometimes crosses the lines. However, comparing his popularity to Celtics legend Larry Bird’s in Boston is a tough call. Larry Bird, with three NBA championships and numerous All-Star appearances, is an icon who defined an era for the Celtics.
During yesterday’s show, Fred Toucher asks Kendra Middleton about her favorite NBA team, to which she mentions the Milwaukee Bucks. When asked if she would want the Bucks to have Draymond Green, she firmly says no. However, Fred continues to discuss the idea of having Draymond Green on the Celtics, even with the possibility of him being suspended. Chris Forsberg from NBC Sports Boston was asked the same scenario scenario, with Fred expressing enthusiasm for Green’s aggressive playstyle and suggesting that even if he were to hit someone, the Celtics would retire his number immediately.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Fred Toucher: Kendra Middleton – who’s your favorite NBA team?
Kendra Middleton: I grew up a Bucks fan.
Fred Toucher: Very good. Would you want the Bucs to have Draymond Green?
Kendra Middleton: No.
Fred Toucher: All right. I don’t believe you.
Kendra Middleton: I don’t.
Fred Toucher: Would you take Draymond Green on the Celtics if you didn’t have to get rid of anyone? Good.
Chris Forsberg: Maybe like Draymond three years ago maybe.
Fred Toucher: Fine.
Chris Forsberg: But he’s not gonna be on the court because he’s going to be suspended!
Fred Toucher: Doesn’t matter – it’s cool!
Fred Toucher: I can assure you the retired his number!
Chris Forsberg: Red Auerbach would have loved him.
Fred Toucher: You couldn’t have retired his number fast enough. It would be up there right now while he’s playing. It would be the first. they take it off his jersey! When he hit that dude last night, would that whatever jabroni gump he hit last night.
Wallach: Jusuf Nurkic – center of the Phoenix Suns.
Fred Toucher: They would have taken his shirt off and they would have just raised it to the rafters right when he took it off. He would be the biggest fan favorite. bigger than Larry Bird! Bigger than Larry Bird! They’re talking about him right now on ESPN. Instead of going on and on and on about Football!
Wallach: That was his (Draymond’s) purpose to be talked about it.
Fred Toucher: It’s cool that he hit them. It’s cool. What can I tell you? It’s cool. I.
Kendra Middleton: Fred’s like “Make violence great again!”
Fred Toucher: Absolutely! I don’t want to be involved… As long as I’m not being hit, I like it.
Nick Gemelli is a Producer for the Toucher and Rich program and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. you can follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.
Follow @Touchernrich on Twitter, @Touchernrich and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!
The full list of jersey numbers retired by the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics, donned in their iconic emerald green and pristine white, have been graced by legendary players whose names resonate through the revered halls of the TD Garden, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball. Proudly displayed alongside the 17 NBA championship banners are the numbers and names of 24 transcendent figures, forever enshrined as immortal legends in the heart of Boston.
One of the latest additions to the pantheon of Celtics greats is Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. In March 2022, the arena erupted with thunderous cheers as his jersey ascended to the rafters, solidifying his place in the Celtics’ lore. Garnett’s impact on the team extended far beyond his awe-inspiring talent, as he earned the coveted title of Defensive Player of the Year in the 2007-08 season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 13: Kevin Garnett raises the number retirement banner with his daughters Kavalli and Kapri during his number retirement ceremony following the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The pinnacle of Garnett’s journey with the Celtics arrived in the same season when they clinched the 2008 NBA championship, etching their names into the annals of history once again. Such triumphs are woven into the very essence of the Celtics’ existence, a testament to their ability to cultivate legends and celebrate greatness.
Beyond the confines of basketball, the Celtics embody tradition, excellence, and perseverance. With an impressive collection of 17 NBA titles, they proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with their fierce rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the pantheon of championship triumphs. Boasting an astounding 22 appearances in the NBA Finals, the Celtics’ indomitable spirit continues to shine brightly.
Yet, achieving this legendary status was no fleeting feat. The foundation of their dynasty lies in the players who have proudly donned the green and white, each contributing their unique talents to the team’s ongoing success. The Celtics’ pull for greatness is evident in the staggering 41 members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame who have either played or coached for the team. This magnetism is further exemplified by the tradition of retiring 24 numbers, the highest honor bestowed upon players in North American professional sports.
We embark on a journey through the long list of Celtics legends, their numbers and names forever gracing the rafters of the TD Garden, among the championship banners, serving as an enduring tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Boston Celtics.
