BOSTON – Terry Rozier readily admits he did not know much about Celtics legend Bob Cousy other than he could really dribble.
But Rozier, among the players to meet the Celtics great on Tuesday at the team's practice facility, came away with a clearer understanding of not just the man but also what Cousy meant to laying the groundwork for the most storied franchise in the NBA.
Cousy, 90, is the focal point of a new book, “The Last Pass,” written by Gary Pomerantz.
“It was great to hear him [Cousy] talk, share stories of how things were so much different back then,” Rozier said. “We’re not just playing for the names on the back; we’re playing for the name on the front.”
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said he has read the book.
“For a basketball history buff, that is a must-read in my eyes,” Stevens said. “What he shared was great; just appreciative of him to take that time [to come to practice on Tuesday]."
And Cousy’s message of always striving for improvement – even when you’ve become the standard for others - is timely when you consider where the Celtics are right now both collectively and individually.
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Boston is seen by many as the favorite to come out of the East, although they haven't played like a favorite at 2-2 thus far.
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As great as Cousy was as a player, he and the rest of the Celtics know that the franchise’s growth was fueled by the play of many whose success also included a certain level of sacrifice – something this Celtics team will have to do in order to contend for Banner 18.
For more from Cousy, listen to this week's Celtics Talk Podcast where the "Houdini of the Hardwood" talks about the book and his relationship with fellow C's legend and Hall of Famer Bill Russell.
Rozier acknowledged he did not know a ton about Cousy prior to meeting him on Tuesday.
“He’s an All-Star, champion, what, seven championships?” Rozier said. “And he still talks about how he could have done more. You hear a guy talk like that, the unselfishness, his love of the game...it’s crazy.
Rozier added, “It’s something that can take you a long way...They set the tone for the Boston Celtics to be how [we] are now.”
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