Always a Celtic

The first time I put on the Celtics’ uniform, I didn’t really know.

I didn’t really know what being a Celtic was about. I didn’t really know the history of the franchise. I didn’t really know what the team meant to the city of Boston.

In my first few years in the league, I made my share of mistakes — both on and off the court. I didn’t know how to be a pro yet. I was still a young man. Over time, I found my footing. I put down roots in Boston. I grew to love the Celtics in a way that I could never have imagined as a young man.

It was the honor of my life to put on the Boston uniform for 15 years. No matter how I was playing, Celtics fans always had my back, always pushed me to be better and always welcomed me as one of their own (even if I had grown up in L.A.).

Now I know what being a Celtic is all about. I lived it. Playing my last game in Boston was the end of an era for me, but it won’t be my last time back in the Garden.