In the annals of professional basketball, the Celtic “brand,” green shamrock and all, dates back 105 years to the establishment of the – take a deep breath, my friends – New York Celtics. The squad existed through the onset of World War II, competing in a couple of regional leagues but primarily barnstorming. Among the standouts who dotted the roster you’ll find Dutch Dehnert, Nat Holman and Joe Lapchick (whose 29-year coaching career turned St. John’s University into a hoops powerhouse – at least until a shady cat named Jarvis came along).
 |