Team work

Celtics build a bond in ancient Rome

October 07, 2007|Shira Springer, Globe Staff

ROME - Visiting the Colosseum yesterday for a team picture and tour, the Celtics did not stop traffic for the first time since arriving in Rome a week ago. The two-motorcycle police escort and half-dozen security officials who accompanied the team throughout its stay could not keep mopeds, Smart cars, and buses from passing through the team picture frame. Police and security also could not stop curious tourists from snapping two-for-one shots of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce in front of the ancient stadium. It wasn't long before the players got into the act, snapping pictures with the famous archways as backdrop.

As the Celtics and staff made their way toward the Colosseum entrance in the heat and humidity, a handful of players thought about returning to the hotel to rest before last night's 89-85 victory over the Toronto Raptors at the sold-out PalaLottomatica, but they didn't want to miss another opportunity to see Rome with teammates. After Rajon Rondo purchased Colosseum-themed gifts at a souvenir stand and Pierce posed with costumed gladiators wearing an ancient replica helmet and led players in chanting "Hoo-rah!," the team entered the monument.

Hearing tales of ancient gladiators in a stadium that could seat 50,000 people left the players with a new perspective on sports entertainment. There were some jokes about which players could take on a lion or tiger, and some disbelief among team executives when the tour guide announced that tickets to gladiator games were free. The players also marveled at how much the stadium looked and once functioned like the arenas with which they are more familiar.

"This is crazy," said Glen "Big Baby" Davis as he walked around the lower tier of the Colosseum.

It was also a fitting description of the week that was for the Celtics in Rome.

Captivating city

Judging from the Celtics' comments after their first practice abroad, the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding abundant distractions in Rome was drilled by the coaching staff and veterans as much as any offensive set. The players said they wanted to make the most of the opportunity ahead, and that was not a reference to the nightlife around trendy Campo de' Fiori or the high-end fashion stores along Via dei Condotti. With championship expectations coming from every direction, the Celtics knew time spent on the practice court at the Palafonte would be the most valuable part of their Roman holiday.

"We have to practice at a certain level and there can't be any days off," said Pierce. "There's going to be a target on our back and we understand that. As far as planning to hang out, this is not a vacation."