The blank banner hangs on the wall above the Boston Celtics’ practice court — a white rectangle with a green border.
If the current players want that filled in with the words “World Champions,’’ like 17 others adorning the gym, this season very well could be their last chance to accomplish that feat.
That’s what coach Doc Rivers told aging stars Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen and the rest of his players before their first practice of training camp Friday night after the lockout ended.
“I was very honest with them about that,’’ Rivers said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t have some of them back next year or not but there’s a chance we will not and this is most likely our last shot.’’
Allen, who like Garnett is in the final year of his contract, has heard that before.
“I’ve heard that every year that I’ve been here,’’ he said. “I don’t look at it any different. I count each day. I feel like I’m on borrowed time right now.’’
Rajon Rondo has plenty of time. Just 25, he’s the star point guard who gets The Big Three the ball. At least for now.
For the second straight year, the sometimes moody Rondo has been the subject of trade talks, even being mentioned in a possible deal for Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets. But after meeting with Rivers and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, Rondo said he’s comfortable.
“They were straight up with me. They were honest,’’ Rondo said. “Teams were calling. I don’t think they were trying to intentionally ship me, but, obviously, you have to entertain the calls. So he (Ainge) he told me he wanted me here and I’m still here, so far.
“I’m excited to be here. I’m familiar with this organization and I just want to get better and win a championship this year.’’
To do that, the Celtics need a veteran bench. Ainge has assembled that after ending last season with just six players under contract.
On Friday they finalized a deal for guard Keyon Dooling, entering his 12th season, along with a protected second-round draft pick while sending the Milwaukee Bucks the draft rights to center-forward Albert Miralles. Rivers hoped forward Brandon Bass could practice with the Celtics soon. Bass’ agent, Tony Dutt, said a deal was being finalized that would send Bass to the Celtics for forward Glen Davis.
The Celtics also signed free agent forward-guard Marquis Daniels, who spent the early part of last season with them, free agent center-forward Chris Wilcox, starting his 10th season, and center Greg Stiemsma, who last played for Sioux Falls of the NBA Development League.