While the Boston Celtics didn’t make it to the 2020 NBA Finals, a number of notable Celtics alumni could be seen in the audience of Game 1 — both in-person and especially virtually.
As the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat squared off in pursuit of an NBA championship in the most unusual season in league history, several former Celtics graced the contest’s sidelines, even stealing the show at several points.
In one moment, former U.S. President and well-known basketball aficionado Barack Obama could be seen sitting next to former Celtic center Shaquille O’Neal, and in front of Boston icons Paul Pierce and Ray Allen as virtual fans.
Barack Obama, Shaquille O'Neal, James Worthy, Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce, Pau Gasol and Robert Horry.
That's a former president and six NBA champions in one small part of the virtual fan section for Game 1. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/hpmoEidjky
— USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) October 1, 2020
Nearby, NBA legends James Worthy, Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol and Robert Horry could also be seen virtually, and word was that ex-Celtics Robert Parish and Chauncey Billups were also “present”.
Former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers was also reportedly in attendance as a guest of the Philadelphia 76ers per KRON 4 News’ Jason Dumas — with a job offer waiting in the wings.
While it’s no fun to be on the outside looking in, at least the team is well-represented in the audience, whether they are there in the flesh or digitally.
And hopefully when we’re talking about the 2021 NBA Finals, it won’t be focused on which Celtics are in the audience because of what they’re up to on the hardwood.
