The Big Three: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and the Rebirth of the Boston Celtics

Sportswriter Holley (Belichick and Brady) details the Boston Celtics’ return to “championship glory” during the 2000s in this fascinating behind-the-scenes account. After new owners bought the team in 2003, Danny Ainge, a former Celtic player who went on to coach in the NBA, was brought on as executive director of basketball operations and given the task of constructing a winning roster. Ainge was unafraid to trade popular players, flipping some for draft picks that he later used to acquire Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. After drafting Paul Pierce, Ainge had assembled what became known as the “The Big Three,” who helped win the title in 2008, their first year playing together. The squad’s success was short-lived, however, and Ainge began breaking up the team in the franchise’s long-term interest: Pierce and Garnett were traded in a 2013 deal that yielded valuable draft picks that restocked the roster with young talent. Holley includes many revelations, such as co-owner Wyc Grousbeck’s unwavering support in the drafting of Rajon Rondo, a key member of the championship team. This clear-eyed look at the vicissitudes of professional sports will appeal even to those who don’t bleed Celtic green. (Dec.)