Finally!

[peter delevett <pdelevett@amcity.com>]

This could be the best decision Rick's made yet. As much as we've wrung our
hands about the absence of Bird, McHale, Ainge, DJ and Cowens, this will
really give our players the link they need to Celtic's winning tradition and
attitude. 


Celtics enlist Russell's help
                          

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) -- Bill Russell has signed with the Boston Celtics. Not a
new Bill
                          Russell. THE Bill Russell. 

                          Regarded as one of the great players in NBA history,
Russell will try to help the team regain
                          some of the glory it knew when he was its star
center three decades ago. 

                          Beginning Monday, Russell will work periodically
with coach Rick Pitino's players and have
                          a role in team marketing. 

                          "Returning to Boston means so many things to me,"
Russell, 65, said in a statement released
                          by the team. "They're talented, and they have the
ability to be winners. If I can be of any
                          help, I'll try. 

                          "In addition to skills work, Coach has asked me to
share with the team my views on
                          winning," Russell said. "To me, it has always been,
and remains about the ABCs -- attitude,
                          brains and commitment." 

                          Russell won 11 NBA championships in 13 years as a
player with the Celtics.