Why this Celtics team is drawing comparisons to 2008 team

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It was a trade that left rival executives, according to Zach Lowe, sending texts to the tone of “Well f--- us,” or “Oof, this sucks."

It was also a trade that showed just how hard the Celtics are trying to win a championship, and now it’s official. Jrue Holiday is a Boston Celtic.

The look on Brad Stevens’ face during Holiday’s introductory press conference says it all.

The excitement at the Auerbach Center over the last few days has been contagious. There is a clear sense that the organization knows they have a chance to do something truly special – Win a championship.

And with champions in the building, the Celtics have hit the ground running.

“There was just an electricity in the gym today,” team co-owner Steve Pagliuca said. “Paul Pierce turned to us and said he’s never seen an NBA practice in his whole entire career that they went that hard and that fast for that long. He was really smiling as well.”

“In the 21 years of being here for me and Steve (Pagliuca,) we’ve agreed this was one of the most energized, focused, driven, completely insanely connected groups,” said team co-owner Wyc Grousbeck on Wednesday. “This was a great start. To see the team and how excited everyone is.”

You can feel the excitement, and the team has every reason to be excited. Ownership has put them in the best possible position to succeed. Built around their two super-stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have one of the most dangerous rosters in the league. The additions of Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis only make them that much more lethal.

It’s now been 15 years since the Celtics last raised a banner. Since then, Boston has made it to the Conference Finals seven times yet has been unable to get over the hump. After coming up short again last season, Grousbeck had enough. “There was a real feeling of optimism and annoyance,” Grousbeck said. “We’ve been in five Conference Finals in the last seven years. We’ve been knocking on the door… It’s about time we really get started and go somewhere.”

Behind Tatum and Brown, Boston is currently right in the middle of their championship window. Something Grousbeck and the Celtics are trying to take advantage of before it’s too late.

“I look at the next six years as a real opportunity for us,” Grousbeck said. “We’re going to keep doing this until we uncover that banner or we’re going to die trying… We’re giving it everything we’ve got.”

To Grousbeck, the excitement surrounding this year’s team reminded him of the 2008 championship team.

“I remember in 2008 when that team got put together, that feeling (when) Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen walked in for the practice and joined everyone else, and all of a sudden, things just felt different,” Grousbeck recalled while donning his 2008 championship ring. “Paul Pierce was here today trying to bring some of that magic, and he brought a lot of joy and energy to it.”

Featured Image Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports