Question What is the relation between the "Original Celtics" and the Boston Celtics? All publications say there is no relation but I was recently at the Garden and saw a collage of Celtics greats which included a picture of a man in that "Original Celtics" uniform. I also own a couple of Nike Swingman jerseys that read 1925 on the tag and are designed like the "Original Celtics" jersey. Doesn't make sense if there is "no relation"?
Answer Kevin,
the Boston Celtics were born in 1946 when Walter Brown, the first owner of the Boston-based team, picked the name because the city was full of Irishmen and because of the tradition of the New York Original Celtics. Howie McHugh, the promotions man of that team, recalled that Brown toyed with other names like "Whilrwinds" and "Unicorns" before choosing the "Celtics", so it is clear that the New York Celtics and the Original Celtics had no relation.
Maybe the pictured you saw were meant to honor the New York Celtics and their winning tradition that had influenced Walter Brown's decision.
I hope it helps
