On the Cover: Return to Glory

The Celtics took the basketball world by storm when they captured their 17th NBA World Championship title in 2008. Paul Pierce signed this poster-sized commemorative issue of Sports Illustrated that celebrated the championship. Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, who put the team together, said these five made Boston an attractive location. “With our team right now, we have a lot of people who want to come play for the Boston Celtics,” he said.