Ubuntu: “I Am Because We Are”

The concept of “ubuntu” in the NBA started with the 2007-08 Celtics and Head Coach Doc Rivers. The Nguni Bantu word means “humanity” and is occasionally translated to “I am because we are.” Kendrick Perkins recalled that Rivers made the rookies research the concept. Perkins relayed Glen Davis’ report which summarized, “I can only be better if [my teammate] is better. That’s the only way I can be better.” Perkins continued of his own recollection, “We knew everything we were trying to accomplish was greater than one individual.” The word appeared on the side of the Celtics rings following their 2008 NBA World Championship title.