WALTHAM The last time the Celtics [team stats] made a preseason trip to Europe, they won the championship. Theyre hoping history repeats, as they departed for a week-long trip to Istanbul and Milan last night.

The 2007 trip to London and Rome gave the newly formed core of Paul Pierce [stats], Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen an opportunity to develop the chemistry that helped the team win the title. The Celtics underwent a makeover this offseason Allen departed for Miami and a number of players were added and the hope is this trip yields a similar bond.

Obviously we want to work on team chemistry, Garnett said. We want to get better every time we step on the floor. From a basketball standpoint, obviously were still getting to know each other. But its bigger than that. I think the trip to Turkey will be more social. The trip to Milan will be more for the chemistry.

Coach Doc Rivers had a practical explanation for why the players grow closer on foreign trips.

The craziest thing is that their cellphones didnt work so they actually had to talk to each other on the bus, Rivers said of the 2007 trip. I thought that was nice in this new cellphone-whatever generation this is.

The well-traveled Rivers has never been to Istanbul or Milan, and was looking forward to walking around the cities. As far as the trips effect on preparation for the season, Rivers isnt as enthusiastic.

This is a little different. We scheduled the Rome trip in response to all the moves we made and we really wanted that trip to happen, Rivers said. I dont know if this one I can say I wanted it, but its something now with all the moves Im looking forward to it. I think whenever you go on a road trip, even during the season, its never a bad thing.

Rivers is more concerned with the basketball work than tourism.

Were not going to change, Rivers said. Were going to do our job. All the other stuff is secondary for me, hopefully for them, too. But this is our camp and thats the way that I view it going into it.

Rivers sees early signs of strong team chemistry, crediting Garnett for getting new players acclimated.

Link:
Chemistry test during Euro trip