One of the biggest "broke the code" moments in NBA history occurred during the 2007-2008 season when the Boston Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to join forces with Paul Pierce. This move completely shifted the balance of power in the league and broke the unwritten code of players joining forces to create superteams.

Before this moment, it was generally expected that star players would remain loyal to their respective teams and compete against each other. However, the Celtics' front office orchestrated a masterful plan to bring together three All-Stars, forming a formidable trio that would dominate the league.

The Celtics' Big Three quickly proved their worth, finishing the regular season with a league-best 66-16 record. They continued their dominance in the playoffs, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals to secure the franchise's 17th championship.

This move by the Celtics shattered the unwritten rule that star players should remain loyal to their teams and compete against each other, rather than joining forces to create superteams. It set a precedent for future players to prioritize winning championships over individual glory and loyalty to their teams.

While there have been other instances of players joining forces throughout NBA history, the Celtics' acquisition of Garnett and Allen was particularly significant because it marked the beginning of the modern era of superteams. It inspired other star players to follow suit, such as LeBron James forming the Miami Heat's Big Three in 2010 and later returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers to team up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

This moment in NBA history also sparked debates among fans and analysts about the ethics of superteams and whether they undermine the competitive balance of the league. Some argue that it creates an unfair advantage for a select few teams, while others appreciate the spectacle of seeing the best players compete at the highest level.

Overall, the Celtics' acquisition of Garnett and Allen in 2007 broke the code of loyalty and individual competition, setting a new standard for star players to join forces in pursuit of championships. This moment had a lasting impact on the NBA, shaping the way teams are built and altering the dynamics of player movement in the league.

Theron Stanton

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