Everyone knows that being on the bench during games can suck. But for the Boston Celtics’ “Bus One Boys,” the ride to the game is the highlight of their day. The group, which includes Mfiondu Kabengele, JD Davison, Mike Muscala, and Jaylen Brown, has one simple rule: don’t miss the bus. Violating this code can lead to hostile treatment from the rest of the group, ensuring that everyone stays accountable on and off the court. Even former star player Blake Griffin, a recent addition to the team, knows to follow the Bus One code. Talk about dedication!
Dedication aside, the Bus One Boys are also a fun-loving group. Their bus rides feature everything from existential discussions to sarcastic debates over innocuous curiosities. They’re also big fans of playing “Would you rather?” games and singing their official Bus One Boys theme song, a remix of Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl.” But what makes the Bus One Boys truly unique is their ability to distract themselves from the fact that they’re not playing in the games.
For players like Griffin or Payton Pritchard, who has deep playoff experience, it can be frustrating to sit on the bench. But for players like Luke Kornet and Justin Jackson, who are in and out of the rotation, it’s a chance to show their true character and hang out with their teammates. Griffin has even embraced his role as a locker-room leader, spending his days on Bus One giving advice to young players. Who needs playing time when you have camaraderie?
But while the Bus One Boys might be a fun group, they take their code seriously. When Vonleh missed the bus one day, the rest of the group made it clear that he had violated the code. Players have to formally announce their scheduled leave or face administrative action. And while they might be joking around on the bus, they’re all aware that their time together might be limited. Players from Bus One might be in different places next year, but they’ll always know how to have fun and make the most of their time on the bench.

Serious News: nytimes