After all, just as Donkey gives off an obnoxious and annoying vibe at the beginning of the Shrek series, many Celtics fans had the same preconceived notions about Nate Robinson.
Robinson was banished to the New York Knicks bench despite his talent, which left many fans and basketball analysts skeptical of his overall character.
Now, the supposedly intolerable Robinson is fitting in with the Celtics in more ways than one — just like his cartoon counterpart.
Not only have there been no major problems as he continues to tag along in Boston’s quest toward an NBA title, but he is quickly becoming a main character that is essential to the plot.
Nate, like Donkey, is truly an underdog.
As for Davis, the comparison is even more obvious.
He’s big, he’s intimidating and he has developed into one of the Celtics’ more unselfish players. According to himself, he’s "a beast.”
But if Davis and Robinson really are the Shrek and Donkey of this year’s Celtics team, what does that make their teammates?
Here’s a look at some other Celtics players and their animated equivalent.
Rajon Rondo: Robin Hood
Rondo stole from the rich and gave to the poor this season more than any Celtic had done in the past. He set the Celtics’ single-season steals record on March 26, when he swiped the ball away from Kings forward Sean May.
Only Robin Hood could stand to symbolize the swift and cunning Rondo. The 24-year-old point guard has saved the Celtics this season on many occasions, just as Robin Hood saved Friar Tuck and the village of Nottingham.
Ray Allen: Aladdin
Both are clever, professional and goal-oriented. Either will do whatever it takes to survive.
For Aladdin, that may mean lying or stealing. For Allen, it may mean showing up hours before practice to work on his jump shot.
If Allen’s stuck in a rut, you can guarantee his go-getter attitude triggers him to want the ball more and more as the game progresses.
Paul Pierce: Woody (Toy Story)
No matter what, Pierce will always be the sheriff in Boston. He’s third on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list, and fifth in minutes played.
It’s as if no matter how many new toys you surround him with, you can always count on The Truth being there, and being a favorite.
Kevin Garnett: Tarzan
While one can almost feel inclined to compare Garnett to one of the army men in Toy Story given his war-hungry attitude during the NBA playoffs, or Chicken Little due to his ability to overcome years of bullying, the similarities between KG and Tarzan are striking.
Maybe Garnett has lost some explosiveness, like Pau Gasol said following Game 1, but Garnett still possesses strength, speed and agility that most would kill to have. Basically, Garnett is a man’s man, making him Tarzan-esque.
Kendrick Perkins: Sulley (Monsters, Inc.)
Just like the lovable monster, Perkins comes off as big and scary. The two are also prone to mistakes.
Just as Sulley’s miscue involving a child almost led to the downfall of Monsters, Inc., Perkins’ struggle with technicals has been problematic for the Celtics. Though it hasn’t exactly cost them yet in this series, he is still teetering on the edge.
In the end of the film Monsters, Inc., though, Sulley eventually becomes the CEO of the company, which could be a bit of foreshadowing of Perkins’ future with the Celtics. The 25-year-old is set to become a free agent after next season and could earn himself a lucrative contract and a major role moving forward as the Big Three’s future remains a question mark.
Rasheed Wallace: Mr. Potato Head (Toy Story)
Mr. Potato Head has the uncanny ability to change his appearance. Sometimes, you can’t help but feel the same way about Wallace.
He has shown throughout his career that he can play down on the block, as well as stretch the floor and knock down 3s. Essentially, he is like a chameleon, able to adapt to his surroundings and the tempo of the game. Though Wallace struggled throughout this season, he has changed his appearance this postseason and has been a formidable presence off the bench.
Many animated characters are iconic. This Celtics team has a chance to be the same.
Screen grab from YouTube.
