They are proud old men with canes: Cooz and Russ, Boston basketball treasures, at 90 and 84. During the Eisenhower and Kennedy years, they shared glory as the atomic forces of the Celtics dynasty. In their dominance, they earned our appreciation even as both looked at the world, and for a time each other, through wary eyes.

Bob Cousy and Bill Russell had the staying power that other N.B.A. star pairings lost. Shaq and Kobe, after three N.B.A. titles, imploded in Los Angeles. Kyrie Irving left LeBron James in Cleveland two seasons ago for his own spotlight in Boston. Now, among stars in Golden State, there are rumblings of discontent between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.

Celtics Coach Red Auerbach never had that trouble with his stars, Russell at center, Cousy at point guard. Together they won six N.B.A. championships during their seven seasons before Cousy retired. “Both have pride; both love to win and both know that it takes a team to win championships, not one man,” Auerbach said. “Men such as these need no handling. They took care of themselves.”