This story first appeared in SLAM 251.
It’s onerous to consider however there was a time when the Boston Celtics weren’t a high group. You’ve gotta hand it to them, although, that they had a strong begin—profitable virtually 11 successive titles from 1957 by means of the next decade. Following that, if the trophy wasn’t residing in Bean City, they stunning a lot remained within the championship dialog till the late ’80s. Regardless of their wealthy, dynasty-defining imprint on NBA historical past, one thing modified within the early ’90s. The mix of Larry Fowl inevitably calling time on his storied legacy, then the tragedy of Reggie Lewis, passing away in 1993 meant that some shaky seasons adopted.
Positive, some strong draft picks made for potential franchise gamers (we see you, Toine), and there have been a few savvy signings (a lot love, Dana). However chemistry lacked and the newly constructed TD Backyard (then the FleetCenter) felt like an unworthy new handle for the banners imported from their outdated dwelling. Boston’s lack of success can be mirrored of their notable absence from the primary 5 years of SLAM covers (not counting iconic gatefold joints), with a worthy face not rising till 1999—Difficulty 35, to be actual.
Within the 1998 NBA Draft, the Celtics would use their tenth decide to pick out Paul Pierce. Regardless of Pierce’s hatred of the franchise (comprehensible, being from Cali), he would show to be a superb selection, placing up numbers that positioned him within the Rookie of the Yr dialog towards the tip of the ’98-99 season.
This dialog was seemingly extensive open and crashed into the SLAM workplaces in what would show to be a poisonous style. Some group members selected Vince (the eventual Rookie of the Yr), Scoop was relying on J-Will and Tony G had The Fact as his decide. “If we have been a band, we’d’ve break up up,” was how Tony described how actual it acquired on the SLAM Dome. Three dope covers was the compromise and, because of this, the Celtics would solidify their largest basketball achievement of that specific decade: their first solo SLAM cowl.
Boston’s journey to the championship over these previous few years has been an extended flight with turbulence. I do know I communicate for the worldwide hoops group after I say that it’s dope to see such a storied franchise persevering with to construct on its legacy and reclaim its place as the most effective in NBA historical past.
Little doubt.
