This story first appeared in SLAM 251.
It’s onerous to imagine however there was a time when the Boston Celtics weren’t a high group. You’ve gotta hand it to them, although, they’d 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.
Certain, 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 tackle for the banners imported from their previous dwelling. Boston’s lack of success could 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—Challenge 35, to be precise.
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 alternative, placing up numbers that positioned him within the Rookie of the Yr dialog towards the top of the ’98-99 season.
This dialog was seemingly broad open and crashed into the SLAM places of work 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 Reality as his decide. “If we had been a band, we’d’ve break up up,” was how Tony described how actual it bought on the SLAM Dome. Three dope covers was the compromise and, consequently, the Celtics would solidify their greatest basketball achievement of that exact decade: their first solo SLAM cowl.
Boston’s journey to the championship over these previous few years has been a protracted flight with turbulence. I do know I converse for the worldwide hoops group once I say that it’s dope to see such a storied franchise persevering with to construct on its legacy and reclaim its place as one of the best in NBA historical past.
Little question.
