Welcome Back to the Celtics Season Tip-Off Countdown!

Each day, we’ll give a review of news surrounding the Celtics. We’ll also look back in history to see what happened on today’s date in team history (August 4th). To round out the day’s post, we’ll give you stats and fun facts related to the number of days remaining before the first game (72 today). Let’s get to it!

Recent Team News

Yesterday, Boston signed PJ Dozier to a two-way contract. The 6’6″ guard spent last season splitting time between the Thunder and their G-League affiliate. The team now has both of their two-way players under contract, the other being Walt Lemon Jr. A fun side note for fans- with the Thunder, Dozier wore number 35. This is because Dozier is a second cousin of the late Reggie Lewis, and wears it in his honor. The number is retired by the Celtics, so it’s unclear what number he will take, but it’s a cool fact to know.

Via ESPN

In other news, ESPN has projected the Boston Celtics to finish second in the East behind the Toronto Raptors.

There will be no further comment on that.

On This Date

August 4, 1978: Boston makes a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Clippers. They ship Kevin Kunnert, Kermit Washington, Sidney Wicks, and Freeman Williams to the Clippers. In return, they receive Nate “Tiny” Archibald, Marvin Barnes, Billy Knight, a 1981 second rounder that turned into Danny Ainge, and a 1983 second round pick.

August 4, 2010: The Celtics sign 38 year-old Shaquille O’Neal to a two-year, $2.8 million dollar deal. The legendary big man only ended up appearing in 37 games, averaging 9.2 points and five rebounds before retiring the following year.

Via CelticsBlog

Stats

  • Last season, Al Horford appeared in 72 games, starting every single one.
  • Marcus Smart averaged 72% from the free throw line.
  • Marcus Morris had a total of 72 assists last year.

Fun Facts

  • In the 1972 season, The Celtics went 56-26 to finish first in the division. They lost in the ECF to the New York Knicks in five games. John Havlicek’s squad was no match for Walt Frazier’s Knicks.

That rounds out today’s Countdown to Tipoff. Keep checking back every day for the latest news, history, stats and more!