Welcome back to the Celtics season tipoff 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 21st). 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 (56 today). Let’s get to it!
Recent Team News
In a thought-provoking piece about mental health in the NBA, Paul Pierce spoke out about his depression and anxiety. After Pierce was attacked and stabbed 11 times at a nightclub in September of 2000, he said he battled depression for a year. He was so anxious and nervous in public settings that he had the police around his house 24 hours a day. He played all 82 games that year, not because he was fully healed but because “The only thing that saved me was basketball.” He also said that he should have sought professional help far sooner than he did. “My depression was bad-really bad,” he admitted. “I never want to feel that way again.”
Via USA Today
In a year where multiple stars have opened up about their personal struggles, Pierce decided to share his story as well. Read the full story here on ESPN.
On This Date
August 21, 2000: The Celtics sign free agent Chris Carr to a deal. The shooting guard appeared in 35 games for Boston that year, averaging 4.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per contest.
August 21, 1997: The team traded Eric Williams to the Nuggets for a 1999 second rounder and a 2001 second rounder.
August 21, 1972: Boston signs first round pick Paul Westphal. Westphal played with the Celtics for three seasons, winning a title with the team in 1974. He averaged 7.3 points and 2.1 assists during his time with the franchise.
Stats (2017-18)
- Terry Rozier had 5.6 win shares on the season. Win Shares is an estimate of the number of wins a player contributed to a team.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Fun Facts
- The 1956 Celtics team went 39-33.
- Two players have worn the number 56 for the Celtics, most recently Sean Williams in 2012.
That concludes today’s Countdown to Celtics Tipoff. Make sure to check back here tomorrow as the clock continues to tick towards the 2018-19 season!