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Celtics / Magic Preview

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Celtics / Magic Preview

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PROBABLE STARTERS: 

  • Celtics: Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, Al Horford
  • Magic: DJ Augustin, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isacc, Nikola Vucevic

Both teams are coming off contested matches on Saturday. The Celtics (2-1) over the Knicks, 103-101. On the other hand, the Magic (1-2) lost by 1 point to the 76ers.

The Celtics have failed to exceed 40% shooting from the field, other than opening night when they shot just 43% against the 76ers.

KEY MATCHUP:

Vucevic / Horford

This game will feature two very talented big men. Vucevic had himself a night against the 76ers, finishing with 27 points (66.7%, 4/4 3PT), 14 rebounds and 12 assists.

Vucevic did a little bit of everything against the 76ers, from rebounding, playmaking and knocking shots down. He always plays well against the Celtics, so Al will have his hands full.

Horford finished the Knicks game with 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists.

PLAYER TO WATCH: 

Kyrie Irving (Again)

Fine, I’ll say it. Kyrie has been horrible to start the season, and we are at game 4. He will break out of this slump, sooner rather than later.

Wanna see how bad Kyrie has been? Through 4 games:

14.7 PPG, 6.0 APG, 3.0 RPG, on 34.0% from the field, 14.3 3PT%.

Not GREAT. But last season, Kyrie had a similar start. Also, let’s not forget he is coming off an injury.

INJURY REPORT: 

Celtics / Raptors Preview

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Celtics / Raptors Preview

After an impressive opening night victory over the 76ers, the Celtics will take on Kawhi and the Raptors tonight.

The Raptors defeated the Cavaliers on opening night. Their newest addition, Kwahi, finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds on 40% shooting from the floor. 

PROBABLE STARTERS:

Celtics: Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, Al Horford.

Raptors: Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka.

Jonas Valanciunas did start on opening night, but due to matchup reasons, the Raptors are more likely to stick Ibaka with Al.

Therefore leaving Jonas left to battle up with Baynes off the bench. 

Key Matchup: 

Tatum / Leonard

Second-year forward Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 23 points on 52.9% shooting from the field, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out three assists.

He’ll have his hand full on Friday, not only trying to contain and limit Kwahi on the defensive side, but also on the other side of-the-floor. 

Player to watch:

Kyrie Irving 

After a 0-8 shooting performance with zero points at the half, the five time all star finished the game with just 7 points, shooting just 2-14 from the field, and 1-8 from the three point line.

Most importantly, he dished out seven assists. Don’t expect this performance to repeat again on Friday.

Next:

Celtics will have the first set of back-to-back of the season, as they take on the New York Knicks on Saturday night. Tip off is set for 7:30 PM ET. 

Kyrie Irving Drama Comes To End – Or Not

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These past couple of weeks have been swamped by possible trade talks surrounding star Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler and our very own Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving. This has been a topic almost overtaken by “Hot Take Heaven”, as everyone seems to have their own opinion about what team Butler and Irving will join up with. While it’s an intriguing topic to cover, we need to “About Face!” and come back to reality.

Kyrie Irving won’t be traded this season.

Kyrie Irving has been dropping us hints through his interviews and media day appearances, all but revealing to us his plan for the future. Let’s break these things down and put together the clues he has left us.

The Jackie MacMullan Interview

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Kyrie recently did an interview with ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, who asked him about the rumors surrounding him and Jimmy Butler possibly joining with a team to play together. He informed her that they have had no such discussions since 2016 – When they were playing together on the USA Team and discussing the future in a practice session.

That’s believable. Players are going to shoot around basketballs and spitball about playing together in the NBA. Generations have done it on the playground and there is no reason to disbelieve that star NBA players do it on the USA Team competing overseas.

“Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?” Kyrie asked, motioning to the great history of the Celtics franchise. It is a franchise rich with championship history and full of great players. Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Kevin McHale headline several of the players that have come through the ranks for Boston. 17 Finals championships and 22 retired numbers hang in the rafters. He’s absolutely right, who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?

That begs the question for the rumors. Why won’t he commit to Boston?

Financial Restrictions

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Kyrie Irving is arguably the best point guard in the league at this current time. His scoring ability is out of this world, especially when he is healthy and attacking the basket. He hit .408 from beyond the three point line last season, and averaged 24.4 points per game and 5.1 assists. He is undoubtedly a top tier point guard in the league.

Kyrie Irving deserves to be paid as one, and he knows it.

Boston is in a world of pain when it comes to future contracts that they need to have figured out. Jayson Tatum will be getting a huge paycheck come his time to sign an extension. They want Jaylen Brown around. Marcus Smart is tied up for four more years. Gordon Hayward is under a huge contract for another three years. Al Horford is under his huge contract for three more years, as well. While Kyrie is under a player option next season, it’s very easy to assume that he won’t accept it as it’s about half of the going rate for a payer of his caliber.

To re-sign Kyrie, someone is going to have to go, or some agreement will have to be made. The question becomes, what will it be?

Media Days

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The Celtics media day on Monday filled Celtics fans with optimism and hope. There were a lot of great and encouraging statements made by several of the players. However, Kyrie made some comments when he took the podium.

“I believe Boston is the place for me,” he said, before throwing a little shade. “Obviously it’s everybody else’s job to look forward to my future before I can, so I just really thought it was important to make sure it’s known that this franchise is really built for the next few years of being at the top-tier of teams in the league.”

So that ends it, right? He’s going to stay in Boston, right?

No, I don’t believe this solves everything.

What do you expect the man to do?

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Kyrie Irving can do two things as a Boston Celtic. He can either be happy to be where he is as the focal point of the offense, or he can demand a trade to a team that will pay him. He hurt his image when he asked to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James. So what do you expect the man to do?

Kyrie wants to play basketball. It’s a long off-season and it’s been longer for him because he missed all of March and the playoffs. He doesn’t want the typical Boston Press drama surrounding him all season about playing on another team.

Of course, Kyrie is going to say that he wants to stay in Boston. I genuinely believe him, too. I think he does. However, he understands that with the cap issues, there is a chance the two sides might not come to an agreement. He doesn’t want the media talking about that all season long. Kyrie wants the media focusing on his play, his team, how well they mesh together and how legendary this team could end up being.

So stop talking about Kyrie trade rumors and Jimmy Butler reunions. Start talking about this year and trust the Celtics’ ability to keep stars around forever.

We should all take on Kyrie’s approach to the topic and tackle this when it comes. First, Boston’s got a championship to win.

How Many Points Can You Expect the Celtics to Score This Season?

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The Boston Celtics are primed to have a huge year in the Eastern Conference, and anything less then a Finals appearance will be a disappointment for the franchise. The team is loaded with not only stars but depth talent. One of the best scorers in the game plays the point guard with Kyrie Irving, and two up and coming young players (Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum) are working their way among the leagues elite. Oh, and don’t forget about the former Utah Jazz star, Gordon Hayward.

I have put together a formula for predicting how players will perform by game, and what you can expect to see over the course of the season. In our latest Celtics podcast here, I made a hot take where I said that we could expect a healthy Celtics team to score 130 points per game.

I think I’m going to walk that back a little bit. However, I think it is reasonable to expect the Celtics to score 120.

The Expectancy Rating formula

The formula is all about numbers. I firmly believe there are three stages of a players career. They are either rising, at their peak, or falling. The expectancy rating formula factors that. Let’s talk about the stages.

Rising

When a player is rising, he is expected to score more points then he averages over his career per game. Here’s the first example I will use: Kyrie Irving.

Irving currently averages 22.0 points per game. I think it’s easy to assume he is still on the rise, playing at a high level in this league. After adding the rise factor, we can expect Kyrie to score 25.3 points per game.

Peak

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When a player has hit his peak, I expect him to meet his career averages. Great example for the season: Gordon Hayward.

Hayward averages 15.6 points per game in his career. With his ankle injury last year, I think it’s easy to assume that he might not hit that number and that 15.6 points are his maximum he can bring to the table.

Fall

When a player has passed his prime, his season per game averages generally falls under his career averages. A great example of this is Al Horford.

Horford was 31 years old last season. Going into last season, Horford averaged 14.3 points per game when he joined the Celtics. Last season, he scored 12.9 per game. He has hit his peak, and now we can’t expect him to score as many points per season.

How accurate is this expectancy rating?

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I ran these numbers on the seasons past, checking the Celtics numbers for three seasons between 2014-15 to 2016-17. It’s surprisingly reasonable and accurate.

In the 2014-15 season, the expectancy rating was 98.3 points per game. Boston averaged 101.4 points per game, a 3.1 point difference from the expectancy rating.

In the 2015-16 season, the expectancy rating was 103.8 points per game. Boston averaged 105.7 points, a 1.9 point difference.

In the 2016-17 season, the expectancy rating was 106 points per game. Boston averaged 108 per game that season, a 2 point difference.

Point is, the expectancy rating is almost under what can be expected. It’s compiled by the top nine players on the team, where the starters, the 6th man and three role players adjusted totals are added together to put the rating together. Because a lot of teams play ten or even eleven man rotations, there are always going to be a couple of points that are missing. The rating is a reasonable expectation.

What can we expect this season?

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There are so many stars on this team that if they stay healthy, Celtics are going to score a lot of points. I think each of the starters can be expected to score at least 12 points per game, and the bench is going to score a lot too.

The expectancy rating has the Celtics scoring 115 points per game. It could easily be higher. 120 points per game aren’t out of the equation.

The NBA Record is held by the Denver Nuggets team from 1981-82. In that season, on a team featuring players like Alex English, Dan Issel and Kiki Vandeweghe, the Nuggets averaged 126.5 points per game.

If things go Boston’s way, they are going to make a run at that record. Just you wait.

What Will Aron Baynes’ Role Look Like This Season?

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Aron Baynes broke onto the scene last season as a serious impact player for the Boston Celtics. The New Zealand born 6’10, 260 pound big man appeared in all but one game for Boston last season, and started 67 matches. At the ripe age of 32 this season, Baynes appears to be leaving the stages of his prime and beginning his regression towards the depths of retirement.

Baynes entered the league at an older than normal age, debuting with the San Antonio Spurs on January 25th, 2013. He was undrafted out of Washington State. After spending three years with the Spurs, he signed with the Detroit Pistons where he spent the next two years. Last season was his first as a Celtic.

After playing so much time last year, the Boston faithful have to wonder if he will provide a similar impact this season. To really give you a good answer, we need to understand why he did so well last year for this team.

What role did Aron Baynes play last season?

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It only took five minutes for Gordon Hayward’s season to be over with a busted ankle. When Hayward went down, minutes opened up in the forward positions.

Jayson Tatum ended up playing the small forward position more then originally planned, and he did well. However, Marcus Morris started the first several games at the power forward. Head coach Brad Stevens felt that Morris would be better coming off of the bench and started giving the starting nod to Baynes, who brought a fierce defensive presence to the starting rotation.

Baynes ended up averaging 18 minutes per game and 6 points, while holding a defensive rating of 103. He also helped tremendously with second chance points, as he averaged 1.6 offensive boards per game. He shot 47% from the field for the season and 75% from the free throw line.

Will he see the field like that this season?

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Aron Baynes is a great complimentary piece to any team, and could probably start on half of the teams in the Eastern Conference. However, Baynes plays for the Boston Celtics, who have arguably the best roster, from top to bottom, in the NBA right now.

The minutes that Baynes had won’t be there this season. Between Hayward returning (providing he stays healthy), Jayson Tatum, and Marcus Morris, there isn’t a lot of time available. I would imagine that Stevens will move him to Center and play him between Al Horford and rookie big man Robert Williams III.

However, Aron Baynes will still make his presence felt on the court.

Main Image Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Terry Rozier Believes the C’s are in for a ‘Truly Special Season’, Speaks about LeBron’s Departure

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Boston Celtics’ guard Terry Rozier said he’s on a very special team. He is not going to make predictions about the upcoming season, but he was very confident.

Rozier Sees Something Special

 

Terry took a few minutes off from his youth basketball camp to talk about the Celtics’ expectations. He used the term ‘special’ often when referring to his team.

“We are special. Super special. We are good on paper, we just gotta get it together, and make sure everyone comes in with the same mindset. And I feel this will be a special group.”

When asked to give specifics about his expectations for this team, he didn’t want to make any predictions.

“We look good on paper. With the two main guys back, along with guys added through the draft and re-signed.” He reiterated, “We are special, It’s special. It’s going to be a special, special year.”

Rozier Shared Some Thoughts About LeBron’s Departure

Disappointed that LeBron left the East, Jaylen Brown commented how he wanted to go through LeBron to reach the NBA finals. Along with his prediction of making the finals this year, the interview brought a great reaction from ‘Scary Terry’.

“I really don’t care…The league is watered down as it is.  Everyone’s making different moves, I’m only worried about the Boston Celtics…We’re just trying to figure out how we can get better.“

Personally, I wanted to see if he shared the same sentiment as Brown does with the finals guarantee. After asking the guard if he would second that prediction, he smiled and repeated, “It’s going to be a special year, a special year.”

At the end of the day, the kids had a great time. Terry Rozier was teaching them to be like him and always have confidence in yourself. With Irving and Hayward coming back this year, Rozier acknowledged that guys will have to sacrifice, saying “There’s gonna have to be if you want to win a championship.” This year’s Celtics team has a shared goal which is to win it all. Rozier let everyone know that this year is “going to be a lot of fun.” Banner 18 coming soon?

Why Jaylen Brown is a Future Superstar

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Why Jaylen Brown is a future superstar

With two excellent seasons under his belt, Jaylen Brown is starting to show us why he is a future superstar. His role has blossomed especially after Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward got injured. Jaylen Brown showed the basketball world his potential to become one of the top wings in the league. Although there are some holes in his game that needs to be fixed, such as his ball handling and offensive consistency, Brown can make the leap in his third season.

Here’s why Jaylen Brown is a future superstar:

Athleticism

Jaylen Brown can attack his defender and get to the basket without being a ball stopper. He doesn’t need ISO plays to get buckets. He also uses his strength to take advantage of his defender every time he’s faced with a mismatch on the floor. Every year Jaylen Brown is improving his offensive consistency. Combo that with his athleticism and strength and his numbers will undoubtedly rise up in the next few years.

Competitiveness

Jaylen Brown doesn’t back down from the competition, especially when it matters most. Remember during his rookie year when he played with an injured hip during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers? Or how about last season when he suited up with a heavy heart after his best friend passed away? He wasn’t supposed to play that game against the defending champion Golden State Warriors, but he wanted to play that game for his best friend. The basketball world doesn’t need to question his competitiveness. Jaylen Brown will compete no matter what the competition is.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDDF4pPwEUU

Defense

Jaylen Brown can lock down his opposition by using his physical tools and competitiveness. He has the chance to become one of the best two-way wings in this league. He may not have the defensive abilities like Marcus Smart and former Celtics’ Avery Bradley or Tony Allen, but he has a major advantage in size, quickness, and his 7’0 wingspan to defend the best players in the league.

Clutch

Last but not the least Jaylen Brown is clutch. He doesn’t shy away from game-winning opportunities. He is ready when his number is called. Oh, and Celtics nation got a glimpse of these clutch genes when he knocked down a game-winner against the Jazz last season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cDem-kJlKQ

Jaylen Brown’s got the full package for what it takes to be a superstar. The rest of the league better watch out. 

 

 

The Celtics’ X-factors for the 2018-19 Season

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The NBA season is less than 3 months away from tip-off. The Boston Celtics are ready to roll again after falling short to reach the NBA Finals last season. After a great offseason by not trading away assets, signing back Marcus Smart, drafting Robert Williams and a successful summer by Irving, Hayward, and Theis, the Celtics are ready to retake the throne of the East. This team is one of the deepest and talented rosters in the NBA, capable of dethroning the Golden State Warriors.

These X-factors won’t play tons of minutes during this season, but if the injury bug hits this team again, it will be their time to show the basketball world what they are capable of.

Here are the Celtics X-factors for the 2018-2019 season:

Brad Wanamaker

Brad Wanamaker is a huge question mark for fans who haven’t watched him play. After spending time playing professionally in Europe, Wanamaker has finally got the chance to showcase his skills among the best basketball players. He’s got the size, combo guard skills who is excellent defensively which is a perfect fit for this team. With Larkin gone, Wanamaker will take his spot and hopefully his role as a spark when needed.

 

Daniel Theis

Daniel Theis shocked the whole Celtics nation last season by providing a spark with his defensive hustle and, timely offense, unfortunately, his excellent rookie year was cut short because of a knee injury he sustained during the regular season. Now that he’s healthy again, he’s ready to show excellence even in limited minutes.

 

Jabari Bird

After a fantastic summer league showing, Jabari Bird finally got the attention of the Celtics front office and replaced Nader on the roster. He definitely showed great strides with his summer league performance. Although he’s not expected to play 15-20 minutes per game, his time will come especially if Boston’s guards are injured and Brad Stevens won’t hesitate to pull him off the bench.

 

Semi Ojeleye

Semi Ojeleye is definitely a steal for this team. He showed everyone last season that he can guard and lock down superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo which this team needs for them to conquer the East and hopefully the NBA. Ojeleye will definitely have that role similar to James Posey during 07-08 season that leads to banner 17. With his shooting prowess behind the arc and physical gifts, he will undoubtedly play a huge role next season.

Guershon Yabusele

Guerschon Yabusele is definitely a fan favorite because of his bench reactions and dab every time he hits a 3 point shot. He has definitely lost some weight compared to last season and showed vast improvement in the past summer league. He can positively contribute offensively and defensively as a stretch four or five for the next season, but with everyone healthy, he won’t have too much playing time.

 

Honorable mention: Robert Williams III

 

Countdown To Celtics Tipoff: 67 Days

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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 8th). 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 (67 today). Let’s get to it!

Recent Team News

As the NBA continues to release more scheduling information, it has been revealed that the Celtics will start their season at home in a showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers. The two teams are set to rule the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future, making this a must watch marquee matchup. Let’s see if reigning Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons can score more than 1 point this time around.

In other news, Jaylen Brown turned some heads on a guest appearance with the “Pull Up” podcast. Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum asked Brown to give an honest prediction for the Celtics’ upcoming season. Brown responded “Oh, we’re getting to the Finals. No question about it.” While the Celtics are the early favorites to make it out of the East this season, one has to admire the guy’s confidence.

On This Date

August 9th 1928: Celtics legend Bob Cousy was born in Brooklyn, New York. Cousy played for the Celtics for 13 seasons (1950-1963.) Nicknamed the “Houdini of the Hardwood” and most commonly referred to in Boston as “Mr. Basketball,” Cousy played on six Championship teams, was voted to 13 All-Star Games, and led the league in assists for eight straight seasons. His number (14) has been retired in the rafters of the Garden since his 1971 Hall of Fame Induction.

Stats (2017-18)

Aaron Baynes started in 67 games for the Celtics, averaging 6 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest. He played a key role on the defensive side of the ball last season, which likely aided the big man in his new 2-year contract with the team.

Fun Facts

Bill Russell became the NBA’s first African American Head Coach at the start of the 1966-67 campaign. Red Auerbach retired as head coach of the franchise and entrusted Russell (who was still an active player at the time) with the duties.

In 1967, the Philadelphia 76ers ended perhaps the most impressive championship streak in sports history when they defeated the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. The defeat marked the first time in 10 seasons that the Celtics failed to reach the finals, while simultaneously ending a streak of eight straight Titles.

That concludes today’s Countdown to Celtics Tipoff. Make sure to be back here tomorrow as the clock continues to tick towards the 2018-19 season!

 

Remembering Reggie – 25 Years Since The Loss of Reggie Lewis

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Drafted out of Northeastern

Courtesy of NBC Sports

Boston Drafts Reggie Lewis in the First Round

Reggie Lewis was picked22nd overall by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft. His talent and work ethic displayed at Northeastern didn’t go unnoticed, even though it is a smaller college basketball program. In his rookie season, he averaged only 8.5 minutes and 4.5 PPG. With Boston’s Big 3 running the show, he would sit and watch like any other rookie and learn from the legends. Reggie’s second year was completely different. He played in 81 of 82 games, averaging 18.5 PPG and showing he could be the next great Celtic. As each year past, Lewis got better, becoming a fan favorite with his offense and defensive play. Reggie was quickly becoming a star in the NBA, which was on full display in the 90’s.

In March of the 91-92 season, Boston went up against the great Michael Jordan. Lewis was up for that challenge, famously blocking four of MJ’s shots. During that season, Lewis averaged a career high 20.8 PPG playing in all 82 games. He was the only Celtic to be represented in the All-Star game. By years end, Lewis became the only Celtic in history to have over 100 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 blocks, and 100 steals. In 1992, Lewis chosen as captain of the Celtics.

Courtesy of NBA.com

The Rise and Fall

Reggie Lewis entered the 1993 NBA playoffs against the Charlotte Hornets at home in the Boston Garden. In Game 1 of the first round, Lewis started the game shooting 7-11 and scoring 17 points until he collapsed on to the floor 13 minutes into the game. The fans waited in utter silence as Lewis eventually woke up. Unbelievably, Lewis tried to come back into the game. He played another 6 mins until the coaching staff had to get him off the floor. Those would be the last minutes he ever played in the NBA.

Reggie was taken after the game to New England Baptist Hospital to have tests done by 12 cardiologists. The Celtics called them a “dream team” of doctors. Reggie didn’t get the news he was hoping for as the doctors advised him of a heart condition that can be fatal. He was strongly advised to stop playing basketball. Reggie Lewis decided to seek a second opinion. He transferred to Brigham and women’s hospital for more testing. Dr. Gilbert Mudge disagreed with the first diagnosis Reggie received from the previous hospital, assuring the All-Star it wasn’t a heart condition and he could resume playing basketball with no limitations. Going with the second opinion, Reggie went to work on his jumper and on July 27th, 1993, Lewis collapsed to the floor and  tragically passed away two hours later in the hospital.

The Legacy

Lewis was 27 years ols when he passed. But his memory will live forever through the Reggie Lewis track and athletic center. He will never be forgotten on the court. Number 35 will always be up above as the Celtics retired his number in 1995.

Courtesy of NBC Sports