On this day in Boston Celtics history, retired Hall of Fame Celtics forward Larry Bird’s No. 33 jersey in a ceremony held in a special, sold-out ceremony at their home court of TD Garden in 1993.
Larry Legend played his college ball primarily at Indiana State (he would briefly play at Indiana under iconic coach Bob Knight before transferring), and was drafted before he graduated via a loophole in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement that was exploited by legendary Celtics general manager Red Auerbach in the 1978 NBA draft (and in turn allowed Bird and his agent to extract a record-breaking rookie deal from Boston in the process).
The Hick from French Lick (as the Indiana native was called) signed a historically-large rookie contract and would begin racking up accolades in his inaugural season.
(AP Photo/Bruce Allen)
Over the course of his 13-season career, Bird would win three titles, three MVP awards, two Finals MVPs, a dozen All-Star nods, and All-NBA elections among many other honors.
Larry Legend averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game over the course of his career, entirely spent with Boston.
Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson and Boston Celtics guard Orien Greene battle for a loose ball during the first half of their basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Friday, March 17, 2006. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
It is also the birthday of former Celtic guard Orien Greene, who came into this world in 1982 in Gainesville, Florida.
Greene would play his NCAA ball at the University of Florida and LSU, selected from the latter by Boston with the 53rd overall pick of the 2005 NBA draft.
The Gainesville native would play one season for the Celtics before being waived by the team, averaging 3.2 points, 1.8 boards, 1.6 assists and a steal per game.
Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach is assisted from shower by Jim Loscutoff where he was placed by players after the Celtics defeated the St. Louis Hawks 121 to 112 to win the National Basketball Assn. championship at Boston Garden last night. It was the Celtics third straight NBA championship and fourth in five years. (AP Photo/J. Walter Green)
It is also the birthday of former Celtic legend Jim Loscutoff, born this day in 1930 in San Francisco, California.
Loscy — as he was called — would be drafted third overall out of the University of Oregon and would win seven titles with the franchise between 1957 and 1964.
His name rather than his number would be retired by the club, with Loscutoff wanting other players able to wear his number.
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