This story first appeared in SLAM 251.
It’s arduous to imagine however there was a time when the Boston Celtics weren’t a prime workforce. You’ve gotta hand it to them, although, they’d a strong begin—successful nearly 11 successive titles from 1957 by the next decade. Following that, if the trophy wasn’t residing in Bean City, they beautiful 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 Chicken inevitably calling time on his storied legacy, then the tragedy of Reggie Lewis, passing away in 1993 meant that some shaky seasons adopted.
Positive, 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constructed TD Backyard (then the FleetCenter) felt like an unworthy new deal with for the banners imported from their outdated dwelling.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—Situation 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 12 months 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 trend. Some workforce members selected Vince (the eventual Rookie of the 12 months), Scoop was relying on J-Will and Tony G had The Fact as his decide. “If we had been a band, we might’ve break up up,” was how Tony described how actual it received on the SLAM Dome. Three dope covers was the compromise and, consequently, the Celtics would solidify their largest basketball achievement of that specific decade: their first solo SLAM cowl.
Boston’s journey to the championship over these previous few years has been an extended 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 the very best in NBA historical past.
Little doubt.
