This story first appeared in SLAM 251.
It’s exhausting to imagine however there was a time when the Boston Celtics weren’t a prime group. You’ve gotta hand it to them, although, that they had a stable begin—profitable nearly 11 successive titles from 1957 by way of 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 Fowl 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 stable 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 handle for the banners imported from their previous residence. Boston’s lack of success can 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—Difficulty 35, to be actual.
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 Yr dialog towards the tip of the ’98-99 season.
This dialog was seemingly extensive open and crashed into the SLAM workplaces in what would show to be a poisonous trend. Some group members selected Vince (the eventual Rookie of the Yr), Scoop was relying on J-Will and Tony G had The Fact as his decide. “If we have been a band, we might’ve break up up,” was how Tony described how actual it bought on the SLAM Dome. Three dope covers was the compromise and, because of this, the Celtics would solidify their greatest basketball achievement of that exact 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 communicate for the worldwide hoops neighborhood 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 one of the best in NBA historical past.
Little doubt.
