The other day, I listed some unique Celtics records from The Unofficial Guide to Basketball's Nastiest and Most Unusual Records (Unofficial Guide)by Kerry Banks. I highly recommend this book for a fun offseason read. You will find every kind of unusual record in this book. Here are a few more of the Celtics related records to whet your appetite for this fun book and to keep you busy during this slow period.
First NBA player to break a backboard Chuck Connors, Boston, Nov. 5, 1946
Connors, who would later go on to much greater fame as the star of TV's "The Rifleman," broke the backboard at Boston Arena before the Celtics' maiden home opener against the Chicago Stags. Contrary to popular belief, he did not do it with a dunk. "During the warm-ups, I took a harmless 15- to 20-foot set shot, and, crash, the glass backboard shattered," Connors recalled in a 1986 interview. The backboard crumbled because a worker had not installed a piece of protective rubber between it and the rim. The game was delayed an hour while a truck picked up a spare backboard from Boston Garden, where a rodeo was taking place in front of a packed house. In 53 career games with the Celtics, Connors averaged 4.5 points per game. After leaving basketball, he tried his hand at baseball, playing briefly for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, before finding his niche in Hollywood as The Rifleman.
Most stab wounds suffered by a player 11: Paul Pierce, Boston, Sept. 25, 2000
Pierce was definitely in the wrong place at the wrong time. But he was also more than a little lucky. Minutes after entering a Boston dance club in the early morning hours of Sept. 25, 2000, the 22-year-old Celtics player was ambushed after he stopped to chat with a gang member's sister. Jumped from behind by three men, he was sucker punched, had a bottle broken over his right eye, and had a knife plunged through the back of his leather jacket six inches into his body. Pierce also received 10 other stab wounds in the neck and chest, the worst of which penetrated his abdomen and diaphragm and punctured his lung, coming within an inch of his heart. Friends rushed him to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to repair the damage. Amazingly, Pierce was back on the court in less than a month and went on to have a stellar season, leading the Celtics in scoring.
Only NBA teams to trade Owners Boston Celtics and San Diego Clippers 1978
Faced with declining attendance, Buffalo Braves owner John Y. Brown went looking for a new city for the Braves franchise at the 1977 owners' meeting. The Boston Celtics were owned by Irv Levin, a Beverly Hills resident who wanted to own a club that played closer to his home state. NBA attorney David Stern (who is now the league's commissioner) proposed a novel solution: the Buffalo Braves would move to San Diego, and Brown and Levin would flip franchises. In June 1978, NBA owners voted 21-1 in favor of the swap. The deal included a complicated seven player trade but the most important detail in the transaction was that Boston retained the draft rights to Larry Bird.
Most Regular Season Wins by a Non-Champion 68: Boston Celtics, 1972-73
By adding rising young stars Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White to its veteran cast of John Havlicek, Paul Silas, Don Chaney, Tom Sanders and Don Nelson, Boston raced to the top of the standings. The Celtics notched 68 victories, one shy of the record set by the NBA Champion Lakers the year before. But the Celtics came unglued in the playoff, losing in seven games to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. No other NBA team has won so many games and not emerged as champion. [Dallas came close, winning 67 last season].
Only Coach to Punch Out an Opposition Owner During the Pre-Game Warm-Up Red Auerbach, Boston, April 6, 1957
A dispute over the height of the basket at Kiel Auditorium before game 3 of the 1957 NBA Finals led to a confrontation between Celtics coach Red Auerbach and Hawks owner Ben Kerner. When Kerner began screaming obscenities at Auerbach, the Boston coach decked him at midcourt in front of a sold out crowd. Kerner, who suffered a bloody nose, was escorted back to his seat while Auerbach returned to the Boston bench and the game proceeded. Auerbach was fined $300 for the punch. If the move was designed to fire his team up, it failed to work. St. Louis won 100-98.
Most Cigars Smoked by a Coach during Games Several Hundred: Red Auerbach, 1946-1966
Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, and George Burns may rank as the world's most famous cigar smokers, but Auerbach is the king of the sports world. He liked to fire up a fat stogie on the bench during the final minutes of NBA games when his team had the victory well in hand. Considering that Auerbach coached the Celtics to nine NBA Championships, he had plenty or opportunities to blow smoke at the opposition. The fact that Auerbach lit up before the game was over struck many as arrogant, though he viewed it differently. Auerbach believed that casually puffing on a cigar when your team is far ahead was more sportsmanlike than aggressively pushing your team to pad the score. As he once said: "You got a team by 30 points, there's three minutes to go. The coach is still pacing up and down on the sidelines and yelling. For what? He's on TV. He wants to show that his team fights and is active for the full 48 minutes and he's and integral part of it. My feeling was that once the game is decided - and you could tell - then sit down and relax." Tempting as it may be, not other coach will copy Auerbach's trademark gesture or threaten his unofficial record. Since smoking is now prohibited in NBA arenas, the victory cigar has become an indulgence reserved for post game celebrations. Although, when Darko Milicic was with the Pistons, he was never put into games until the game was decided and they called him "the human victory cigar."
Most Game 7 Wins in Playoffs, Career 10: Bill Russell, 1956-1969
Statistically speaking, Russell usually came out second best to his great rival Wilt Chamberlain, but not in the stat that mattered most. Russell won 11 NBA titles to Chamberlain's two, and was an incredible 10-0 in Game 7 during his storied career. Of the 10, eight were won in Boston and two on the road, and five came in the NBA finals.
Most Premature Postgame Celebration in a Finals Los Angeles Lakers, May , 1969
Before game 7 of the 1969 finals, Boston's Bill Russell got his hands on a script that described plans for a post game Lakers celebration that included a rendition of Happy Days Are Here Again to be played by the University of Southern California band. When the Celtics walked out on the court to begin the game against the heavily favored Lakers, they saw 5,000 balloons suspended in nets from the ceiling. But as was often the case during that era, the Celtics found a way to win. Don Nelson's late jumper, which bounded off the back rim straight up into the air and down into the basket, was the key to a 108-106 victory. The triumph gave the Celtics their 11th title in 13 years.
Things are so slow that the Globe and Herald both had no new articles on Thursday. But there are still rumors going around and a few things happening.
First, the Marquis Daniels signing is still up in the air. Danny and Larry are still trying to work out a sign and trade. The Pacers reportedly aren't interested in Scal. There goes Larry's dream of an all white team. I'm happy to hear that for now at least Scal will remain a Celtic. The Indy Star reports that they are interested in Tony Allen and JR Giddens. If that is the case, Danny should just get it done. I like Giddens, but I like Walker more and would rather keep him if I had the choice. Daniels is an upgrade over Tony.
After a couple of years of trying to get someone to take Jamaal Tinsley, the Pacers finally bought him out. It will save them 4 million dollars, but they are still on the hook for over 10 million of his contract over the next 2 years. It will free a roster spot up for them. When they sign Earl Watson, that will give them 12 players under contract. If they add Tony Allen and JR Giddens, that will put them at 14.
Stephon Marbury continues to be one of the most approachable players in the league and is really reaching out to fans. He will be doing a 24 hour live broadcast from 6 am Friday until 6 am Saturday. At least that's the play right now. Check out his twitter posts for a link to the chat.Here is a link if you feel like watching. Pretty fun stuff. Oh, and a quote from the NY Post seems to back up all the rumors we have seen lately saying that Marbury is coming back to Boston:
Two weeks ago, it appeared Marbury's Celtic career was done when Danny Ainge told him he couldn't do a deal. But that changed this week and Marbury has a Celtic offer.
I'm sure you have heard by now about the Cambridge police officer, Sergeant James M. Crowley, who has been at the center of a controversy that has even gone as far as the White House. I don't want to get into anything political but I found it interesting that this was the same officer who tried to revive Reggie Lewis when he collapsed and died. You can read the story in the Globe. Here is the pertinent part:
Nearly 16 years ago, as a Brandeis University police officer, Crowley desperately tried to save the life of Reggie Lewis after the Boston Celtics star collapsed while practicing in the school gym.
“It bothers him terribly that he couldn’t save him,’’ Crowley’s 74-year-old mother, Verina Crowley, said yesterday, speaking of her son and the famous basketball player.
rowley was a certified emergency medical technician when he performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Lewis, to no avail, after the player’s heart stopped on July 27, 1993. In a Globe interview later that day, Crowley said he rushed to the university’s Shapiro Gymnasium, confirmed that Lewis had no pulse, and frantically tried to revive him.
“I just kept on going,’’ he said. “I just kept thinking, ‘Don’t let him die - just don’t die.’ ’’
If it doesn't work out for Stephon Marbury to return to the Celtics, Jason Williams is working on a comeback. Even though the Pacers couldn't wait to get rid of him, Jamaal Tinsley wouldn't be a bad back up for Rondo at the vet minimum, either.
Still no news on Big Baby. The longer it goes, the more certain it seems that he probably will be back with the Celtics, or the Celtics will do a sign and trade and get something in return. So, I guess in this case, no news is good news.
In other news, the Spurs have signed Theo Ratliff. When I saw that, my first reaction was surprise that Ratliff was still able to play. When he was with the Celtics he played in 2 whole games and was reduced to being an expiring contract and here is his still signing contracts. Amazing.
Tomorrow is Perk's wedding day. Rondo will be in the wedding. I wish him the best. I hope they publish some pictures of the wedding.
I guess this is the definition of nothing solid happening. Neither the Herald or the Globe had any new articles this morning. Thank goodness for the blogs. Lots of speculation though. I can't wait for the season to start.
While we wait for Danny and Larry to hammer out the sign and trade for Daniels and for Starbury to decide whether to come back to Boston and for the Big Baby situation to work out, I thought I would have some fun and share some fun information from a book that I read called "The Unofficial Guide to Basketball's Nastiest and Most Unusual Records by Kerry Banks. Here are a few you might enjoy.
Most derogatory nicknames handed out by a broadcaster Dozens: Johnny Most
The voice of the Boston Celtics for 37 years, Most was a self proclaimed homer, someone who, as one referee stated, could cause a riot at a High Mass with his emotional, pro-Celtic descriptions. Most turned shoving matches into "bloodbaths" and minor fouls into "vicious muggings." Once, during a game in Detroit against the Pistons, he loudly declared, "Oh, the yellow, gutless way they do things here." Most frequently bestowed unflattering nicknames on Boston opponents. Kareem Abdul Jabar was "Kareem Puff." Dennis Rodman was "the Supreme Hot Dog." Isaiah Thomas was "Little Lord Fauntleroy." Washington's physical duo of Juff Ruland and Rick Mahorn were "McFilthy and McNasty." As Boston's director of basketball operations Danny Ainge observed, "I always believed we had thirteen guys on the active roster - twelve in uniforms and the thirteenth - Johnny Most- was high above courtside."
(I loved Johnny Most. He was one of a kind and there will never be another like him. We are lucky to have Tommy Heinsohn doing the color on tv. He is the last of a rare breed of homers)
First player to have his number retired twice by the same team. Bill Russell, Boston Celtics
Russell was a complicated and prickly character: he didn't sign autographs and was uneasy with public adulation. The Celtics had intended to retire Russell's No. 6 in a pre game ceremony, but when Russell refused to participate, the team raised his number to the rafters in a private ceremony at Boston Garden on March 12, 1972. Twenty seven years later, on May 26, 1999, a more mellow Russell allowed his No. 6 to be re-raised to the top of Boston's FleetCenter in a special tribute hosted by comedian Bill Cosby. An estimated 12,000 fans attended.
(A good book to read is "Second Wind" by Bill Russell. It really gives insight into the factors that molded his character and some good anecdotes about when he was playing with the Celtics.)
First Player to refuse to have his number retired Jim Loscutoff, No 18, Boston Celtics
A hard nosed forward who won five titles with the Celtics from 1956 to 1964, Loscutoff declined to have his jersey number retired so that a future Celtic player could wear it. Instead, a LOSCY banner was hung in Boston in his honor. the jersey number was in fact later used and then retired in honor of another Boston star: Dave Cowens.
I loved Loscy. Perk reminds me a lot of him. Every team needs an enforcer like Perk or Loscy who is willing to do the dirty work. The First NBA team to retire the number of a player who never played for the team New Orleans Hornets, Pete Maravich, No 7 Oct. 20, 2002
The Hornets' decision to retire Maravich's No 7 during halftime of the newly transplanted team's season opener in 2002-2003 was pure PR. Maravich did star in New Orleans at one time, but for a different franchise: The New Orleans Jazz.
(I know this is not Celtics related, but Pistol Pete holds a special spot in my heart. I'm reading the book "Maravich" and it is an excellent book. Pistol Pete was one of the best ever. I just wish he could have stuck it out with the Celtics one more year to get his ring.)
Largest Chest on an unofficial mascot 88 inches: Busty Heart, Boston Celtics.
Largest Chest on an unofficial mascot 88 inches: Busty Heart, Boston Celtics.
Stripper Busty Heart and her massive 88 inch bazooms bounced into the public eye during Game 1 of the Celtics 1986 playoff series with the Atlanta Hawks. The tall blonde caused a major commotion at Boston Garden when she began dancing in a tight halter top right next to a CBS TV camera. The uproar prompted Celtics radio announcer Johnny Most to explain to his listeners: "There is a blonde with very large assets dancing in the stands. She looks like Morganna but much larger." The voluptuous Heart became Boston's unofficial mascot, and from her seat near the Hawks' bench she created such a visual distraction that Atlanta coach Mike Fratello later claimed she cost his team at least one win in the series, which the Celtics took in five games.
(In case you want to know more about her you can go here. The 1986 Celtics had Busty Heart. The 2008 Celtics had Gino.)
Latest starting time for an NBA game Midnight: Boston vs Fort Wayne, February 21, 1952
As a marketing ploy this left something to be desired. The Celtics and Pistons tipped off at midnight in a 'Milkman's Special" following an Ice Follies show at Boston Garden. (In that era milkmen rose early to deliver milk to customers' homes). The game, which Boston won 88-67, attracted 2,368 fans, some 2,000 less than the Celtics' average gate that season.
Longest game delay caused by noxious fumes. 9 minutes: Boston vs Los Angeles Clippers March 7, 2003
The third quarter had just ended when Boston's players suddenly bolted from their bench, gagging and coughing and covering their faces with towels. The possibility of a terrorist act immediately came to mind, and in the ensuing confusion, Celtics coach Jim O'Brien tried to convince the referee to postpone or cancel the rest of the game. But NBA officials, working with Boston police and FleetCenter security, decided that the substance was most likely pepper spray or Mace released as a prank. The suspected culprits were four men who abruptly left the building before fans and players began having trouble breathing. The game was resumed after a nine minute delay. Boston won 83-72.
Longest retirement before returning to play 7 years: Bob Cousy 1963 to 1970
In 1969, six years after he retired as the NBA's all time assists leader, Cousy was appointed coach of the Cincinnati Royals. By coincidence, the team was led by guard Oscar Robertson, who had just eclipsed Cousy's NBA record for career assists. In his second year as Royals coach, the 42 year old Cousy suited up and played seven games in a bid to generate fan interest. With Cousy and Robertson manning the backcourt, the Royals boasted the two highest scoring set up men in NBA history.
Only team to draft a paralyzed player Boston Celtics, June 29, 1982.
Indiana's Landon Turner was paralyzed in a car accident just prior to the 1982 draft, a few months after his team won the NCAA title. As a favor to Indiana coach Bobby Knight (who started a fund that raised 400,000 to defray Turner's medical expenses), and to lift Turner's spirits, Celtics GM Red Auerbach drafted him in the 10th round. In 1989, Turner received the Coors Light US Basketball Writers Association's Most Courageous Award after returning to the court with a wheelchair basketball team. Today he is a motivational speaker in Indianapolis.
Most future Hall of Famers on one team 8: Boston Celtics 1962-1963
The Lakers attracted media attention in the 2003-04 season by fielding a team with four likely future Hall of Famers: Gary Payton, Karl Malone, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant. But that's half the total of Hall of Famers on the roster of the 1962-63 Celtics, whose lineup included Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Sam Jones, Tom Heinsohn, Frank Ramsey, K.C. Jones, and Clyde Lovellette. No surprise, the Celtics won the title that year.
According to a league source, a possibility remains that Stephon Marbury could be back in a Celtic’s uniform. Marbury, who joined the Celtics as a back up point guard for a quarter of the season last year, originally turned down the veteran minimum ($1.3 million). Reportedly, his only other option is Europe. It seems that Steph might have second thoughts and feel that playing for the Celtics for the minimum is better than going across the pond.
This backs up yesterday's breaking news from NES 24/7 that he will be back in green. I really hope this is true because I think he is the best option we have left for a back up point guard.
I just spent over an hour listening to Stephon Marbury chatting about everything under the sun. It was great! He talked about his teammates on the Celtics, coaches, foods he likes, TV shows and lots more. He was very honest and open. Ball Don't Lie has a compilaton of quotes from the chat for you to check out. He loved his time in Boston and isn't closing the door to a return. Earlier in the day I sent this tweet to him:
I'd love to see what you could do in Boston with training camp behind you. Come back and show us, please!
He is definitely one of the most approachable stars out there and is really reaching out to the fans and having a lot of fun with Twitter. This brings me to a big rumor that is over on New England Sports 24/7:
A source tells NES247 that Stephon Marbury will be returning to Boston, possibly for the bi-annual exception, before the end of August. Marbury is still playing the waiting game to see what other teams have to offer, but he intends on returning to Boston and Ainge has already given him a contract offer.
Now, they don't divulge their sources and so we don't know how accurate this is, but I'd personally love to see him back. He wasn't very effective in his time last season, but we did see some flashes of the old Starbury. He didn't play for over a year and didn't have all that much time to learn the system and get in shape. I would love to see him come into camp with this team and have training camp and a whole season to play with them. I think he would be back to his old form and he would be an incredible help to this team. Let's hope the rumor is true and he is coming back because I don't think we will find a better back up PG.
Another rumor circulating is that the Nets are interested in Big Baby. But then again, they are also interested in Lamar Odom and Marvin Williams and Drew Gooden and several others. They still have their MLE left and could offer Big Baby more than either the Pistons, Blazers, or the Hornets who are also reportedly interested. The NY Post thinks the Big Baby talks are a lot of babble and doesn't think they will sign him. For one thing they have 15 players and another they are being very tight with their money. Marc Spears also reports this: The Celtics have said they would match any reasonable offer for Davis. The Detroit
Pistons, New Orleans Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers, league sources said, tried to work a sign-and-trade deal for Davis only to be rebuffed by the Celtics. Boston did offer Davis and guards J.R. Giddens(notes) and Gabe Pruitt to the Pistons for forward Jason Maxiell and a first-round pick, but was quickly turned down.
Who could the Hornets and Blazers have offered if Danny turned them down and then offered Big Baby, Pruitt AND Giddens for Maxiell and a first round pick. Big Baby is a better player than Maxiell. I just don't see it. BUT, the Globe today reports that it was the Pistons that made the offer, not the Celtics. That sounds more like it to me. Very curious stuff. Oh yeah, in the midst of all this contract talk, Big Baby decided he wants a new nickname. Just call him G-Force.
Matt Barnes has signed with the Magic. They certainly haven't stayed with the status quo. In spite of making it to the Finals last season, they have made some big moves this off season. They have made some very good moves and they are going to be even tougher this season than they were last.
The Cavs made an offer to Jamario Moon. The Heat still can match it but if they get him, I think they made a good move. Danny was talking about going after Moon before he signed Daniels. Now the Cavs have gone after him. He will be a good addition to their team along with Parker and Shaq. The Cavs will also be tougher next season than they were last season.
Daniels is a good move for the Celtics but I am still wondering who we are going to have to give up to get him. If we can get him with a sign and trade and can save the LLE, we may be able to get Marbury back with that, or lure another good player to Boston with it in case a team decides to over pay Big Baby and the Celtics don't match.
Sean May signed with the Kings for one year. Just as well because some people were advocating the Celtics sign May instead of Big Baby and that would be a mistake. Even if Big Baby goes elsewhere, I don't think May is a player who could help the Celtics at this point.
According to reports, several of his Laker teammates have reached out to Odom and he is not leaning toward returning to LA in spite of the wooing from D Wade and Pat Riley. I would love to see him go elsewhere and stick it to those pompous and self inflated Lakers.
Things should be shaking out within the next couple of weeks. For one thing, the Celtics have to decide on whether to pick up Pruitt's option by August 1. The details should be worked out soon as to who goes in the Daniels deal or if the Celtics have to use the LLE to get him. In the meantime we watch and wait.
I have been reading the book Maravich and so Pistol Pete has been on my mind a lot lately. Pistol Pete Maravich would have turned 62 this year if he had lived. He has always been one of my favorites and was way ahead of his time as a basketball player. Watching him play was always an amazing experience. He finished his career as a Celtic and I remember fondly that last season, even though he was far from his prime, he still could excite with his play. One of the biggest disappointments for me as a fan has always been that Pete retired after that half season with the Celtics. If he had only come back one more season, he would have gotten the ring that he so much wanted from the time he first picked up a basketball.
Pete Maravich was the son of Press Maravich who who had been a guard with the Youngstown Bears of the National Basketball League in 1945-46 and with the Pittsburgh Ironmen of the Basketball Association of America in 1946-47. He later went on to coach at Clemson, NC State, and LSU among others. Press had the goal of creating the ultimate basketball player in his son and pushed Pete toward that goal. Pete inherited his father's love of the game and didn't need much pushing though.
Growing up, Pete Maravich was a gym rat. He was obsessed with basketball and practiced almost constantly. Press would have Pete dribble the ball out the window of the car to improve his control. He would dribble 2 1/2 miles to the playground in his hometown of Clemson, South Carolina, and then dribble that same distance back. He would dribble alongside while riding his bicycle. He would dribble while watching movies, switching seats halfway through the movie to get equal work in with both hands. A basketball was his constant companion, even sleeping with one beside him.
Press required Pete to make 100 shots from the free throw line in their driveway every night after dinner before he would be allowed to go to bed. Pete claimed he often made 99 straight before deliberately missing the next several shots just so he could continue playing ball outside. Press claimed that at the age of 11 Pete once succeeded in making 500 consecutive free throws one evening after school, stopping only when it became too dark to see the rim that was illuminated only by the elder Maravich's flashlight.
After a successful high school career in North Carolina he enrolled at Louisiana State University, where his father was coaching. His first season, he averaged 43.6 points for LSU's Freshman team. Moving up to the varsity team, he set scoring records that still stand to this day. Over his next three seasons he averaged 43.8, 44.2, and 44.5 ppg, respectively, leading the nation in scoring each year. During his senior season he scored 50 or more points in 10 of LSU's 31 games, setting an NCAA record for most points (1,381) and highest scoring average in a single season. Pistol Pete holds nearly every major NCAA scoring record, including most career points (3,667), highest career scoring average (44.2 ppg), most field goals made (1,387) and attempted (3,166), and most career 50-point games (28). And, he set all these records without 3 pointers as the 3 point shot wasn't introduced until later.
It was in College that he got the name Pistol Pete, based on his unique shooting motion, which began at his hip, like a gunman pulling a pistol from his holster. He became a pop culture icon with his shaggy hair cut and his trademark floppy socks. For all his personal successes, Pete was often criticized for using too much flair and not having enough substance and although he held virtually every offensive record in the NCAA, his LSU team was a modest 49-35 during his time there. This criticism would follow him throughout his pro career.
In the 1970 draft, Pete was chosen 3rd by the Atlanta Hawks. The veterans on the team resented his $1.9-million contract-a huge amount at the time. He was often called a hot dog and considered more of a freak show than a serious basketball player. When he first came to Atlanta, there were signs in the stands that said "Welcome to Atlanta where Hot dogs cost 1.9 million dollars." Of course, this hurt Pete, but he still played basketball his style. "If I have a choice whether to do the show or throw a straight pass," said Maravich, "and we're going to get the basket either way, I'm going to do the show."
Pistol Pete made an immediate individual impact in his first season. He scored 23.2 ppg, good for ninth in the league, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. However, Atlanta finished 12 games behind their previous season record. Pete's first campaign established the pattern for his years with Atlanta: highly entertaining play and big numbers from Pistol Pete, but mediocre seasons and quick playoff exits for the Hawks. His second season he hit the sophomore wall, missing 16 games, and averaged only 19.3 ppg.
In his 3rd season, Pete's numbers improved and he helped the Hawks to a 46-36 record, the only winning season he would experience in his NBA prime. Maravich earned his first All-Star appearance and landed a spot on the All-NBA Second Team by averaging 26.1 ppg. Pete's final year with Atlanta was his highest-scoring NBA season yet, and the Hawks worst season during his time there. He averaged 27.7 ppg but the Hawks dropped to 35-47 and missed the playoffs. Maravich played in his second NBA All-Star Game during the season and scored 15 points in 22 minutes.
The following year, the New Orleans Jazz were beginning their first season in the league and traded with the Hawks to bring Maravich back to Louisiana. In his first season with the Jazz, he worked to round out his game somewhat while the Jazz finished last in the league with a 23-59 record. Pistol Pete's game peaked over the next couple of years as his skills and showmanship all came together. Still flamboyant, he managed to make his flashy moves not only decorative but also effective. His sleight of hand with the ball and his creative shooting were unbelievable and his delight in the game was plain to see. But his teams still weren't winners.
Over the following years, he gained more respect for his talent but his big numbers made little difference in the win column for his team. No one ever believed that he gave less than 100%, and he was always entertaining, but reputation followed him that he was for himself first and the team second. Critics said that he had developed his game during countless solitary hours in the gym, and that he still played as if he were the only one on the court. It was a criticism that he never completely shook off.
Pete's career began to go down hill. He missed 32 games in 1977-78 because of a variety of injuries. He would be on the sidelines often throughout the rest of his career. He tore up one knee against Buffalo in typical Pistol Pete style as instead of just throwing an outlet pass, he jumped into the air to whip a between-the-legs pass down three-quarters of the court. He landed awkwardly and never was the same again. In the 1979-80 season, the Jazz franchise moved to Utah. Although the move marked the start of a winning future for the franchise, it was the beginning of the end for the Pistol.
Pete played in only 17 games that season before he was waived by Utah in January of 1980. Five days later he was picked up as a free agent by the Boston Celtics, the top team in the league that year behind rookie forward Larry Bird. On the surface, Maravich was an odd choice for the team-oriented Celtics, but he worked himself back into shape and applied his considerable skills to the unfamiliar challenge of serving as a part-time contributor. He averaged 11.5 points in 26 outings for Boston and was still capable of impressive scoring bursts. In one game he scored the final 10 points in a come-from-behind win over the Washington Bullets. During the postseason he managed a modest 6.0 ppg as the Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals. In his final season-with his skills rusty, his knees creaky, and his minutes limited-Pistol Pete Maravich finally got a chance to shoot three-pointers for the first time in his career. He went 10-for-15. After the season Maravich faced the reality of his bad knee and retired. The next season, the Celtics went on to win the championship.
After leaving basketball in the fall of 1980, Maravich became a recluse for two years. During these years, Pete said that he was searching for life. He tried the yoga and Hinduism, read Trappist monk Thomas Merton's The Seven Storey Mountain, and took an interest in studying UFO's, at one time painting a sign on his roof to attract extraterrestrials. He also explored vegetarianism and macrobiotics. During these years, he also battled depression and drank heavily. In 1982 he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and became a Christian. He began traveling the country sharing his new found faith in Jesus Christ. He had finally found the peace he had been searching for all his life and that had always eluded him.
Once a reporter asked a 12-year-old Maravich what he wanted to do with his life. He replied, "play pro basketball, get a big diamond ring, and make a million dollars." Pete got his wish to play pro basketball and make a million dollars, but left the game just one year short of getting the ring he so badly wanted in his career. A few years prior to his death Maravich said, "I want to be remembered as a Christian, a person that serves Him to the utmost. Not as a basketball player."
Years before his death, at the age of 25, Maravich told Pennsylvania reporter, Andy Nuzzo, "I don't want to play 10 years in the NBA and then die of a heart attack at 40." On January 5, 1988, Pete was in California to tape a segment with Dr Dobson for Focus on the Family. He was playing in a pick up game and collapsed on the court shortly after telling Dr Dobson that he felt great. He died of a heart attack at the age of 40.
Pistol Pete Maravich was one of a kind and there will never be another player like him. He was way ahead of his time and if he were to play today, he would be recognized for his talent and skills instead of being misunderstood as he was back when he played. When I see Rondo make his fake pass and then go to the basket, I think of Pistol Pete every time. He was an incredible player and there will never be another player like him because no player will every have the discipline that Pete did to develop his talent. Pete was truly one of a kind and the world is much poorer because he is gone.
"He'll be remembered always", former LSU head basketball coach Dale Brown said on hearing the news of Maravich's death. "When we see some tousled-haired kid with drooping socks standing on some semi-darkened court or in a yard after everyone else has gone home, he will be shooting a basketball, and we will remember Pete."
If you haven't already read them, I highly recommend three books. Heir to a Dream by Pete Maravich with Darrel Campbell and Frank Schroeder. Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich by Mark Kriegel All 3 are must read books for any basketball fan and especially for anyone who has seen Pete play. The last two begin with Press' story and as such include some fascinating insights into the beginnings of professional basketball and its growth into what we watch today. All three give you a better understanding of Pete as a person and as a player as well as a better understanding of the game of basketball.
I got to wondering about what other fans are thinking about the Celtics moves and possible moves and spent some time looking around other teams' message boards.
Today Marc Spears said that the signing of Chris Wilcox in Detroit didn't affect their interest in a sign and trade with the Celtics for Big Baby. That is an interesting twist since most of us thought that when they signed Wilcox, it took them out of the market for Big Baby. Most Celtics fans want Danny to bring Big Baby back but it seems as though Pistons fans aren't quite as excited to be in the running for his services. Here are a few thoughts from Pistons fans:
The only possibility that would make any sense would be Jason Maxiell for a re-signed Davis. Wilcox could have been signed to back-up CV at the four...
Talent wise, I'd take Davis or Max.
But I cannot stand Davis at all--so let's not do this.
I would prefer Baby over Max, Baby has more offensive skills. But if this does happen, i would miss Max, our spark off the bench.
NO BIG BABY!! HELL NO TO GIVING AWAY ONE OF OUR PLAYERS FOR BIG BABY!!!
I don't want big baby on my team. That is and shall remain my stance.
Max (6'5" without shoes) can't play C, and Big Baby (6.7 3/4" without shoes) can. We could probably get Big Baby on better terms than we have Max -- think 3 years instead of 5.
i thought that big baby stuff was done now . I'd be embarrassed 2 be a pistons fan if we get him .
Maxiell is too undersized at 6'6", and he is playing like a C Big baby isn't much taller but he may be 6'8", and he has decent jumperTrading Maxiell for Big Baby may make improvement. Afterall, if we can get rid of Maxiell's contract, thats already a plus. Coz no team wants his contract, they all prefer shorter term contracts mainly because of the 2010 FA class and the economy down turn And obviously he's severly undersized, that may scare off other teams as well.
Big Baby is fat, chances are he'll become even larger as he ages. No thanks.
Pistons fans are split as to whether they want Big Baby or not but most seem to feel that Maxiell is the only logical candidate for a sign and trade on their side. Personally I don't see where Danny would go for Maxiell. His contract is for 4 more years at 5 million a year and he is shorter than Big Baby and doesn't have Big Baby's offensive skills. I just don't see it.
The only other players that are in the price range that Big Baby will go for are Kwame Brown who has one year left at 4.1 million. I don't see Danny going for a bust in place of Big Baby who I'd much rather have at $4 million. And then there could be a combination of Fabricio Oberto with 1 year at $3.5 million and Rodney Stuckey with 3 years left that goes from $1.8 to $3.8 million. I wouldn't mind that deal but don't see the Pistons giving away their starting PG for a back up power forward. I just don't see any pieces that Detroit could trade that would help the Celtics. The Pistons may still have interest, but I don't see Danny going for it.
Next, I took a look at what Pistons fans had to say about Rasheed coming to Boston.
Perfect! It's now GuaranSheed he won't be back here. That's cause for some serious celebration. The infection has been removed, now the healing and rebuilding can start.
I'm here in Mass and I can't tell you how blown away I am that Boston fans seem to think that this is a slam dunk great move. They keep talking about how he's gonna help be a big and a force down low. It's as if they haven't watched a single Piston game in 3 years. Sheed coming off the bench is going to be a disaster i think. He's gonna come in and just start jacking up 3's. It's gonna drive people nuts, and will be a blast to watch.
I expect him to be revitalized for a year. A YEAR.
I give the honeymoon about half a season. For some reason I can't see him getting along with Rivers.
I think it helps the Celtics stay at the top in the East, but nothing to the extent of what a healthy KG does for them in my opinion.
Ugh, I absolutely hate Boston. It makes me want to burn my Sheed jersey to see him on that team.
Boston is oooooooooooold and getting older. At the start of this coming season, Boston's players' ages: Perkins-25 Rondo-24 Allen-34 Pierce-32 Garnett-33 Sheed-35 House-31 Marbury-32 Scalabrine-31
Having said that, I think adding Wallace helps the Celtics. A big who can stretch the floor and is an above average defender will be a plus. If there is one thing I've learned watching Rasheed though it is that he plays and behaves up to the standards set around him. If he doesn't respect the opponent or guy he's defending he doesn't show up in the same way he does for a Duncan or Dirk. If he doesn't respect the leadership of his team, he does what he can get away with. I don't think Pierce or KG will stand for that.
He's not the same player he was even two years ago. At 35, his legs are pretty much gone. His shooting proficiency has decreased the last three seasons and he's nowhere near the defender he used to be.
Good for him, I hope he eats Gasol's and Bynum's lunch in the Finals next year and gets another belt!
I'm glad he went to Boston because now he can drag them down like he has us the last couple of years. Lazy malcontent and good riddance.
I always wanted to see Sheed and KG on the same team, I just hoped that team would be the Pistons.
I think they were better off trying to keep Glenn Davis.
I just don't approve of someone so lazy latching on to a hard working championship caliber team like the Celtics.
Sheed doesn't deserve another ring. I pray that his lazy attitude becomes infectious in Boston.
I HAAAATE Boston. I used to like sheed but im afraid im gonna have to hate him now. ok maybe not. but i wont be rooting for him when he's against the pistons.
Rasheed was a big part of the success and failure of this team over the past five seasons. I honestly dont think anyone should be happy to see him leave because he did alot for the organization. With that said, his services were no longer needed and obviously both sides realized it. I will root for Rasheed anytime he does not play the Pistons.
Wow! Some hard feelings for Sheed in Detroit. You would think that they were talking about Mark Blount instead of Sheed.
Next I checked out the Pacers boards to see what they were saying about Daniels to Boston and who might be coming back in a sign and trade.
Scalabrine? really?
Scalabrine? I would assume for the expiring.
Why would we sign and trade Daniels for Scalbrine? Why take on added salary for any reason?
Scalabrine? is that a joke? we already got Murphy why do the Pacers need Troy Murphy part 2?
The only point of this trade would be to make the Pacers as white as the Utah Jazz. And they'd be paying $3.5M for that privilege,
Oh, my lord...this is horrible. Scalabrine's the only guy in that price range, but why the **** are we going to take on $3.4mm of salaries to get Scalabrine? I'm going to be sick.
Why would we want the poor man's troy murphy when we have the real thing.
It won't be just Scalabrine. I'd bet that we would get a first round pick and Gabe Pruitt as well. At that point, i'd love the deal.
I remember Dan Patrick telling Reggie that the Pacers should trade for Scalabrine and make the Pacers an all white team, I never thought this was going to be possible
Scalabrine is really similar to Troy I am not saying this because they are white, actually I think that Scalabrine is a better defender than Murphy, I always thought that I rather have him an his 3mil a year than Murphy for 11mil a year.When Brian plays big minutes his numbers are really good.(just my two cents)
Scalabrine's main role in such a trade would be as white guy/salary match.
a trade for Rondo maybe? he is only making 3mil maybe a sign and trade for him and other pieces?
Why couldn't it be for Big Baby instead of Scalabrine?
Probably because the Celts wouldn't trade Big Baby for Daniels.
Let's get Large Infant!
Everytime I see Scalabrine on the court, I ask myself.....why is that pastie unathletic looking guy on the court?
I'd like to get Bill Walker if we could.
Tony Allen is the final year of his deal, making 2.5 With the addition of Daniels, Allen would be availale. Sign & trade Daniels for Allen.
A S&T for Tony Allen would make great sense, he's basically Marquis Daniels without the BBIQ and with better individual defence.
With the Celts reportedly souring on Rondo, can anyone see any combination of say Marquis and TJ Ford for Rondo & Scalabrine...
They weren't souring on Rondo, they were just trying to see if someone would OVERPAY while his stock was really high.
why does erveryone think Scalabrine is horrible. I mean he doesn't fit what we need at all. But he is not terrible. Great locker room guy, great teammtes. pretty good shooter, smart and will follow the system
Let's not forget Ainge and Bird are buddies. Maybe they're trying to do each other a favor. I hope he sends us Rondo!....................
keep dreaming.....................
Speaking of favors... Ainge and McHale were buddies as well, and we all know how it ended up.
I'd much rather just sign Marquis if he is that cheap, I'd give him anywhere in the 4/5 million per year if we could keep him.
I'd have interest in Bill Walker and Tony Allen just to solidify out wing depth. I was very high on Walker coming out, he's a tremendous athlete who could really be a nice energy defender on someone's bench (similar to Jones). Allen has always been a pretty nice bench player, he can defend and score a little, a little short to provide depth at both the 2 and 3 though at only 6"4.
I would like Walker and Allen for Daniels. Hell, I'd love it.
To me one possible scenerio is Tony Allen comes to the Pacers for the re-signed Marquis Daniels . By taking back Allen at 2.5 mil Daniels can sign a 3.3, 3.7, 4.1 = 12.1 mil 3 year deal to become a Celtic.
Tony Allen a good defender and another slasher seems the best and maybe only fit for a Daniels to Boston deal involving the Pacers.
Allen could use a couple more inches for the two, but he's got experience, can score the ball, and is a decent defender. Plus, if we need to move one or more of our apparent PG glut, he's logged minutes at that position, too, with reasonable results.
This will be a problem. Now the team doesn't have a player with a detailed map of Florida on his back. How will they get to Amway Arena on road trips? Someone needs to send Hansbrough to the ink shop quickly...
This is like the big present at christmas time. I can't wait to find out what the trade will be!
Pacers fans definitely don't want Scal and would love to have either Tony or Bill Walker. I liked the scenario of trading Tony for Daniels. That works out for both sides. The Celtics get to keep the LLE and they get Daniels and get rid of Tony, who becomes unnecessary with Daniels on the team. Larry gets the athletic wing that he needs. Works for everyone.
