On this day: McAdoo inducted into Hall of Fame, win vs. DET in ’08 ECF; Red Claws become Maine Celtics
On this day in Boston Celtics history, former Celtics forward Bob McAdoo was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas and several others in 2000.
McAdoo was, at best, a reluctant Celtic, traded to the franchise from the New York Knicks. He was concerned about the racial climate of the city, which had a reputation for being particularly hostile to African Americans. Conversely, team president Red Auerbach had not been consulted on the deal by ownership and nearly quit as a result. But all parties stuck it out for six months, and McAdoo was dealt to the Detroit Pistons for draft assets.
McAdoo played 20 games for Boston, averaging 20.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game with the franchise.
It is also the anniversary of a 94-80 win over the Pistons in Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Eastern Conference finals.
The team took a 2-1 series lead on the way to the NBA Finals and Banner 17.
The Celtics were led by Kevin Garnett’s 22 points, 13 boards, and 6 assists, and Ray Allen added 14 points, 6 rebounds, and as many assists.
Forward James Posey added 12 points off the bench.
“I told the guys, ‘Hey, during the regular season we were the best team in the league on the road, so let’s go out here and try to show them,” said Pierce via ESPN.
The Celtics won the series in six games.
Finally, it was on this day in 2021 that the Boston Celtics announced they were changing the name of their G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws.
The familiar lobster mascot stayed but turned green, and the club was henceforth known as the (Portland) Maine Celtics.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
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