Today in Boston Celtics history, Reggie Lewis debuted for the storied ball club in a 125-108 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in 1987. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Lewis played his college basketball for Boston-area Northeastern University under New England coaching legend Jim Calhoun (better known for his time at the helm of the University of Connecticut later on) before being picked up by Boston with the 22nd overall pick of the 1987 NBA Draft.

He later collapsed and died of heart-related medical issues he had been diagnosed with many years later, but played with Boston for a total of six seasons, starting with this win over the Bucks.

The Maryland native put up 4 points in 5 minutes of game time in his debut.

Other debuts

Other player debuts on this day include four other Celtics, beginning with Boston big man Brad Lohaus, whose first game was playing alongside Lewis’, scoring 8 points, 7 rebounds, and an assist. That game also saw center Mark Acres play his inaugural game for the Celtics, scoring 4 points, 3 boards, and as many assists in nine minutes of playing time.

This date also saw former Celtics center Matt Wenstrom take the floor for the first time with Boston in 1993. It would come in a 100-88 victory over the Washington Bullets (now, Wizards), with Wenstrom going scoreless in just one minute of floor time.

It is also the anniversary of former Celtic point guard Demetrius Jackson’s debut for the team. The Notre Dame alum played for Boston for the first time in 2016 in a 123-107 loss to the Denver Nuggets, scoring 8 points, 3 boards, and 2 assists.

Signings

In 1991 on this date, the Celtics signed point guard Rickey Green as a free agent.

The (at that time) 13-season veteran arrived in Boston for what would prove the last stop of his NBA career and averaged 4.1 points and 2.6 assists per game over 26 tilts with the club.

Birthdays

It is also the birthday of former Boston big man Steve Kuberski, born this day in Moline, Illinois. An alum of Bradley, Kuberski would be drafted by the Celtics with the 59th pick of the 1969 NBA Draft.

He played eight seasons with Boston interrupted by single-season stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Buffalo Braves (now Los Angeles Clippers), winning titles with the team in 1974 and 1976.

Historic milestones

Finally, it is also the date of the first game called by Celtics broadcasting legends Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn (rest in peace) in 1981.

It was a 111-94 win for Boston over the Indiana Pacers at the old Boston Garden that saw Celtics legend Larry Bird lead the team with 28 points and 14 rebounds.

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