On this day, the Boston Celtics drafted small forward Cedric Maxwell out of UNC Charlotte with the 12th overall pick of the 1977 NBA Draft, their sole selection of note.
Maxwell would play eight seasons for the Celtics, averaging 13.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, and would win two championships with Boston in that stretch (in 1981 and 1984), winning Finals MVP in 1984.
After losing his starting role to forward Kevin McHale after an injury, the North Carolina native would be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for legendary sixth man center Bill Walton.
Maxwell maintains a close relationship with the Celtics and their fans to this day, hosting an eponymous podcast and making frequent appearances on local sports media.
It is also the anniversary of the 1980 NBA Draft, in which the aforementioned McHale was drafted out of Minnesota with the third overall pick by Boston.
The former Golden Gopher had a Hall of Fame career with the Celtics, winning three championships (in 1981, 1984 and 1986) and would be elected to seven All-Star games and six All-Defensive teams among many other honors.
McHale would play 13 seasons for Boston, the only team he would play for as a professional, and average 17.9 points, 7.3 boards and 1.7 assists and as many blocks per game over that stretch.
