On this day in Boston Celtics history, the storied franchise traded star center Dave Cowens to the Milwaukee Bucks for point guard Quinn Buckner in 1982. Cowens had retired from the ball club as a player in 1980, citing his declining physical health and a need for new blood in Boston’s frontcourt, but he decided to play once again two seasons later.
The Newport, Kentucky, native, who had been drafted out of Florida State University by the Celtics with the fourth overall pick of the 1970 NBA draft, had only played for the Celtics franchise, which still held his rights.
Buy Celtics TicketsThe former Seminole convinced Boston to deal him to the Bucks — coached by one-time teammate Don Nelson — in exchange for Buckner to satisfy their contractual obligations.
Cowens played 40 more games for Milwaukee before retiring for good as a player.
While his Milwaukee stint was not especially noteworthy, he won two titles, an All-Star game and regular MVP award, eight All-Star bids, and several other honors in his 10 seasons with the Celtics.
It is also the birthday of ex-Celtic center Steve Downing, who won a title with Cowens as a backup big behind him in 1974.
Downing was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1950, and drafted by Boston with the 17th pick of the 1973 NBA draft out of Indiana University.
Happy birthday to 1974 World Champion Steve Downing! #Celtics pic.twitter.com/AfNDQXL6iN
— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) September 9, 2020
The former Hoosier played 27 games over two seasons for the Celtics between that year and 1975.
He averaged 2.4 points and 1.5 rebounds over that stretch.
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