On this day in 2000, former Boston Celtics forward Bob McAdoo was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Detroit Pistons luminary point guard Isiah Thomas and several others.
McAdoo was at best a reluctant Celtic, traded to the franchise from the New York Knicks, 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 the team as a result. But all parties stuck it out for six months, and McAdoo would be dealt to the Detroit Pistons for draft assets.
McAdoo played just 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 would take a 2-1 series lead on their way to the NBA Finals and Banner 17.
The Celtics were led by 22 points, 13 boards and 6 assists from Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen added 14 points, 6 rebounds and as many assists.
Forward James Posey would add 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 would win the series in six games.
