Celtics in The Preseason v2
Celtics in The Preseason v2
Celtics in The Preseason v2
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Preface
2016 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Basketball Association of America, a forerunner of today’s NBA. Walter Brown and a group
of his Arena Managers Association of America colleagues created the new league to fill their arenas on otherwise quiet nights in their schedules
between hockey, boxing, and other events. Brown named his entry the Boston Celtics, and after some shaky early years, the team developed into
one of the premier sports franchises in the United States.
Celtics history has been well-documented, but some aspects deserve a closer look. For years, general information about Celtics training camp and
preseason schedules has been readily available. This article attempts to bring these topics into clearer focus, by listing specific dates, locations,
and preseason scores as found in contemporary newspaper reports. More research is still needed; this initial version is incomplete for several
reasons. In their early years, Celtics coverage in Boston newspapers was spotty, and national coverage exhibition games was rare. Even as
preseason scores were reported more regularly, the precise location of the game would be omitted, even in game stories. Lastly, formal lists of
players participating in training camp were not consistently reported in newspapers, especially before the 1970’s. Online newspaper archives have
been essential to recapturing and compiling this information, but there are many Boston and New England-based newspapers whose back issues
are available only on microfilm which is much more time-consuming to use. Up to now I have only scratched the surface of the information
available on microfilm.
1. Dates listed for the opening of training camp include cases, beginning in the late 1960’s, when rookies were expected to show up a day or
two earlier than the veterans as an extension of the main training camp. These dates do NOT include separate rookie/free agent camps or
“tryout camps” held earlier in the summer/fall.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 2
2. The lists of “Other Players in Camp” are unofficial and likely incomplete. In these sections, players listed in bold played at least one regular
season game in the NBA and/or ABA during their careers, while those in normal typeface never reached the pros. If the player had not yet
made their pro debut prior to appearing in Celtics training camp, the player’s draft position (if any) or their college information is listed in
parenthesis; if the player had already played in the NBA or ABA, his last team is listed in parenthesis.
3. Scores of exhibition games are listed with the Celtics score first, followed by their opponent’s point total. The name of the arena where
the game was held is listed if known.
This collection ends in 1991 for a simple reason: that year marked the final preseason of Larry Bird’s career, and the last time that the Celtics held
their training camp at Hellenic College before moving to Brandeis University. Also, on a personal note, the Boston Celtics teams of the 1990’s and
early 2000’s were disappointing to watch, so researching those seasons held little interest for me.
Gearing Up
Preparing for a professional basketball season is equal parts hard work and tedium, exhaustion and tension. Daily practices and drills can get old
fast, even when the head coach decides to liven things up by bringing in a female aerobic dance instructor to lead the daily calisthenics (Louise
Boland, 1983).1 And there’s plenty of down time, either for searching out a movie theatre ten miles away to watch a James Mason picture in
Laconia, New Hampshire (1953)2 or eating a light lunch while admiring the view of the Cape Cod Canal out of the camp’s cafeteria windows (at
Mass Maritime, late 1970’s).3 Meanwhile, for the players on the fringe of the roster, there is the ever-present notion that today could spell the
end of your stay; the realization that when the words of the multi-purpose greeting “Can I see you for a moment?” are spoken in your direction,
the conversation that follows could signify the end of your professional dreams – or, for the chosen few, represent a turning point that propels
your career forward.
For the coaches, general manager, and other staff, training camp and preseason games are a time to experiment, learn, and face the cold reality
of how projections made on paper during the offseason translate on an actual basketball court. This process is imperfect, in part because preseason
games are merely “exhibitions.” Veteran stars play limited minutes or sit out with minor injuries that would be shrugged off during the regular
season, never mind the playoffs, and many of the participants will end up (depending on the era) displaying their talents in the Eastern League,
CBA, NBA D-League, or on an asphalt court shooting at a ragged net hanging from a slightly rusted rim during their lunch break from a “real” job.
Several generations of Boston Celtics players have gone through these rituals of fall.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 3
The Boston Celtics franchise was one of the original members of the BAA, and, following a series of “elimination workouts in Chicago, New York
and [at] Worcester,”4 head coach John “Honey” Russell and a collection of prospects gathered at the Boston Arena gym on September 30, 1946
for the team’s first official training camp. With housing in short supply in post-WWII Boston, the players slept in rooms located above the gym,
and ate their meals at the nearby Lenox Hotel. The Lenox, which later became Red Auerbach’s personal home-away-from-home (he continued to
maintain a residence in Washington, D.C. for his family), would also host the Celtics yearly team dinner on the eve of training camp throughout
the 1950’s and most of the 1960’s. The dinners were primarily a team bonding exercise, but also served as an opportunity for the Celtics, who
were always in pursuit of better press coverage, to entertain Boston newspaper writers. These events continued to be held even as the team
struggled to find a consistent training site. After a fire damaged the Arena gym in 1948 – sending nine players out into the streets at 6 o’clock in
the morning5 – the Celtics trained at the Boston Garden in 1949, then experimented with a number of sites, including a Cambridge prep school
(Browne & Nichols, in 1954), Northeastern University, and even a high school in Ellsworth, Maine.
Maine might seem to be a strange place to find an NBA training camp, but during the Celtics first decade and a half of existence, the team played
their preseason games almost exclusively in New England. Not only did this save on travel costs, but it provided an opportunity to attract more
fans to a league that was still in its infancy. “I thought we had to sell the game, market the game, make people understand just how good these
guys were. They really didn't get it,”6 Auerbach told author John Feinstein five decades later. During this period of Auerbach’s coaching career, the
Celtics would play a series of preseason games against a single NBA opponent, mixing in intrasquad contests and exhibitions against local amateur
“All-Star” teams. “[T]here were teams we played who had a couple guys who had been local hotshots and they actually walked on the court
thinking they had a chance to beat us,”7 Auerbach later said. Red added that he would usually tell his players “to win by thirty, no more than forty”8
to prove how much better the Celtics were than the best of the “local heroes.” How else could he convince notoriously frugal New Englanders to
respond to ads in their local papers inviting them to buy tickets to watch the Celtics play in the Garden?
These New England tours also produced a series of stories about the poor driving habits of Auerbach and his players. Frank Ramsey later recalled
how Auerbach, driving on a fog-engulfed Maine Turnpike one night, was “following the white lines, and he drove into a Howard Johnson’s doing
about eighty miles an hour. [Gene] Conley was sitting right next to him, and he swallowed his chewing tobacco.”9 Fast driving also came naturally
to some of the players, including Bill Russell, who once had to have his car rescued from a “50-foot precipice”10 in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Time
failed to mellow Auerbach behind the wheel; after Kevin McHale signed his rookie contract in 1980, he was forced to endure a harrowing ride
from the Garden out to Hellenic College as Red’s passenger. McHale later told a reporter that Red was “going one hundred miles an hour. He was
all over the place, and there was cigar smoke, and he was looking over at me and talking while he was driving. And I was thinking I was going to
die on my first day in Boston.”11
As the Celtics and the NBA matured, the team began playing more exhibitions outside of New England. After playing the Minneapolis Lakers in
towns from Bangor to Greenfield to Newport nearly every night for two weeks in October 1959, the two teams agreed to a similar series the
following year. But with the Lakers relocating to Los Angeles for the 1960-61 season, the teams split their 1960 preseason slate in half, playing the
first half in New England and the second half in California.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 4
Though NBA exhibition games did not officially count in the standings, the level of competition was frequently intense. In 1957, Richie Guerin of
the Knicks missed nearly a month of the regular season after breaking a thumb while throwing a punch at Bill Sharman in their preseason finale.12
Six years later, new NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy fined Auerbach $500 for failing to leave the court after being ejected by Mendy Rudolph
for arguing a call.13 In 1973, Tom Heinsohn would earn a third technical foul in an exhibition game for the same infraction.14 When the NBA deigned
to play preseason games against ABA clubs in the 1970’s, league pride raised the stakes. As Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe wrote following the
Celtics first such encounter, a 116-115 loss to the New York Nets on an off-balance prayer by Bill Melchionni that banked in with four seconds left,
“[w]hile each club was blasé about the ABA-NBA rivalry beforehand, the way they contested the game in the fourth quarter – both coaches went
with their iron – left no doubt as to the desire each team had to win.”15 And one of the most infamous nights of the Celtics-76ers rivalry of the
early 1980’s occurred on October 16, 1983 at the Garden, as the two teams squared off in a series of colorful altercations featuring Cedric Maxwell
vs. Moses Malone, Larry Bird vs. Marc Iavaroni, and Red Auerbach (who had bounded out of his seat in the stands to protest the officiating) vs.
Philadelphia coach Billy Cunningham.
Some exhibition games served a nobler purpose as a vehicle for raising money for charity or another good cause. On October 21, 1958, the Celtics
participated in a doubleheader (with the St. Louis Hawks, Cincinnati Royals, and Detroit Pistons) to aid Maurice Stokes, who had fallen ill in March
with post-traumatic encephalopathy after hitting his head on the floor during the Royals’ final game of the regular season. The illness left him
partially paralyzed and in need of constant medical care in an era where the NBA had no pension plan.16 Walter Brown was also an early supporter
of efforts to build a Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, the ”birthplace of basketball” and the Celtics participated in several
“Hall of Fame” benefit games during the 1950’s and 60’s.
There were also games staged to help celebrate a local hero and cash in on his popularity to sell more tickets. In 1960 the Celtics played the Lakers
in Bill Sharman’s hometown of Porterville, California; 2700 tickets to the town’s new high school gym were sold out in a single day, and Sharman
was given “the papers for a registered Angus heifer”17 during a halftime ceremony. A year later, a game in Lexington, Kentucky that was supposed
to be a happy homecoming for former University of Kentucky stars Frank Ramsey and Cliff Hagan was marred by segregation policies. The Phoenix
Hotel’s coffee shop refused to serve Sam Jones and Satch Sanders, and all of the black players on both the Celtics and Hawks refused to play in the
game.18 Ramsey publically supported them; not only was he embarrassed that the incident took place, but a week earlier, Bill Russell and K.C.
Jones had suffered the same slight in a hotel bar in Marion, Indiana, which only magnified the events in Lexington.19
Back in 1950, the Celtics first black player, Chuck Cooper, made his NBA debut during the preseason, and there were other famous “firsts” during
training camp and the exhibition season over the years. Every Celtics player whose number was eventually retired began their career in Boston
with a preseason game, except for Bill Russell, who did not report to Boston until December 1956 due to his participation in the Summer Olympics
in Melbourne, Australia. Other debuts occurred by happenstance. Pete Maravich played his first game for the Atlanta Hawks in 1970 on the same
night that Dave Cowens debuted for Boston, and Moses Malone first wore his “Sixers” #2 uniform in October 1982 while playing against the Celtics
in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1959, the first professional meeting of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain took place at the Minneapolis Armory as
part of an exhibition doubleheader that also featured the Minneapolis Lakers and Detroit Pistons. About 2500 fans paid between $10 and $100 a
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 5
ticket20 and watched as Chamberlain “made proud Bill Russell look like an ordinary basketball player” for most of the contest before Russell scored
8 late points.21 Chamberlain outscored Russell 26 to 16 overall,22 but Boston won 103-98, setting a precedent that would be repeated many times
during the following years.
The Celtics also saw their share of strange events during the preseason. In 1951, owner Walter Brown’s home in Newton, Massachusetts was
robbed while he and his family were watching the Celtics play in Vermont.23 Four years later, after playing a series of seven exhibition games
against each other, the Celtics and Royals “exchanged” a pair of veteran centers: an injury-plagued Connie Simmons signed with the Royals, then
the next day the Celtics bought Arnie Risen, who had been holding out. In 1963, first-round draft choice Bill Green refused to accompany the team
on a flight at the start of their exhibition tour with the St. Louis Hawks, and was summarily dropped from the squad because of his fear of flying.
There were also some “flights” of a different kind. One day in 1975, Cyrus Mann borrowed teammate Larry Cannon’s white Cadillac convertible,
drove to Logan Airport and flew out of Boston – without ever telling the Celtics he was leaving.24 Joe Pace also unexpectedly drove out of camp
(in his own car) three years later, though Bob Ferry, the general manager of Pace’s former employer, the Washington Bullets, remarked that he
“had to laugh when Red told me, because [Pace] also walked out of training camp each year he was with us.”25 In one case, it was Auerbach who
made a player disappear, shipping the newly acquired John Johnson back to Houston after playing in one exhibition game for Boston in 1977,
claiming that the Rockets had “totally misrepresented” the length and financial specifics of Johnson’s contract.26
But perhaps the strangest, though oddly appropriate, event was Dave Cowens’s abrupt retirement in 1980. Cowens had walked away from the
game before, missing 30 games during a “leave of absence” in the middle of the 1976-77 season, but now felt that his feet and ankles could not
take the pounding of another NBA season. Cowens directly reached out to the fans by penning an unprecedented “retirement letter” which he
handed to Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe to have it printed in its entirety in the next day’s paper.27 “Why is it that athletes who retire always allow
other people to write their career obituary?” Cowens began, before explaining that he would feel “guilty” earning his salary without being able to
play at his best. “I do not want anyone to suspect that I was only going through the motions as a player. My whole reputation has been one of
giving maximum effort, and I want to be remembered as just such a player.”28
Throughout the years, the Celtics have seen their share of superstars burst onto the scene during training camp, from Cousy to Bird, along with
some tremendous teases that later flamed out (Earl Williams, for one). There have been contract disputes and holdouts, especially in the 1970’s
and 80’s when these became almost yearly occurrences (Havlicek, Chaney, Silas, Havlicek again, Wicks, Archibald, McHale, Parish…), good trades
(and bad), and difficult cuts. But most of all, through most of the years documented in these pages, there was plenty of entertaining basketball for
Boston fans to enjoy.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 6
Rosters
Al Brightman, Chuck Connors, Warren Fenley, Wyndol Gray, Mel Hirsch, Tony Kappen, Harold Kottman,
Regular Season opener (12):
Connie Simmons, Johnny Simmons, Art Spector, Virgil Vaughn, Red Wallace
Eddie Boyle (6-3, Temple), Edward Buckley (Harvard), Howie Delmar (6-3, USC), Ray Gaisser (Evansville High
Other players in camp: School), Wendol Hill (6-2, Iowa), Bob Kitterman (5-11 Iowa), Paul Rooney (Pacific Marine Team), Harold
Rothman (6-8, Illinois Central), Vic Segal (Iowa)
Unknown
Rosters
Chuck Connors, Bulbs Ehlers, Jack Garfinkel, Cecil Hankins, Charlie Hoefer, John Janisch, Saul Mariaschin, Mel
Regular Season opener (12):29
Riebe, Ed Sadowski, Connie Simmons, Art Spector, Gene Stump
Al Brightman (1946-47 Celtics), Jack Hewson (1947 draft), Jerry Kelly (1946-47 Celtics), George Monroe
Other players in camp:
(1946-47 St. Louis Bombers),30 Stan Noszka (1946-47 Pittsburgh Ironmen)
Rosters
Johnny Bach, Hank Beenders, Bulbs Ehlers, Jack Garfinkel, Chick Halbert, John Hazen, Al Lucas, Stan Noszka,
Regular Season opener (12):
Mel Riebe, Jim Seminoff, Art Spector, Gene Stump
Paul Campbell (Dartmouth),33 Lou Desci (Bucknell/Harvard), Tom Kelly (1948 draft), Stan Stutz (1947-48
Other players in camp:
Knicks, traded to Baltimore Bullets for Al Lucas the day before the regular season), Ken Walter (Ohio U.)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 8
Rosters
Johnny Ezersky, Hoot Gibson,34 Sonny Hertzberg, George Kaftan, Bob Kinney, Ed Leede, George Nostrand,
Regular Season opener (12):
Dermie O’Connell, Jim Seminoff, Howie Shannon, Art Spector, Brady Walker
Jackie Allen (RI State),35 Johnny Bach (1948-49 Celtics), Tom Blair (Northeastern), John Borys (Oklahoma),
Ernie Calverley (1948-49 Providence Steam Rollers), Joe Camic (NBL 1948-49 Hammond Calumet
Buccaneers), Paul Campbell, John Gallagher (Duquesne), Ken Goodwin (RI State, signed from disbanded
Other players in camp:
Providence Steam Rollers?), Bill Johnson (Baylor), Joe Mullaney (3rd Rd 1949), Les Pugh (1948-49 Providence
Steam Rollers), John Seagrist (Texas Wesleyan), Red Speicher (Bowling Green), Bill Vandenburgh (1949 draft),
Russ “Tubber” Washburn (1949 draft), Joe Wright (Brigham Young)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 9
Rosters
Chuck Cooper, Bob Cousy, Bob Donham, Andy Duncan, Sonny Hertzberg, Ed Leede, Ed Macauley, John
Regular Season opener (11):36
Mahnken, Kenny Sailors, Ed Stanczak, Brady Walker
Hank DeZonie (NBL 1948-49 Dayton Rens), Charlie Harmon (Toledo), Tony Lavelli (1949-50 Celtics), Ken
Other players in camp:37
Reeves (4th Rd 1950), Isaac Walthour
Note: Cooper was the first black player drafted and signed by the Celtics. Walthour was the second black player signed by the team38 and was
joined in camp by fellow African-Americans DeZonie39 and Harmon.40
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 10
Rosters
Bob Brannum, Chuck Cooper, Bob Cousy, Dick Dickey, Bob Donham, Bob Harris, Ed Macauley, John Mahnken,
Regular Season opener (10):
Bones McKinney, Bill Sharman
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 11
John Furlong (3rd Rd 1951), Rip Gish (5th Rd 1951), Kleggie Hermsen (1950-51 Celtics), Jim Luisi (6th Rd 1951),
Other players in camp:
Frank Kudleka (1950-51 Celtics)
Rosters
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 12
Bob Brannum, Chuck Cooper, Bob Cousy, Bob Donham, Bob Harris, Kleggie Hermsen, Ed Macauley, John
Regular Season opener (10):
Mahnken, Kenny Rollins, Bill Sharman
Gene Conley (1952 draft), Mo Mahoney (6th Rd 1950 – Military Service [Army]), Don Rehfeldt (1951-52
Other players in camp:
Hawks)
Rosters
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 13
Don Barksdale, Ernie Barrett, Bob Brannum, Chuck Cooper, Bob Cousy, Bob Donham, Bob Harris, Ed
Regular Season opener (10):
Macauley, Ed Mikan, Bill Sharman
Rosters
Don Barksdale, Bob Brannum, Bob Cousy, Ed Macauley, Red Morrison, Jack Nichols, Togo Palazzi, Frank
Regular Season opener (10):
Ramsey, Fred Scolari, Bill Sharman
Jim Buchanan (6th Rd 1952), Gene Conley (1952-53 Celtics),47 Hank Daubenschmidt (3rd Rd 1954), Tony
Other players in camp: Daukas (10th Rd 1954), Jim Iverson (2nd Rd 1952), Jules Mugnier (8th Rd 1952),48 Worthy Patterson (Military
Service [Army], then 1957-58 Hawks), Skippy Whitaker (1952 draft by Indianapolis Olympians)
Mon 10/18 Rochester Royals State Armory, Hartford, CT 95-99 Macauley 22; Spears 14. Attendance 2700 despite
poor court conditions.49
Tue 10/19 Rochester Royals Bristol, CT 87-86 Sharman 17 including game-deciding free throw;
Davies/Christensen 12
Wed 10/20 Rochester Royals New London, CT 84-97 Cousy pulled a tendon in right leg in first quarter
Fri 10/22 Rochester Royals Case Gym, Willimantic, CT 100-98 Sharman 20; Coleman 16
Sun 10/24 Rochester Royals Bridgeport, CT 83-93 Sharman 21; McMahon 17
Mon 10/25 College All-Stars50 Boston Garden, Boston, MA 107-106 Cousy 25; Pettit 15
Second game of doubleheader, Knicks defeated
Royals 83-81.
Rosters
Ernie Barrett, Bob Cousy, Dick Hemric, Jim Loscutoff, Ed Macauley, Red Morrison, Jack Nichols, Togo Palazzi,
Regular Season opener (10):
Arnie Risen, Bill Sharman
Don Barksdale (1954-55 Celtics), Henry Dooley (13th Rd 1955), Bob Harris (1953-54 Celtics), Bob Hughes
51
Other players in camp: (Texas Southern), Vern McNeal (Tennessee State), Dean Parsons (8th Rd 1955), Jerry Pease (USC), Connie
Simmons (1954-55 Nationals)
Rosters
Bob Cousy, Dick Hemric, Tom Heinsohn, Jim Loscutoff, Jack Nichols, Togo Palazzi, Andy Phillip, Arnie Risen,
Regular Season opener (10):
Bill Sharman, Lou Tsioropoulos
Dick Estergard (7th Rd 1954), Vic Molodet (8th Rd 1956), Johnny Silk (Boston College), Buzzy Wilkinson (3rd Rd
Other players in camp:
1955), Jim Young (8th Rd 1954)
Note: Frank Ramsey spent the start of the season in the military. Palazzi would be dropped from the roster when Bill Russell joined the team in
December after competing in the Olympics, but the Celtics maintained Palazzi’s rights until they sold him to Syracuse on December 29.
Rosters
Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Jack Nichols, Andy Phillip, Frank Ramsey, Arnie Risen,
Regular Season opener (11):57
Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, Lou Tsioropoulos
Jim Ashmore (4th Rd 1957), Mark “Buzzie” Davis (12th Rd 1955), Dick Hemric (1956-57 Celtics), Maurice King
Other players in camp: (6th Rd 1957, then entered Military Service), Jackie Moore (1956-57 Warriors), Johnny Moore (7th Rd 1955,
then Military Service), Chuck Schramm (3rd Rd 1957), Dan Swartz (4th Rd 1956), Bill Von Weghe (8th Rd 1957)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 19
Rosters
Gene Conley, Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Bill
Regular Season opener (11):58
Sharman, Ben Swain, Lou Tsioropoulos
Other players in camp: Jim Cunningham (3rd Rd 1958), Dom Flora (4th Rd 1958), Red Morrison (1957-58 Hawks)
Sun 10/19 Cincinnati Royals State Armory, Hartford, CT 96-98 Cousy 23; Palmer 22. Benefit for Hartford
Fireman’s Protective Association; attendance 2100
Tue 10/21 St. Louis Hawks Cincinnati, OH 108-106 K.C. Jones 15 points in fourth quarter. First game
of a doubleheader to benefit Maurice Stokes who
fell ill in March 1958. In the second game Detroit
defeated Cincinnati 108-103. Attendance 5511
and Cincinnati officials said they raised
$10,121.40.61
Rosters
Gene Conley, Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Maurice King,62 Jim Loscutoff,
Regular Season opener (12):
Frank Ramsey, John Richter, Bill Russell, Bill Sharman
Gene Brown (5th Rd 1958), Bart Leach (4th Rd 1955), Joe Liebler (5th Rd 1955 by Pistons),63 Ben Swain (1958-
Other players in camp:
59 Celtics, knee injury), Lou Tsioropoulos (1958-59 Celtics, back injury)64
Fri 10/2 Minneapolis Lakers Bangor Auditorium (II?), 104-98 Cousy 16; Garmaker 31
Bangor, ME
Sat 10/3 Minneapolis Lakers Central Maine Youth Center, 100-94 Russell 20; Leonard/Hamilton 16
Lewiston, ME65 Heinsohn out with a knee injury, LaRusso ejected
with two technical fouls.
Sun 10/4 Minneapolis Lakers Boston Garden, Boston MA 107-84 7pm start. First of a doubleheader with Boston
Bruins vs. Providence Reds hockey game as the
nightcap. AP story says the floor was “slippery.”
Mon 10/5 Minneapolis Lakers Dover, NH ? (Celtics won)
Tue 10/6 Minneapolis Lakers Littleton, NH 123-107 Sam Jones 25; Hawkins 20
Heinsohn and Krebs ejected for fighting
Cousy out ill, Baylor still in military service
Wed 10/7 Minneapolis Lakers Windsor, VT 117-101 Heinsohn 22. Jim Krebs ejected for the second
game in a row for arguing with referees
Thu 10/8 Minneapolis Lakers Carl Nichols Gym, Greenfield 123-97 Sharman 26; Fleming 20. Boston led 38-13 after
High School, Greenfield, MA the first quarter.
Fri 10/9 Minneapolis Lakers Pittsfield Armory, Pittsfield, MA 114-117 K.C. Jones/Richter 19, Cousy 18 in first game back.
Hawkins 27.
Sat 10/10 Minneapolis Lakers Andover, MA 125-102
Sun 10/11 Minneapolis Lakers State Armory, Hartford, CT 134-108 Garmaker 24. Baylor and Russell DNP. Benefit for
Hartford Fireman’s Protective Association;
attendance 1800
Mon 10/12 Minneapolis Lakers Newport, RI 101-97
Tue 10/13 Minneapolis Lakers Keaney Gym, University of 105-104
Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Wed 10/14 Philadelphia Warriors Minneapolis Armory, 103-98 Chamberlain 26, Russell 16 but “even on
Minneapolis, MN backboards” (in first meeting as pros).
Doubleheader in which Lakers defeated Detroit
Pistons 100-94.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 23
Rosters
Gene Conley, Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Frank Ramsey,
Regular Season opener (11):
Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Bill Sharman
Sid Cohen (4th Rd 1960), Dave Keleher (6th Rd 1958), Togo Palazzi (1959-60 Nationals), Harold Sappington,67
Other players in camp:66
Jim Smith (2nd Rd 1958), Guy Sparrow (1959-60 Warriors)
Wed 10/5 Los Angeles Lakers Alumni Hall, Providence 110-119 Baylor 40, Lakers led by as much as 28 (106-78).
College, Providence, RI
Thu 10/6 Los Angeles Lakers Keaney Gym, University of 105-104 Cousy/Sam Jones 14; Baylor 23
Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Fri 10/7 Los Angeles Lakers Rogers High School, Newport, 126-128 ot Russell 27, Sam Jones 22; Baylor 27, West/Krebs
RI 21
Sun 10/9 Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles, CA 106-101 Cousy 17, Sam Jones 13; Baylor 30
This was the Lakers first game in Los Angeles70
Mon 10/10 Los Angeles Lakers Bakersfield, CA 98-108 Russell 25; Baylor 25
Tue 10/11 Los Angeles Lakers Swing Auditorium, San 110-96 Cousy 23; Baylor 18
Bernardino, CA
Wed 10/12 Los Angeles Lakers Long Beach, CA 117-113 ot Sharman 23, Russell 21/37
102-all at end of regulation
Thu 10/13 Los Angeles Lakers Santa Barbara, CA 119-100 Sharman 29, Russell 16/19; Selvy 25
Baylor and West both out.
Fri 10/14 Los Angeles Lakers Porterville Junior High School, 102-82 Sharman 23, K.C. Jones 20; LaRusso 17
Porterville, CA Bill Sharman had attended high school in
Porterville and was honored at halftime.
Sat 10/15 Los Angeles Lakers San Diego, CA 97-91 Russell 18/27, Baylor 42/23
Sun 10/16 Los Angeles Lakers Anaheim, CA 106-98
Rosters
Al Butler, Carl Braun, Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Gary
Regular Season opener (1271):
Phillips, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders
Dick Davies (11th Rd 1960 by Hawks), Mike Graney (3rd Rd 1960), Wayne Lawrence (5th Rd 1960, played for
Other players in camp:
Tuck Tapers in the NIBL)
Fri 10/13 Philadelphia Warriors Madison Square Garden, New 88-97 Heinsohn 19, Auerbach ejected in third quarter for
York, NY arguing with referee; Chamberlain 25/27, 19
points in second half. First game of doubleheader.
Sun 10/15 St. Louis Hawks St. Louis, MO 124-127 ot Pettit 39
Mon 10/16 St. Louis Hawks Wichita, KS 104-113
Tue 10/17 St. Louis Hawks Lexington, KY 103-128 Ramsey 24; Hagan 21. Game was held to celebrate
the two former University of Kentucky stars. None
of the black players participated due to incident at
Phoenix Hotel.
Wed 10/18 Syracuse Nationals Peavey Gym, Babson Institute, 114-111 Russell 27; Kerr 19
Wellesley, MA Benefit for Dr. Gordon Trim Memorial Fund73
Rosters
Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Clyde
Regular Season opener (12):
Lovellette, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Dan Swartz
Tom Chappelle (11th Rd 1962 by Hawks), Chuck Chevalier (8th Rd 1962), Jim Hadnot (3rd Rd 1962), Gary
Other players in camp:
Phillips (1961-62 Celtics), Ned Twyman (6th Rd 1961)
Note: Jack Foley (2nd Rd 1962) did not report to the Celtics until he completed his stint in the Coast Guard in mid-December. Foley received a 30-
day roster exemption and played sparingly for the team until the exemption expired; he was then sold to the Knicks.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 27
Rosters
John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Clyde Lovellette, Johnny McCarthy, Willie
Regular Season opener (12):
Naulls, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried
Vinny Ernst (6th Rd 1963), Bill Green (1st Rd 1963), Gene Guarilia (1962-63 Celtics), Jim Hadnot (3rd Rd 1962),
Other players in camp:
Chuck Kriston (3rd Rd 1963)
Rosters
Ron Bonham, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Willie Naulls, Bevo Nordmann, Bill Russell,
Regular Season opener (11):
Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried, John Thompson
Jeff Blue (8th Rd 1964), Duane Corriveau (10th Rd 1964), Rich Falk (7th Rd 1964), Ray Flynn (4th Rd 1963 by
Other players in camp: Nationals/76ers), Charlie Kelley (9th Rd 1964), Joe Strawder (4th Rd 1964), Levern Tart (6th Rd 1964), Nick
Werkman (5th Rd 1964)
Note: Mel Counts (1st Rd 1964) joined team in late October after the 1964 Summer Olympics ended (he played his first game for the Celtics on
10/31).
Exhibition Game Results
Sat 10/10 St. Louis Hawks Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, 112-108 Sam Jones 33
WI
Mon 10/12 Baltimore Bullets Cleveland, OH 85-111 Sanders 20; Howell 26
Russell coached Celtics because Auerbach
returned to Boston to meet with the
Celtics/Garden staff.
Tue 10/13 Philadelphia 76ers “C.Y.O. Gym”, Scranton, PA 109-121 52-52 at half
Rosters
Ron Bonham, Sihugo Green, John Havlicek, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Willie Naulls, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders,
Regular Season opener (11):
Larry Siegfried, John Thompson, Ron Watts
Mel Counts (1964-65 Celtics, injured to start season), George Deehan (7th Rd 1965), Ollie Johnson (1st Rd
Other players in camp:
1965), Richie Tarrant (4th Rd 1965)
Thu 9/30 Los Angeles Lakers Cal Western, Point Loma, CA 111-124 S. Jones 28; West 30
Fri 10/1 San Francisco Warriors Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA 110-128 Russell injured knee in third quarter. Second game
of doubleheader; Lakers defeated Royals 115-104
in opener
Mon 10/4 St. Louis Hawks Lawton, OK 98-99
Tue 10/5 St. Louis Hawks Tulsa, OK 97-93
Wed 10/6 Philadelphia 76ers Raleigh, NC 100-103 Sam Jones 22; Wally Jones 24
Tournament featuring Boston, St. Louis, Baltimore,
and Philadelphia. St. Louis def. Baltimore 103-81 in
the first game, then played Philadelphia on 10/7.
Thu 10/7 Baltimore Bullets Raleigh, NC 115-108 Bonham 25; Howell/Johnson 18
Fri 10/8 Philadelphia 76ers Charlotte, NC 126-128 ot Tournament featuring Boston, St. Louis, Baltimore,
and Philadelphia. Baltimore 118 def. St. Louis 105,
then played Philadelphia on 10/9.
Sat 10/9 St. Louis Hawks Charlotte, NC 97-91
Mon 10/11 Philadelphia 76ers Louisville, KY 104-93 Tournament featuring Boston, St. Louis, Baltimore,
and Philadelphia. St. Louis def. Cincinnati 113-104
in the first game, then played Boston on 10/12.
Tue 10/12 St. Louis Hawks Louisville, KY 100-97 Sam Jones 26
Wed 10/13 Baltimore Bullets Springfield College, Springfield, 101-143 Sam Jones 31; Bellamy 24
MA The late Walter Brown and the Celtics Promotion
Director and league statistician Bill Mokray were
inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Rosters
Jim Barnett, Mel Counts, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Toby Kimball,76 Don Nelson, Bill
Regular Season opener (12):
Russell, Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried, Ron Watts
Other players in camp: John Austin (4th Rd 1966), Leon Clark (2nd Rd 1966), Art Heyman (1965-66 76ers), Gary Turner (3rd Rd 1966)
Rosters
Wayne Embry, Mal Graham, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, Johnny Jones, Sam Jones, Don Nelson, Bill Russell,
Regular Season opener (12):
Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried, Tom Thacker, Rick Weitzman
Lou Alexander (Prairie View), Willis (Spider) Bennett (undrafted, later played in ABA), Don Carlos (8th Rd
Other players in camp: 1967 by Lakers), Ed Hummer (6th Rd 1967), Guy Hughes (South Carolina State), Neville Shedd (4th Rd 1967),
Gary Turner (3rd Rd 1966)
Rosters
Emmette Bryant, Mal Graham, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, Rich Johnson, Sam Jones, Bud Olsen, Don
Regular Season opener (12*):
Nelson, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried
Al Beard (former Globetrotter, ABA 1967-68 New Jersey Americans), Bill Butler (9th Rd 1968), Ed Hummer (6th
Other players in camp: Rd 1967), Thad Jaracz (5th Rd 1968), Bill Langheld (12th Rd 1968), George Plimpton (writer), Rick Weitzman
(1967-68 Celtics, joining Army)
*Note: Celtics only carried 11 players to open the season because first-round pick Don Chaney was scheduled to return from military service
(Camp Polk, Louisiana) in January and would take the 12th roster spot.
Tue 10/14 Philadelphia 76ers Bangor Auditorium (II), Bangor, 116-110 Siegfried 26/Sanders 24; Jackson 22
ME
Rosters
Jim Barnes, Emmette Bryant, Don Chaney, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, Rich Johnson, Steve
Regular Season opener (12):
Kuberski, Rich Niemann, Don Nelson, Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried
Andy Benson (University of Houston), Johnny Jones (ABA 1968-69 Kentucky Colonels), Jim Kissane (ABA
Other players in camp: 1968-69 Memphis Pros), Bill/Henry Pickens (Georgia Southern), Gordon Smith (9th Rd 1969), Jo Jo White (1st
Rd 1969, Military Service80), John Thomas (South Dakota State)
Sun 10/5 New York Knicks Memorial Auditorium, Utica, 105-108 Bryant 17; Reed 22/15
NY
Thu 10/9 Cincinnati Royals Bloomfield High School, 109-108 Siegfried 28, Finkel 19/13. None of the Royals
Bloomfield, CT normal starters started.
Fri 10/10 New York Knicks Bangor Auditorium (II), Bangor, 101-120
ME
Sat 10/11 Philadelphia 76ers Rochester, NY 118-116
Rosters
Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Bill Dinwiddie, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Rich Johnson, Steve Kuberski, Don
Regular Season opener (12):
Nelson, Garfield Smith, Jo Jo White, Art Williams, Willie Williams
Tom Carter (5th Rd 1970), Jon McKinney (4th Rd 1970), Rex Morgan (2nd Rd 1970), Satch Sanders (injured to
Other players in camp:
start the season), Gordon Smith (9th Rd 1969)
Wed 9/23 Atlanta Hawks Jacksonville, FL 119-111 Chaney 26, Cowens 16/13; Hudson 28, Maravich
4-for-16 vs. Chaney (14 pts).
Fri 9/25 Atlanta Hawks Columbus, GA 161-136 Chaney/Nelson 26; Maravich 22
White absent due to military reserves
commitment.
Sat 9/26 Atlanta Hawks St. Petersburg, FL 118-121 Chaney 27; Hudson 30, Maravich 22
Sun 9/27 New York Knicks University of Hartford, 107-120 White 27; Stallworth 23
Hartford, CT
Tue 9/29 Buffalo Braves Horseheads Junior High School 88-130 Art Williams 13; Don May 20
West Gym, Horseheads, NY
Wed 9/30 Buffalo Braves State University of New York at 119-123 White 27; Don May 21. Celtics led 62-42 at half.
Binghamton, Binghamton, NY
Sun 10/4 New York Knicks Lancaster, PA 129-102 Finkel 23, Cowens 17/23; Reed 24
Wed 10/7 Philadelphia 76ers Bristol Central High School, 115-119 Nelson 23; Cunningham 24
Bristol, CT
Rosters
Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Clarence Glover, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Rex Morgan, Don
Regular Season opener (12):
Nelson, Satch Sanders, Garfield Smith, Jo Jo White, Art Williams
Leroy Chalk (13th Rd 1971), Bill Dinwiddie (1970-71 Celtics), Ed Hummer (6th Rd 1967), Jon McKinney (4th Rd
Other players in camp:
1970), Jim Rose (2nd Rd 1971), Skip Young (7th Rd 1971)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 38
Tue 9/28 Philadelphia 76ers Hazelton, PA 122-112 Nelson 25; Greer 22, Cunningham out injured.
Sat 10/2 Buffalo Braves Fredonia State College, 117-111 ot Havlicek 31; Garrett 22
Fredonia, NY
Sun 10/3 New York Nets (ABA) West Hempstead, NY 115-116 White 21; Barry 24. Melchionni “28-foot off
balance jumper banked in with four seconds to
play” gave Nets lead. Havlicek then missed two
game-winning shot attempts.
Mon 10/4 Philadelphia 76ers Pottsville, PA 129-113 Nelson 15
Tue 10/5 Carolina Cougars (ABA) Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, 107-100 Cowens 27/20; McDaniels 25
NC
Wed 10/6 Memphis Pros (ABA) Memphis, TN 115-94
Thu 10/7 Buffalo Braves Onondaga County War 110-98 White 21, Cowens 13/12; Kauffman 22
Memorial Auditorium,
Syracuse, NY
Rosters
Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Mark Minor, Don Nelson, Satch
Regular Season opener (12):
Sanders, Paul Silas, Paul Westphal, Jo Jo White, Art Williams
Bill Dinwiddie82 (1971-72 Bucks), Clarence Glover (1971-72 Celtics), Wayne Grabiec (3rd Rd 1972), Rex
Other players in camp:
Morgan (1971-72 Celtics), Garfield Smith (1971-72 Celtics)
Rosters
Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Steve Downing, Hank Finkel, Phil Hankinson, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Don
Regular Season opener (12):
Nelson, Paul Silas, Paul Westphal, Jo Jo White, Art Williams
Clarence Glover (1971-72 Celtics), Martinez Denmon (3rd Rd 1973), Wayne Grabiec (3rd Rd 1972), Byron
Other players in camp:
“Snake” Jones (5th Rd 1973), Sam McCamey85 (8th Rd 1972)
Sun 10/7 New York Nets (ABA) Nassau Veterans Memorial 121-102 Havlicek 37; Erving 23
Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
Rosters
Jim Ard, Don Chaney, Ben Clyde, Steve Downing, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Glenn McDonald, Don Nelson,
Regular Season opener (12):
Paul Silas, Kevin Stacom, Paul Westphal, Jo Jo White
M.L. Carr (5th Rd 1973 by Kings), Dave Cowens (broken foot at start of season), Phil Hankinson (knee injury
Other players in camp:
at start of season), Byron “Snake” Jones (5th Rd 1973), Dave Sorenson (1972-73 76ers)
Fri 10/4 Buffalo Braves Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, 103-113 Havlicek/Westphal 17; McAdoo 31
Ontario, Canada
Sat 10/5 Milwaukee Bucks Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, 98-112 White 19, Jabbar 24 (injured in fourth quarter)87
Buffalo, NY
Sun 10/6 Detroit Pistons St. John’s Arena (Ohio State), 106-100 Havlicek/White 19; Lanier 27/11
Columbus, OH
Tue 10/8 Milwaukee Bucks Madison Square Garden, New 96-106 White 24; Dandridge 35
York, NY Cowens played but broke a bone in his right foot
in the third quarter.88 Second game of a
doubleheader; Braves 119, Knicks 83 in opener.
Thu 10/10 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 101-92 Second game of a doubleheader; Braves 108,
York, NY Bucks 99 in opener
Sun 10/13 Philadelphia 76ers Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, 101-99 White 26, Havlicek 24; Mix 26
ME Benefit for Maine Sports Hall of Fame
Rosters
Jim Ard, Tom Boswell, Dave Cowens, Hank Finkel,89 John Havlicek, Glenn McDonald, Don Nelson, Paul Silas,
Regular Season opener (12):
Charlie Scott, Ed Searcy, Kevin Stacom, Jo Jo White
Jerome Anderson (3rd Rd 1975), Darryl Brown (5th Rd 1975), Larry Cannon (1973-74 76ers), Phil Hankinson
Other players in camp:
(1974-75 Celtics), Cyrus Mann (4th Rd 1975), Larry Robinson (4th Rd 1974 by Rockets)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 43
Rosters
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 44
Jim Ard, Tom Boswell, Norm Cook, Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Curtis Rowe, Fred Saunders,
Regular Season opener (12):
Charlie Scott, Kevin Stacom, Jo Jo White, Sidney Wicks
Jerome Anderson (3rd Rd 1975), Darryl Brown (5th Rd 1975), Jerry Fort (3rd Rd 1976), Lewis Linder (4th Rd
Other players in camp: 1976), Glenn McDonald (1975-76 Celtics), Louis McKinney (5th Rd 1976), Ed Searcy (1975-76 Celtics), Dave
Sorenson (1972-73 76ers)
Rosters
Dave Bing, Tom Boswell, Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Cedric Maxwell, Curtis Rowe, Fred Saunders, Charlie
Regular Season opener (11):93
Scott, Kevin Stacom, Jo Jo White, Sidney Wicks
Jim Ard (1976-77 Celtics), Darryl Brown (5th Rd 1975 – failed physical), Skip Brown (3rd Rd 1977), Biff Burrell
(6th Rd 1975 by Suns), Norm Cook (1976-77 Celtics), Jeff Cummings (4th Rd 1977), Mike Dabney (3rd Rd 1976 by
Other players in camp:
Lakers), Jerry Fort (3rd Rd 1976), Tom Harris (8th Rd 1977), John Johnson (1976-77 Rockets),94 Steve Kuberski
(1976-77 Celtics), Bill Langloh (5th Rd 1977)
Thu 10/13 Chicago Bulls Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY 120-99 White 22; Gilmore 24/17
Cowens 8/16, Ard 10/15, Boswell 12/13 (Celtics
outrebounded Bulls 74-46)
Rosters
Dennis Awtrey, Tony Archibald, Marvin Barnes, Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Jeff Judkins, Billy Knight, Cedric
Regular Season opener (11):
Maxwell, Earl Tatum, Jo Jo White, Earl Williams
Biff Burrell (6th Rd 1975 by Suns), Joe Pace (1977-78 Bullets), Curtis Rowe (heel injury – began season on five-
Other players in camp:
game injured list), Dana Skinner (3rd Rd 1978), Chuckie Williams (1976-77 Cavaliers)
Sat 9/30 Philadelphia 76ers The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 113-132 Earl Williams 22/19, Maxwell 19/11
Wed 10/4 Cleveland Cavaliers Cumberland County Civic 103-108 Cowens returned from back trouble to play 15
Center, Portland, ME minutes; Williams injured left index finger in
fourth quarter (torn ligaments).
Benefit for Maine Sports Hall of Fame
Thu 10/5 Washington Bullets Madison Square Garden, New 106-113 Knight 29; Grevey 22
York, NY Williams missed game (injury)
First game of a doubleheader (6pm)
Sat 10/7 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 109-110 Knight 41
York, NY Second game of a doubleheader
Sun 10/8 Philadelphia 76ers St. John’s Arena (Ohio State), 102-110 Earl Williams 24/13; Marvin Barnes missed flight
Columbus, OH from New York to Ohio.
Rosters
Tony Archibald, Larry Bird, M.L. Carr, Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Eric Fernsten, Chris Ford, Gerald Henderson,
Regular Season opener (11):
Jeff Judkins, Cedric Maxwell, Rick Robey
Steve Castellan (7th Rd 1979), Nick Galis (4th Rd 1979), Wayne Kreklow (3rd Rd 1979), Ricky Marsh (1977-78
Other players in camp: Warriors), Curtis Rowe (1978-79 Celtics), Kevin Stacom (1978-79 Celtics),98 Glenn Sudhop (8th Rd 1979), David
Thompson, Stan Wright (undrafted, University of Rhode Island)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 48
Rosters
Tony Archibald, Larry Bird, M.L. Carr, Eric Fernsten, Chris Ford, Gerald Henderson, Wayne Kreklow, Cedric
Regular Season opener (11):
Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Rick Robey
Jim Brandon (8th Rd 1980 by Jazz), Dave Cowens (retired), Greg Deane (1979-80 Jazz), Ken Evans (6th Rd 1980),
Other players in camp: B.B. Flenory (undrafted, Duquesne), Arnette Hallman (2nd Rd 1980), Rufus Harris (5th Rd 1980), Les Henson (7th
Rd 1980), Pete Maravich (retired), Don Newman (3rd Rd 1980), Ronnie Perry (3rd Rd 1980)
Fri 10/3 New York Knicks Hulman Center, Indiana State 124-103 Henderson 24, Bird 23/17/9; R. Williams 22
University, Terre Haute, IN
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 50
Rosters
Tony Archibald, Larry Bird, Charles Bradley, Terry Duerod, Eric Fernsten, Chris Ford, Gerald Henderson, Tracy
Regular Season opener (12):
Jackson, Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Rick Robey
Jim Brandon (8th Rd 1980 by Jazz), M.L. Carr (right leg injury, began season on 10-day injured list), Ernie
Other players in camp: DiGregorio (1977-78 Celtics), Glenn Hagan (2nd Rd 1978 by 76ers), John Johnson (3rd Rd 1981), Wayne
Kreklow (1980-81 Celtics), George Morrow (8th Rd 1981)
Sun 10/18 Portland Trail Blazers Memorial Coliseum, Portland, 99-114 Maxwell 18, Natt 19
OR
Wed 10/21 Milwaukee Bucks Madison Square Garden, New 104-88 Bird 19/8 then sat out second half, McHale 18/10;
York, NY M. Johnson 15
Game one of a doubleheader. Nets defeated
Knicks 89-82.
Mon 10/26 Denver Nuggets Springfield Civic Center, 130-112 all of Fame Game102
Springfield, MA Bird 26/11, Parish 19/12; English 23, Issel 18/10
Rosters
Danny Ainge, Tony Archibald, Larry Bird, Charles Bradley, Quinn Buckner, M.L. Carr, Gerald Henderson, Cedric
Regular Season opener (12):
Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Rick Robey, Darren Tillis
Terry Duerod (1981-82 Celtics), Eric Fernsten (1981-82 Celtics), Chris Ford (1981-82 Celtics), Panagiotis
Other players in camp: Glannakis (9th Rd 1982), Tony Guy (2nd Rd 1982), Darryl Mitchell, Perry Moss (3rd Rd 1982), John Schweitz (6th
Rd 1982)
Tue 10/12 New York Knicks Cumberland County Civic 113-88 Bird 21; Grunfeld 18
Center, Portland, ME
Wed 10/13 Milwaukee Bucks Boston Garden, Boston, MA 104-105 Parish 19/11; Lister 18, Cowens 14/6 in 25 minutes
playing for former teammate Don Nelson
Fri 10/15 Los Angeles Lakers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 110-105 Bird 22; Nixon 18
CT
Sat 10/16 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 111-81 Bird/Parish 18
York, NY
Tue 10/19 San Antonio Spurs Strahan Coliseum (Southwest 132-107 Parish 22/8; Gervin 21
Texas State), San Marcos, TX
Thu 10/21 San Antonio Spurs Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 110-101 Bird 19/12, McHale 16/13; Gervin 30
Sat 10/23 Philadelphia 76ers Stokely Athletic Center, 103-101 Parish 18; Erving 18, Malone 12/13
Knoxville, TN
Rosters
Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Quinn Buckner, M.L. Carr, Carlos Clark, Gerald Henderson, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite,
Regular Season opener (12):
Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Scott Wedman
Paul Atkins (6th Rd 1983), Charles Bradley (1982-83 Celtics), Winfred King (3rd Rd 1983), Craig Robinson (3rd Rd
Other players in camp:
1983), John Schweitz (6th Rd 1982)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 53
Rosters
Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Quinn Buckner, Rick Carlisle, M.L. Carr, Carlos Clark, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite,
Regular Season opener (12):
Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Scott Wedman
Gerald Henderson (1983-84 Celtics; traded to Seattle 10/16), Ronnie Williams (2nd Rd 1984), Michael Young
Other players in camp:
(1st Rd 1984)
Rosters
Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Rick Carlisle, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Jerry Sichting,
Regular Season opener (12):
Sam Vincent, Bill Walton, Scott Wedman, Sly Williams
Andre Battle (2nd Rd 1985), Carlos Clark (1984-85 Celtics), Rick Lamb (5th Rd 1983 by Suns), Tracy Mitchell
Other players in camp: (Texas Christian University; Lowell (MA) High School),104 David Thirdkill (1984-85 three teams; resigned by
Celtics on 12/5 after Sly Williams was released on 12/3)
Rosters
Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Rick Carlisle, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Fred Roberts,
Regular Season opener (12):
Jerry Sichting, David Thirdkill, Sam Vincent, Bill Walton
Other players in camp: Scott Wedman (on injured list to start season)
Sat 10/25 Houston Rockets The Summit, Houston, TX 102-100 Bird 22/8, Parish 20/11; Olajuwon 28/12
Same night as Red Sox Game 6 World Series loss
Mon 10/27 Dallas Mavericks Springfield Civic Center, 102-89 Bird 36/7/4; Hall of Fame Game
Springfield, MA
Rosters
Mark Acres, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Darren Daye, Conner Henry, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Reggie Lewis,
Regular Season opener (12):
Brad Lohaus, Robert Parish, Fred Roberts, Jerry Sichting
Rick Carlisle (1986-87 Celtics), Gerry Corcoran (7th Rd 1987), Choo Kennedy (4th Rd 1987), Kevin McHale (on
injured list to start season), Mike O’Koren (1986-87 Bullets), Tom Sheehey (4th Rd 1987), Sam Vincent (1986-
Other players in camp:
87 Celtics, traded 10/16), Bill Walton (on injured list to start season), Scott Wedman (1986-87 Celtics, traded
10/16), Anthony Welch (3rd Rd 1986 by Mavericks)
Rosters
Mark Acres, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Ron Grandison, Dennis Johnson, Reggie Lewis, Brad Lohaus, Kevin
Regular Season opener (12):
McHale, Robert Parish, Jim Paxson, Ramon Rivas, Brian Shaw
Other players in camp: Gerald Paddio (3rd Rd 1988), Ennis Whatley (1987-88 Hawks)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 59
Rosters
John Bagley, Larry Bird, Kevin Gamble, Dennis Johnson, Joe Kleine, Reggie Lewis, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish,
Regular Season opener (12):
Jim Paxson, Ed Pinckney, Charles Smith, Kelvin Upshaw
Scooter Barry (Undrafted from Kansas, son of Rick Barry),109 Dave Popson (1988-89 two teams), Michael
Other players in camp:
Smith (1st Rd 1989 – on injured list to start season)
Rosters
Larry Bird, Dee Brown, Kevin Gamble, Joe Kleine, Reggie Lewis, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Ed Pinckney,
Regular Season opener (12):
Dave Popson, Brian Shaw, Michael Smith, Stojko Vrankovic
John Bagley (1989-90 Celtics, out injured), Carrick DeHart (Cal-Santa Barbara), Sasha Dordevic (Yugoslavia),
Eric McArthur (Cal-Santa Barbara), Jim Paxson (1989-90 Celtics, on suspended list to start season while
Other players in camp:
Celtics tried to trade him, waived December 12), Charles Smith (1989-90 Celtics, injured to start season,
waived December 12, re-signed March 4)
Rosters
John Bagley, Larry Bird, Rick Fox, Kevin Gamble, Joe Kleine, Reggie Lewis, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Ed
Regular Season opener (12):
Pinckney, Kevin Pritchard, Larry Robinson, Brian Shaw
Dee Brown (1990-91 Celtics, out injured), Ricky Calloway (1990-91 Kings), Anderson Hunt (UNLV), Steve
Other players in camp: Scheffler (1990-91 Hornets), Michael Smith (1990-91 Celtics), Stojko Vrankovic (1990-91 Celtics – out injured
[flu] to start season), Kennard Winchester (1990-91 Rockets), A.J. Wynder (1990-91 Celtics)
Note, since 1992 the Celtics have used two different training sites:
Partial List of Boston Celtics Preseason Intrasquad and Games against non-NBA opponents, 1946-1991
Sources
1
Dan Shaughnessy, “K.C.’s Sunshine Band,” Boston Globe, October 4, 1983.
2
Jack Barry, “Why Jack Barry Spent His Vacation Touring With the Celtics,” Boston Globe, November 1, 1953.
3
John Powers, “The Celtics visit the Cape…,” Boston Globe, October 3, 1976.
4
“Boston Celtics Start Basket Ball Practice Tomorrow at Arena,” Boston Globe, September 29, 1946.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 68
5
“Back Bay Fire Costs Celtics ‘New Look’,” Boston Globe, November 3, 1948.
6
Feinstein, John & Red Auerbach. Let Me Tell You a Story: A Lifetime in the Game. New York: Back Bay Books, 2005, p64.
7
Feinstein, Let Me Tell You a Story, p128.
8
Feinstein, Let Me Tell You a Story, p64.
9
Shaughnessy, Dan. Ever Green: The Boston Celtics: A history in the words of their players, coaches, fans & foes, from 1946 to the present. New York: St.
Martin’s Press, 1990, p20.
10
Jerry Nason, “Hamilton Lists Great Grid Teams of Three Decades,” Boston Globe, October 12, 1957.
11
Shaughnessy, Ever Green, p241.
12
Bill Shechman, “Same Feud, New Fuel; ‘Knicks Cry,’ -- Brown,” Boston Globe, October 16, 1957.
13
October 1, 1963.
14
September 30, 1973 vs. Carolina Cougars (ABA).
15
Bob Ryan, “Melchionni shot tips Celtics as ABA Nets win, 116-115,” Boston Globe, October 4, 1971.
16
Bryan Curtis, “The Stokes Game,” Grantland.com, August 16, 2013. http://grantland.com/features/bryan-curtis-tragic-inspirational-story-maurice-stokes/ .
17
Wire story, “Celtics beat Lakers 102-82,” Eugene Register-Guard, October 15, 1960.
18
“Segregation Hits C's Negro Stars,” Boston Globe, October 18, 1961; Russell, Bill with Alan Steinberg. Red and Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend. New York:
Harper Collins, 2009, p79-80.
19
Heinsohn, Tom with Leonard Lewin. Heinsohn, Don't You Ever Smile? The Life & Times of Tommy Heinsohn & the Boston Celtics. New York: Doubleday, 1976,
p83.
20
Wire story, “Chamberlain Vs. Russell – Plus Ingemar,” Toledo Blade, October 14, 1959. “Most of the 230 tickets that were sold at $100 apiece were
purchased by corporations as a helping hand to the struggling club. But some were bought by individuals. No tickets are being offered for less than $10.”
21
Wire story, “Russell Leads Celts To 103-98 Victory,” Eugene Register-Guard, October 15, 1959.
22
Wire story, “Ingo and Lakers Draw Only 2,500,” Milwaukee Journal, October 15, 1959. Heavyweight boxing champion Ingemar Johansson, who had knocked
out Floyd Patterson to win the crown in June 1959, made an appearance between games. The Lakers won their game 100-94.
23
“Burglars Ransack Newton Home of Boston Garden Head,” Boston Globe, October 22, 1951.
24
Bob Ryan, “Cannon's car found at Logan,” Boston Globe, October 9, 1975. Cannon was attempting a comeback from medical problems and did not make the
team.
25
Bob Ryan, “Celtics’s query: Where's Pace?,” Boston Globe, September 19, 1978.
26
John Powers, “Celtics reject Johnson,” Boston Globe, October 6, 1977.
27
Ryan, Bob. Scribe: My Life in Sports. New York: Bloomsbury, 2014, p2-3. Ryan wrote that he agreed to edit Cowens’s statement, and that the published
version was “80 to 85 percent Cowens and 15 to 20 percent Ryan.”
28
Dave Cowens, “’I gave a little extra’,” Boston Globe, October 2, 1980.
29
A note on NBA.com states that rosters were reduced to 10 for the 1947-48 season, but 12 players appeared for the Celtics in the second game of the season.
The Celtics may have been given a roster exemption, or rosters may have been reduced to 10 in December.
30
Monroe would play 22 regular season games and 3 playoff games with the Celtics this season, while also attending law school. “Celtics Begin Workouts,”
Christian Science Monitor, October 1, 1948.
31
On the morning of November 2, a fire ripped through the gym and the area where the players were staying. See “Back Bay Fire Costs Celtics ‘New Look’,”
Boston Globe, November 3, 1948 and Wire story, “Athletes Flee Fire In Boston U Gym,” Pittsburgh Press, November 2, 1948. The title of the Globe article refers
to the “four sets of new uniforms” that were lost in the fire.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 69
32
Art Spector was released on November 19 to make room for Tony Lavelli, and was immediately named as an assistant coach.
33
On October 19, Campbell, Desci, and Kelly were loaned to the Celtics unofficial affiliate in the American Basketball League, the Hartford Hurricanes, and
Walter was sold to the Hurricanes on the same day. Bob Zaiman, “Boston Club Options Four Players to Hurricanes,” Hartford Courant, October 20, 1948. The
Hurricanes franchise played in Hartford beginning during the 1947-48 season (on December 19, after relocating from Elizabeth, New Jersey, where they were
named the Braves) through the 1949-50 season. See: http://apbr.org/abl2552.html
34
Gibson was acquired from the Tri-Cities Hawks on October 21. “Bruins, Montreal at Garden Tomorrow,” Christian Science Monitor, October 22, 1949.
35
Allen, Bach, Campbell, Goodwin, Seagrist, Speicher, Vandenburgh, Washburn, and Wright would all be assigned to the Celtics affiliate in the American
Basketball League, the Hartford Hurricanes. “Celtics Send 6 Players to Hurricanes,” (Bridgeport, CT) Sunday Herald, October 16, 1949; “`Canes Sign Texas Giant
Get Set For Sunday Game,” Hartford Courant, October 21, 1949; “Bill Vandenburgh and Johnny Bach Join Hurricanes,” Hartford Courant, October 22, 1949.
36
Rosters were reduced to 10 on December 1.
37
The Celtics selected Chuck Share number one overall in the 1950 draft, but Share signed with the Waterloo Hawks who had been dropped by the NBA and
joined the new (and short-lived) National Professional Basketball League for the 1950-51 season. Share was then dealt to the Pistons in 1951 in exchange for Bill
Sharman.
38
“Boston Celtics Sign 2nd Tan Cage Ace,” The (Baltimore) Afro-American, August 12, 1950. Walthour is described as 21 years old and having played for the Harlem
Yankees the previous two years.
39
Freedman, Lew. Dynasty: The Rise of the Boston Celtics. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press, 2008, p29.
40
Jacobson, Steve. Carrying Jackie’s Torch: The Players who Integrated Baseball – and America. Chicago: Lawrence Hill, 2007, p109.
41
“Celtics Play Bullets at Arena Sunday,” Boston Globe, October 24, 1950.
42
Jack Barry, “Celtics Score 98-85 Win; Cousy Tallies 20,” Boston Globe, October 30, 1950.
43
Jack Barry, “Cousy Hoops Gives Celts 79-78 Win,” Boston Globe, October 29, 1951. A Globe photograph shows Bob Brannum, who usually wore #18, wearing a
#19 jersey with #24 on shorts.
44
Jack Barry, “Why Jack Barry Spent His Vacation Touring With the Celtics,” Boston Globe, November 1, 1953. “They had been quartered from Sept. 28 to Oct.
12 at the historic Burrell House in Ellsworth, ME., practicing for two weeks at the local high school gym, a magnificent structure.” The team had also spent three
weeks at Ellsworth in 1952.
45
Wire story, “Celtics, Knicks Win,” Boston Globe, October 25, 1953.
46
The school formally merged with the (mostly) girls-only Buckingham School in 1974 to form Buckingham, Browne & Nichols; see
http://www.bbns.org/page.cfm?p=517
47
Conley “retired” and left the team on October 29 to focus on baseball. He would rejoin the Celtics in 1958.
48
This pick is listed in most sources as “Gordon Mungier” of Spring Hill College, but that institution’s record book and Hall Of Fame both list Jules Mugnier as the
correct spelling. For example: http://shcbadgers.com/sports/2014/7/29/MBB_0729144503.aspx?path=mbball
49
Frank Cline of the Hartford Courant wrote that “All in all it was a poorly planned and horribly executed excuse for a basketball game.” Frank Cline, “Royals
Beat Celtics, 99-95 Before 2,700 At Armory,” Hartford Courant, October 19, 1954. His complaints included: poor lighting, a sound system that many could not
hear, and a scoreboard so small that few could read it. The game was preceded by a contest between “Frankie’s Drive-In” and the Hartford Courant basketball
team, won by Frankie’s 56-54.
50
The “College All-Stars” were comprised of high-profile NBA rookies who played a series of exhibition games against NBA teams before rejoining their own
clubs.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 70
51
Note that Dooley, Hughes, and McNeal were African-Americans. A photo uncovered on Facebook, which includes Walter Brown and what appear to be eight
members of the Celtics 1955 rookie class, features four African-American players; if the photo is correct, the fourth player is missing from my list of training camp
attendees.
52
The new Bangor Auditorium (II) opened on October 1, 1955 to replace the original 1897 building, but the 1897 building continued to be used until it was
demolished in 1965. The new facility hosted a Celtics regular season game against the Syracuse Nationals on December 30, 1955 and newspaper articles suggest
that the first basketball games held in the new arena were high school games in December, which would mean that the October game was held in the old
building. See David M. Fitzpatrick, “History of the Bangor Auditorium,” Bangor Daily News, January 16, 2013: http://bangordailynews.com/2013/01/16/the-
weekly/auditoriumhistory-2/
53
Wire story, “Gola Fractures Hand in Game Against Celtics,” Boston Globe, October 12, 1955.
54
“Celtics, Rochester Play at Springfield, Aid Hall of Fame,” Boston Globe, October 20, 1955. Eddie Shore donated the use of the arena, and the
baskets/backboards were donated by Springfield-based American International College. Article states “the entire receipts going to the Hall of Fame scheduled
for erection on the Campus of Springfield College where the game was born in 1891.” It would take years to raise the funds to build the original Hall of Fame,
and plans for a lavish $1.25-million facility with a rotunda and a landscaped mall were slashed in half and reduced to a modest two-story rectangular brick
building that would open in 1968. Also see John Powers, “A Western Showdown: Where does the Basketball Hall of Fame belong?...,” Boston Globe, November
2, 1980. The building would host a reported 630,179 visitors from 1968 until it closed on June 9, 1985, three weeks before a new $11.4-million facility opened
next to the Connecticut River and Interstate 91 in Springfield. Wire story, “Hall of Fame closes door,” The Lewiston Journal, June 10, 1985.
55
Frank Cline of the Hartford Courant gave the Firemen’s Association credit for improving the court conditions and getting the “Armory in as fine a shape as
possible for a basketball game.” Frank Cline, “Royals Whip Celtics Easily 89 to 75,” Hartford Courant, October 28, 1955.
56
Five weeks later, on the afternoon of November 18, the seven-year-old arena would burn to the ground as a result of an explosion caused by an ammonia
(refrigerant) gas leak in the building. R. Bruce Huntington, “Investigate Ruins of St. Doms Arena,” Lewiston Evening Journal, November 19, 1956. The arena was
empty at the time of the fire.
57
Rosters may have been reduced to 10 in December, since Loscutoff was injured in the third game of the season, played twice more in November before having
season-ending surgery, and was never replaced on the roster.
58
Rosters were reduced to 10 in December.
59
Wire story, “Celtics Win 4th in Row,” Boston Globe, October 10, 1958.
60
Jason Butynski, “Jaywalking: Barnstorming,” Greenfield (MA) Recorder, January 13, 2015. Nichols Gym was replaced in 2015 and hosted its last basketball game
in December 2014; see Kathleen McKiernan, “Greenfield High School nears final phase of construction,” Greenfield (MA) Recorder, January 3, 2015.
61
Wire story, “Celts Nip St. Louis In Benefit,” Boston Globe, October 22, 1958. Plans for the doubleheader were announced in May (see “Maurice Stokes Day
Scheduled By Pros,” Gadsden Times, May 9, 1958) just two months after Stokes fell ill. Note that the first annual “Maurice Stokes Game” at Kutsher’s Country
Club in New York’s Catskills would take place the following summer on August 4, 1959. http://grantland.com/features/bryan-curtis-tragic-inspirational-story-
maurice-stokes/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GY123yxYCE
62
Returning servicemen received a 60-day roster exemption, which allowed the Celtics to carry Maurice King on opening night. Rosters were reduced to 10 on
December 15.
63
Spelled “Lieber” in many NBA draft sources, but “Liebler” in contemporary sources and on the Holy Cross web site.
64
Tsioropoulos would retire on September 25 due to continued problems with a “disc on his spine” that had required an operation. “Tsioropoulos Retires From
Boston Celtics,” Hartford Courant, September 27, 1959.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 71
65
New building which opened in January 1959, replacing St. Dominic’s Arena that had burned down in 1956 (see earlier note). The new building, which was also
referred to as “St. Dominic’s Arena,” would later host the famous Ali-Liston “phantom punch” fight in 1965. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/20/sports/the-
night-the-ali-liston-fight-came-to-lewiston.html?_r=0
66
John Richter planned to sit out the season due to a blood clot in his left arm. He never played in the NBA again. “Celt’s Richter Sidelined By Blood Clot,” Boston
Globe, September 10, 1960.
67
A Google search in July 2015 uncovered a document for sale that contained Sappington’s signature (with “Texas” signed after his name) along with the
signatures of Russell, Sanders, K.C. Jones, and Sam Jones.
68
Nixon spoke at the “new” Bangor Auditorium. It is unclear if the Celtics played this game at the “new” or “old” arena. Wire Story, “Nixon Asks Voters Look At
Record,” Berkshire Eagle, October 1, 1960.
69
Attendance was 575 in a 620 seat gym on Housatonic Street in Lenox. The school was later replaced as the high school and renamed as the Cameron School.
In 2001 the school was sold and the gym became a cafeteria for an assisted-living facility. Derek Gentile, “Celtics-Lakers rivalry dates back to Lenox, 1960,”
Berkshire Eagle, June 2, 2008.
70
Wire story, “Celtics Trip Los Angeles,” Eugene Register-Guard, October 10, 1960. Mel Zikes, “Lakers Lose L.A. Opener by 106-101,” Los Angeles Times, October
10, 1960.
71
All 12 players played on opening night. Rosters were reduced to 11 on December 15, and the Celtics sold Al Butler to the Knicks on December 10 to reach that
limit.
72
Wire story, “Cousy Stars – Loscutoff Fights,” Eugene Register-Guard, October 3, 1961.
73
Dr. Gordon Trim had been the president of Babson College from 1957 until his sudden death on May 5, 1961. http://www.babson.edu/about-babson/at-a-
glance/babsons-history/timeline/Pages/from-institute-to-college.aspx
74
John J. Archibald, “Green Won’t Fly, Celtics Give Him Air,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 7, 1963. When later asked about Green’s potential, Auerbach
answered, “I sure would have liked to see him play in this series with the Hawks. But he insisted on coming from Boston to St. Louis by bus, and when he got
here Friday he said he didn’t want to fly to Ottumwa, Ia., with us for Saturday’s game. He has a phobia about flying.”
75
Wire story, “Knicks-Celts to Play Hall of Fame Game,” The Day, July 24, 1964.
76
Kimball was the Celtics third-round pick in 1965, but spent the 1965-66 season playing in Italy for the Ignis Varese team in the Italian National League. See Wire
Story, “Celtics Draftee Accepts Offer To Play in Italy,” The Telegraph, June 15, 1965, and Wire Story, “Kimball To Celtics, Released By Italian 5,” The Norwalk Hour,
September 17, 1966. Ignis won the inaugural European Intercontinental Cup championship in 1965 and Kimball scored 13 points in the title game. See
http://www.linguasport.com/baloncesto/internacional/clubes/intercontinental/intercontinental_e.htm
77
Boston State College was merged into University of Massachusetts-Boston in 1982.
78
Camp was originally scheduled to be held at the Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod, but the Boston Globe reported on September 5 that a scheduling conflict
would force the team to move to the Cambridge YMCA for the first four days (rookies only) and then Brandeis University (September 19 and forward). But the
Globe’s articles on September 16 and beyond specifically state that the camp was being held at the Tobin Gym, which was also an occasional practice site during
the regular season.
79
Rookies reported on the 15th, veterans on the 17th.
80
Jo Jo White was in the Marine Corps Reserves and was supposed to report to the Celtics on December 18, but then got leave so he would be available for the
first 5 games. But when the Celtics picked up Niemann on October 16, they left White on the inactive list; White would make his debut on November 14.
81
At halftime, the Jackson Touchdown Club presented Howell with their 1968 “professional Athlete of the Year Award” – a curious choice until you realize that
Howell had starred at Mississippi State University as a collegian. Wire story, “Atlanta defeats Celtics, 113-110,” The Delta Democrat-Times (Greenville,
Mississippi), September 26, 1969.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 72
82
Dinwiddie’s wife passed away the week before camp opened, and he was cut before the team’s first preseason game. Wire Story, “Havlicek is Holdout,” The
(Nashua, NH) Telegraph, September 14, 1972.
83
This season the NBA adopted a rule, proposed by the NBA Players Association, which limited each team to 8 preseason games. Bob Ryan, “For crying out loud
boys, give Havlicek his wish,” Boston Globe, September 17, 1972.
84
Now known as the University of North Alabama.
85
McCamey is listed in most draft sources as “McCarney” but McCamey is the correct spelling. See the 2012-13 Oral Roberts Men’s Basketball Media Guide and
several contemporary newspaper stories on Google News.
86
The day before, Chaney ended his holdout and signed a contract with the ABA's Spirits of St. Louis, effective at the start of the 1975-76 season after he played
out his option during 1974-75.
87
With 11:13 left to play, Don Nelson scratched Kareem’s left eye, then Abdul-Jabbar “pounded the basket support in frustration” and broke “the fourth
metacarpal bone in his right hand.” Abdul-Jabbar was expected to be out 3-6 weeks and did not return to action until November 23. Bob Ryan, “Bucks beat
Celtics, but Jabbar fractures hand,” Boston Globe, October 6, 1974.
88
X-rays the next day showed that Cowens broke the first metatarsal bone in the foot. Expected to be out seven weeks, Cowens returned on November 22 with
Boston having posted a 9-8 record in his absence.
89
Finkel was released on November 19 without playing a game. Jerome Anderson was activated to replace him.
90
Sunday was Walton’s first game of the preseason after suffering a broken toe. During the game Walton injured his right eye in the third quarter while battling
John Havlicek for a loose ball, then was involved in a car accident after the game and ended up in the hospital for overnight observation for what were described
as minor injuries.
91
Heinsohn was fired in January 1978 and replaced by Satch Sanders.
92
Sanders was elevated to head coach in January 1978 and hired K.C. Jones to replace him. Prior to the season, Sanders had replaced John Killilea, who left
Boston for Milwaukee for a dual role as an assistant to head coach Don Nelson and as the Bucks assistant director of player personnel.
93
Rosters were sliced from 12 to 11 players for the 1977-78 season and would not be restored to 12 until the 1981-82 season.
94
Johnson was acquired by the Celtics in the offseason, and played in the October 4 exhibition game against Buffalo (2 points in 7 minutes) before being returned
to the Rockets due to a dispute about his contract.
95
The facility opened in March 1977: http://www.ticketluck.com/venues/Cumberland-County-Civic-Center/index.php
96
Sanders was fired in November 1978 and replaced with Dave Cowens, who served as player-coach.
97
MacKinnon was as assistant coach and director of player personnel for the Buffalo Braves in 1977-78. When John Y. Brown swapped the Braves for the Celtics,
he retained MacKinnon’s contract, and named him as an assistant coach with the Celtics on August 22. MacKinnon left Boston a year later to join Kevin Loughery’s
staff in New Jersey.
98
Stacom signed with the Indiana Pacers in July 1978 and was then sold back to the Celtics in February 1979.
99
A separate rookie camp opened a week earlier.
100
Most veterans were slated to report on October 2 after the conclusion of a rookie/free agent “orientation camp.” The Celtics had held a separate rookie camp
back in August.
101
Compared with previous years, the start of the season was pushed out by three weeks so the playoffs could end after May sweeps, a critical television ratings
measurement period; the goal was to have playoff games aired live on CBS instead of on tape delay.
102
The Celtics played in at least three “Hall of Fame” benefit games in Springfield during the 1950’s and 1960’s, and also participated in the first “Hall of Fame
Game” at the Springfield Civic Center after it opened in 1972. That exhibition game took place during the regular season on November 13, 1972, with the
Celtics defeating the Pistons 119-117. See Bob Ryan, “Celtics, on exhibit, stay hot,” Boston Globe, November 14, 1972.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 73
103
Ed Badger is listed in some sources as a Celtics assistant from 1984 through 1988, but his title in the Celtics Media Guides of the period was “Chief Scout” or
“Scout.” Badger spent most of his time on the road, not with the team.
104
http://www.lhsathletichalloffame.com/listings/tracy-mitchell-class-of-1979/
105
“USA Today scribe David DuPree, 39, played 41 seconds for the Celts at the start of the fourth quarter and held Cheeks scoreless. Boston outscored
Philadelphia, 3-0, while DuPree was on the floor... “ Dan Shaughnessy, “Bird's On; Celtics, Too,” Boston Globe, October 5, 1985.
106
A film crew for the upcoming feature “The Amazing Grace and Chuck” was on hand for a pregame scrimmage and the first two minutes of the second
quarter. Alex English of the Denver Nuggets “made a cameo appearance in the second quarter wearing a Celtics uniform (Fred Roberts No. 31) and joined Greg
Kite, Jerry Sichting, Sam Vincent and Rick Carlisle against Philadelphia's Perry Moss, Danny Vranes, Tim McCormick, David Wingate and Ron Rowan. English was
inserted into the actual game as part of a staged sequence for the movie in which he plays a Celtic.” Michael Vega, “English Becomes Celtic For Show,” Boston
Globe, October 11, 1986.
107
Bob Ryan, “Vincent, Wedman Traded,” Boston Globe, October 17, 1987.
108
Michael Vega, “Rookie Sweating Out Final Cut,” Boston Globe, October 30, 1988.
109
http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1990/01/10/scooter-barry-runs-from-dads-shadow/f9a59632-334a-4318-9838-558b9ea3205c/
110
“Celtics fans have Michael Jordan to blame for Bird's latest back woes. He accidentally nailed Bird in the sacroiliac area during the celebrity basketball game
at last month’s Kenny Rogers get-together outside Atlanta. It happened just before training camp.” Peter May, “Celtics Pluck Jazz To Finish Out Exhibition
String,” Boston Globe, October 30, 1990.
111
Wire story, “600 See Celtics Win Exhibition At Berlin,” Lewiston Daily Sun, October 24, 1951.