Today in Boston Celtics history, the franchise faced a significant shake-up during the 1967 NBA expansion draft, a pivotal moment that reshaped the league. The draft was held to stock the rosters of two new teams: the San Diego Rockets (now the Houston Rockets) and the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder). In expansion drafts, existing teams protect a set number of players, leaving others vulnerable to selection by the incoming clubs. For Boston, this meant saying goodbye to three players who had contributed to the team's rich legacy.
The first player taken from the Celtics was Toby Kimball, a forward out of UConn who had only played one season in Boston. During that 38-game stint, he averaged 2.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game—a modest contribution, but a sign of the depth the Celtics were known for. Next up was Ron Watts, a 6-foot-6 forward from Wake Forest, who was drafted by Boston in 1966. Watts won an NBA championship in his rookie season and spent two years with the team, averaging 1.4 points and 1.4 rebounds per game before being selected in the expansion draft.
Finally, the Celtics lost wing Jim Barnett, an eighth overall pick in the 1966 NBA Draft out of Oregon. Barnett played just one season in Boston, putting up 4.1 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. While these players may not be household names, their departures highlight the ever-changing nature of the NBA, where even a storied franchise like the Celtics must adapt to league growth.
On a brighter note, today also marks the birthday of Amir Johnson, born in 1987. Johnson, a versatile forward, played for the Celtics from 2015 to 2017, bringing energy and veteran leadership to the team. His tenure in Boston may have been brief, but his impact on the court and in the locker room is remembered fondly by fans. Whether you're a Celtics die-hard or just love basketball history, today is a day to reflect on the twists and turns that shaped the game we love. So, grab your favorite Celtics gear and celebrate the legacy—both the losses and the wins!