Today marks a significant day in Boston Celtics history, as we remember two key figures who shaped the franchise in different ways.
On this date in 1993, the legendary Bill Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A towering presence both on and off the court, Walton first made his mark as a two-time NCAA champion under the iconic coach John Wooden at UCLA. Selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, he quickly proved his worth by leading the team to an NBA title in 1977.
After stints with the Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers (during their San Diego and LA eras), Walton found a new home in Boston in 1985. His arrival was perfectly timed: the big man brought his signature passing, rebounding, and basketball IQ to a Celtics team that would go on to win the 1986 NBA championship. Named one of the NBA's 75 greatest players, Walton's time in green was brief but brilliant, though persistent injuries forced his retirement in 1987.
Walton passed away in 2025 after a quiet battle with cancer. His legacy as a champion, a skilled big man, and a beloved figure in the basketball world lives on.
We also remember Clarence H. Adams, the former Celtics president and trustee who passed away on this day in 1987. Adams served as team president from 1967 to 1968 during the era when the club was owned by National Equities Inc., helping steer the organization through a transitional period.
Rest in peace to both Bill Walton and Clarence H. Adams—two men who contributed to the rich tapestry of Celtics history.