Today in Boston Celtics history, the franchise made a tough coaching change that still echoes through the years. On this day in 1990, head coach Jimmy Rodgers was let go after a shocking first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks. Rodgers had big shoes to fill, taking over for Hall of Famer KC Jones in 1988 after serving as an assistant under both Jones and legendary coach Bill Fitch since 1979. His first season was especially challenging, as star forward Larry Bird missed significant time due to injury. While Rodgers' 94-70 regular-season record (.573 winning percentage) was respectable, his postseason struggles—just 2 wins against 6 losses (.250)—ultimately sealed his fate. It's worth noting that the roster he inherited was an aging core that many felt should have been rebuilt years earlier, making his task nearly impossible from the start.
This date also marks the birthdays of two former Celtics guards who brought their own unique styles to the game. Keyon Dooling, born in 1980 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, played college ball at Missouri before carving out a solid NBA career with the Clippers, Heat, Magic, Nets, and Bucks. He joined Boston in 2011 and spent one season in green, averaging 4 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. While his stats were modest, Dooling was known for his veteran leadership and defensive tenacity.
More notably, today is the birthday of Kemba Walker, born in 1990 in the Bronx, New York. A four-time All-Star, Walker electrified crowds at UConn before being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2011. After nine seasons in Charlotte, he signed with the Celtics in free agency in 2020, bringing his explosive scoring and clutch play to Boston. During his time with the team, he averaged 19.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021. Walker's arrival was a bright spot for Celtics fans, and his birthday is a great reminder of the talent that has passed through the franchise. Whether you're a fan of the old-school grit of Dooling or the modern flair of Walker, today is a day to celebrate the rich history of Boston Celtics basketball.