Today, we celebrate a couple of notable birthdays in Boston Celtics history, starting with Ed Pinckney. Born in 1963 in the Bronx, New York, Pinckney's basketball journey began at Villanova, where he clinched a national championship in 1985. His impressive college career led to him being picked tenth overall in the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns that same year.
Pinckney's journey to Boston came via a trade from the Sacramento Kings, who sent him and Joe Kleine to the Celtics in exchange for Danny Ainge and Brad Lohaus in 1989. During his six seasons with the Celtics, Pinckney was a solid contributor, averaging 6.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. His tenure in Boston ended when he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks alongside Andrei Fetisov for Blue Edwards and Derek Strong.
We also honor Danny Fortson, another former Celtic, who hails from Altoona, Pennsylvania. Fortson made his mark at Cincinnati before being drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1997.
However, his NBA journey took a quick turn as he was traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft day. Eventually, Fortson found his way to Boston in a trade involving Eric Washington and Eric Williams for Popeye Jones, Ron Mercer, and Dwayne Schintzius.
Fortson's stint with the Celtics was brief, playing just the 1999-00 NBA season, but he made his presence felt with averages of 7.6 points and 6.7 rebounds. His time in Boston concluded with a four-team trade that brought Robert Pack, Hot Rod Williams, cash, and draft considerations to the Celtics.
These birthdays remind us of the rich history and dynamic roster changes that have shaped the Celtics over the years.