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Boston Celtics: 25 Best Players To Play For The Celtics

By Phil Watson

Apr 24, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of TD Garden prior to the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of TD Garden prior to the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI - CIRCA 1991: Reggie Lewis #35 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during an NBA basketball game circa 1991 at the The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Lewis played for the Celtics from 1987-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Reggie Lewis
AUBURN HILLS, MI – CIRCA 1991: Reggie Lewis #35 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during an NBA basketball game circa 1991 at the The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Lewis played for the Celtics from 1987-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Reggie Lewis /

18. <strong>How Acquired: </strong>22nd overall pick from Northeastern, 1987 NBA Draft. SG-SF. 1987-93. Reggie Lewis. 21. player

After starring at nearby Northeastern, the Boston Celtics selected swingman Reggie Lewis with the 22nd overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft.

Joining a veteran squad, he played sparingly as a rookie, but was a full-time starter by 1990 and earned his only All-Star selection in 1992.

BOS_21_LEWIS
BOS_21_LEWIS /

Lewis collapsed during Game 1 of a first-round playoff series against the

Charlotte Hornets

in April 1993 and was sidelined the remainder of the series because of symptoms of heart problems.

Cleared to resume basketball activities, Lewis was participating in an offseason practice on July 27, 1993, when he suffered sudden cardiac death while on the court. His death was attributed to a structural heart defect called hypertropic cardiomyopathy.

In six seasons, Lewis averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 32.6 minutes per game, shooting .488/.200/.824.

He is tied for ninth in franchise history with 569 steals and is seventh in blocked shots with 417.

Next: He Put The ‘D’ in D.J.

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