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How would this have changed the entire NBA? First off, the 1985-86 Boston Celtics roster was the first Celtics roster of the decade that was majority White (previously Bird was the LONE White Celtics starter for years as McHale & Ainge were both reserves) and Bias would have changed the team’s perception amongst national audiences with a long postseason run and possible repeat as NBA champions. Imagine if Len Bias was on the Celtics during the 1987 NBA Finals wearing Reeboks as a key factor in another championship season in Boston as a rookie? Now let’s revisit the 1987 Draft in this scenario.

“Back in 1990, Spike Lee was the guest editor of an issue of Spin. In said issue, he put a caption reading ‘Sellout’ under the image of a Black man in a Celtics jacket.” 

Since the Boston Celtics would have won the 1987 NBA title, that would give them the final pick of the first round. Regardless of if the Celtics picked 22nd or 23rd Red Auerbach and the Celtics brass were enamored with Northeastern star Reggie Lewis. Lewis and Bias had many things in common, they were both from Maryland, both were highly coachable, selfless, athletic, explosive and deft shooters that played and defended multiple positions. Bias was 6’8” and played a finesse power game. Lewis was 6’7” and played a smooth, quick finesse game. Both had deals endorsing Reebok (and would’ve become it’s first two legitimate superstar endorsers). Together under the tutelage of K.C. Jones, Red Auerbach, and the original Big Three of Bird, Parish and McHale the sky would’ve been the limit on their potential. Let’s fast forward a little bit.

 

Between 1987 and 1991, the class of the NBA’s Eastern Conference were the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons and later the Chicago Bulls. Had the aging Celtics possessed both Len Bias & Reggie Lewis in their rotation they could’ve had epic battles with the Bad Boys and the Bulls young core of Jordan and Pippen during this era instead of just fading away due to advanced age and fatigue caused by a thin, unreliable bench during several extended playoff runs.

Remember that Len Bias had epic clashes with Michael Jordan back in the ACC and Reggie Lewis used to give both Jordan and Pippen fits on the regular in the late 80’s and early 90’s before his untimely passing. Back in 1990, Spike Lee was the guest editor of an issue of Spin. In said issue, he put a caption reading “Sellout” under the image of a Black man in a Celtics jacket. If Bias & Lewis were the exciting young face of the franchise then would Spike still have done so? Would Chuck D have dissed the Celtics in the song “Air Hoodlum” in 1992? Doubt it.

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