11 People who turned their backs on the Celtics
By Will Eudy
Bob McAdoo
Selected with the number two overall pick in the 1972 NBA draft, Bob McAdoo began his professional career with the Buffalo Braves (who would eventually become the LA Clippers). Over the next 14 years, he would become responsible for revolutionizing the game with his ability to play on the perimeter and nail long jump shots despite being a post player at 6-foot-9.
In 1979, Boston Celtics owner John Brown traded several draft picks to the New York Knicks in order to acquire McAdoo. However, there was a misunderstanding. McAdoo reportedly did not have any desire to play for the Celtics, and the team's General Manager at the time, Red Auerbach, almost resigned after the gaffe took place.
McAdoo played just 20 games in Boston, averaging 20.6 points and 7.1 rebounds on 50% shooting. The former rookie of the year and league MVP would have had potential as a franchise cornerstone with Larry Bird arriving in town the next year, but he unfortunately did not want to play for the organization.
To make matters worse for Celtics fans, McAdoo would go on to play four seasons with their bitter rivals in the Los Angeles Lakers, winning two NBA championships with them in 1982 and 1985. For long time fans in Boston, there are unlikely to be any players more disliked than Bob.