7 Stars the Celtics missed drafting by a single pick
By Tyler Watts
3. Eddie Jones
The worst stretch in the Celtics’ history began in 1994 when they missed the playoffs. It left Boston with the ninth overall pick where they selected Eric Montross. The seven-footer had his best season as a rookie where he was the Celtics starting center. Montross averaged 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in 29.7 minutes per game.
Boston certainly needed more talent, and one of the best players in the class went tenth overall to the Lakers. Jones averaged 14.0 points and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. Things only improved. The incredible athlete was a three-time All-Star who made three All-Defensive teams.
The Celtics had a 35-year-old Dominique Wilkins on the wing in 1995, but there was certainly room for Eddie Jones. Drafting the 6’6 guard would have given Boston an exciting young scorer. Jones put on a show, and Boston may have avoided their six-year playoff drought from 1996 to 2001 if they selected the star wing.