7 Stars the Celtics missed drafting by a single pick

1. Tim Hardaway Sr.

The Celtics made the playoff every year from 1980 to 1993, but their core was aging by 1989. They won three championships and made five NBA Finals, but they were just bounced in the first round. Boston still had the talent. Most of them were in their 30s, and it was time to incorporate some young pieces. They had Reggie Lewis but needed to hit on their 1989 draft selection.

Boston selected Michael Lewis out of BYU at 13th overall. The 6’10 forward had plenty of potential, but never played more than 11.0 minutes per game during his three NBA seasons. Smith produced a negative value over replacement level (VORP) for his career and was a non-factor for the Celtics.

With the next pick, the Warriors select Tim Hardaway. The five-time All-Star played 13 years in the league. He was one of the best point guards of his era and is in the Hall of Fame. The Celtics drafted Dee Brown in 1990 and needed a point guard the year before. It was a missed opportunity for the Celtics and is an interesting what-if to the end of the Larry Bird era in Boston.

The Boston Celtics have nailed plenty of draft picks in their storied history, but they just missed on plenty of star talents. Hopefully, they do not make an addition to this list anytime soon.