i went to the draft right next door to madison square garden about two weeks after the Celtics had won the 1984 title over the Lakers in that great 7 game series - had my '84 title t-shirt on as well.
what a carnival. i sat in the back area reserved for fans off the street (that being me) with all the new york crazies. it was impressive and a hell of a lot of fun in those days. it wasn't quite so slick and polished as it is now.
...... and you better believe the Celts were hated. that of course was also the year that Boston knocked Bernard King and the Knicks out in 7 tough games.
the Celtics picked Michael Young out of Houston in the 1st round, which was seen as a steal for them at the time - ton of talent with no brains if i remember right - they also picked up Rick Carlisle later.
the place went crazy with boos when the Nets picked Jeff Turner from Vandy in that first round. fortunately, i suppose, the Knicks did not have a first round pick that year.