It is about Reggie Lewis.
I understand that Reggie's death could have been avoided, but I can't find a concise answer if Reggie had to immediately retire...or could his heart have been repaired to resume his professional career?
When I saw “Reggie Lewis”, I thought the question was whether he should’ve made the top 15 Celtics team over Ray Allen, which my answer to that would be absolutely yes! Reggie was early in my Celtics-watching, but I just remember how incredible he was on both ends of the floor. Also, I know the Celtics are about winning titles, but I’m not going to fault the guy for being drafted at a time when the Big 3 was starting to break down. Hell, in his 6-year career, only three franchises won a title. Also, combing what he did on the court with what he did in the community is why I would’ve put him ahead of Ray. I’d also put Maxwell and maybe Tiny ahead of Ray too. The other thing that bothers me is that this ensures Ray will get his number retired, which I also believe is unwarranted.
Sorry for going off-topic, but had to vent.
I had Max on before Ray (Tiny would also have been an interesting choice) but I don’t think this means Ray gets his number retired
Ray Allen doesn't belong anywhere near the top 25 Celtics, never mind the top 15. He was a good player for the team, but was only here 5 years and it's not like he tore it up in the playoffs.
As for Reggie, it was such a tragedy. Once Bird retired, he immediately became the star of the team - gone way too soon. I am glad his number is retired.
Ray: 5 seasons, 1 title, 3x All-Star, 16.7 ppg
Max: 8 seasons, 2 titles, 0x All-Star, 13.7 ppg
Reggie: 6 seasons, 0 titles, 1x All-Star, 17.6 ppg
Ainge: 8 seasons, 2 titles, 1x All-Star, 11.3 ppg
Macauley: 6 seasons, 0 titles, 6x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 18.9 ppg
Tiny: 5 seasons, 1 title, 3x All-Star, 12.5 ppg
Antoine: 8 seasons, 0 titles, 2x All-Star, 20.6 ppg
Howell: 4 seasons, 2 titles, 1x All-Star, 18.0 ppg
Tatum: 4.5 seasons, 0 titles, 3x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 20.4 ppg
Anybody I missed?
Not winning a title hurts, but if you're looking at who was the best relative to his peers, it's Macauley.