A look back at the 1998 NBA Draft, where the Boston Celtics were fortunate to have Paul Pierce slip to their pick at #10
Circle Sept. 11, 2021, on your calendars, Boston Celtics fans.
That's when the Class of 2021 will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Paul Pierce and Bill Russell (who's being inducted as a coach) are among the inductees, and it will great to see two Celtics legends get their due.
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Making the event even more fascinating is who will present the inductees next month. Each incoming Hall of Famer can choose a current member of the Hall to present them, and there are a few notable inductee-presenter combos that will interest Celtics fans.
Paul Pierce: Presented by Kevin Garnett
Chris Bosh: Presented by Ray Allen and Pat Riley
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Bill Russell: Presented by Charles Barkley, Julius Erving, Spencer Haywood, Alonzo Mourning, Bill Walton and Rick Welts
Garnett presenting Pierce will be a must-watch: KG and Allen joined the Celtics in 2007 to help Pierce win his lone NBA championship in 2008, and the colorful big man should have plenty to say about his former C's teammate.
You'll also notice Allen is presenting Bosh, who spent his final six seasons with the Miami Heat. Allen famously spurned the Celtics to sign with the Heat in 2012 and burned some bridges with Pierce and Garnett in the process. The Big Three still hasn't totally reconciled, so Allen presenting a Heat player while Garnett presents Pierce should make for an interesting dynamic in Springfield.
As far as entertaining presentations go, our money is on Walton presenting Russell. Walton is a terrific storyteller, so while he and Russell were decades apart in Boston, he'll likely concoct a great tribute for the Celtics icon.
Check out the full list of presenters and inductees for the Class of 2021 here.
