It is also the anniversary of Larry Bird signing with the Celtics in 1979.
Boston had taken a gamble by drafting Bird before he’d finished his collegiate career by using a now-closed loophole, but ended up paying through the nose to do it, lest they risk Bird simply returning to the draft next year.
More from the #WBZ archives: Larry Bird signs with the #Celtics June 8, 1979 #WBZ (Part 2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/ps8yBzc7vk
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) June 21, 2017
After considerable negotiations, the Hick from French Lick would sign a five-year, $3.25 million contract to become the highest-paid rookie in any sport up to that time.
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