On this day, the Boston Celtics participated in the 1958 NBA Draft, held in New York City.
The Celtics made two picks of note, both late in their respective rounds. Boston took big man Bennie Swain out of Texas Southern with the seventh overall pick, and forward Jimmy Smith out of Franciscan College with the 15th overall selection.
Swain would share the frontcourt Celtics legend Bill Russell on the 1959 title team as a reserve, recording 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in his sole season with Boston.
Smith was a promising prospect as well, playing power forward as an All-American collegiate player, but was drafted into the U.S. military.
Bennie Swain, 78; NBA backup for Bill Russell was coach and teacher for almost 30 years http://tinyurl.com/5mbs9y
— Boston.com Celtics News (@BDCCeltics) June 22, 2008
Knee problems would force his discharge from the armed forces, and would also unfortunately end his basketball career as well. Smith would go on to become a civil rights activist advocating racial integration instead.