On this day, former Boston Celtics small forward Reggie Lewis died unexpectedly after collapsing on a basketball court at Brandeis University while working out in 1993.
Lewis, who had previously had been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat after another on-court collapse, passed away after attempts by police to resuscitate the Northeastern product failed.
The 22nd overall pick of the 1987 NBA Draft for the Celtics, Lewis was a critical part of Boston’s future. Added to the loss of forward Len Bias in 1986, this was a major cause of the team’s ‘wilderness era’ of mediocrity lasting more than a decade.
The Baltimore native played six seasons for the Celtics before his passing, owning a career average of 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game and an All-Star nod in 1993.
His No. 35 jersey was retired by the team in 1995.