Today marks a notable date in Boston Celtics history as former Celtics big man Charles Bradley celebrates his birthday, while the franchise also remembers the passing of former forward Horace Albert “Bones” McKinney.
Born in Havre de Grace, Maryland in 1959, Bradley played his college basketball at the University of Wyoming before being selected by Boston with the 23rd overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft. Interestingly, he was drafted ahead of future Celtics executive Danny Ainge, who was also his college teammate.
Bradley spent two seasons with the Celtics primarily in a backup role. Across 102 appearances, he averaged 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.5 steals per game. Boston released him in October 1983, after which he joined the Seattle SuperSonics for the final chapter of his NBA career.
The day also serves as a moment of remembrance for Bones McKinney, who passed away in 1997. A native of Lowland, North Carolina, McKinney played collegiately at both NC State and the University of North Carolina before entering the professional ranks.
Most of his six-year playing career was spent with the now-defunct Washington Capitals. Following the franchise’s collapse, McKinney landed with Boston through the dispersal draft and played 97 games over two seasons for the Celtics.
During his time in Boston, McKinney averaged 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game before retiring in 1952. He remains a respected figure in basketball history and is fondly remembered by Celtics fans.
