On this day in Boston Celtics history, the storied franchise signed Stephon Marbury as a free agent in 2009. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native chose to sign with the Celtics after being bought out by the New York Knicks following a major dispute with then-Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni. Marbury’s tenure in Boston was mostly short-lived, though. The former Georgia Tech standout is coming off the worst (and final) season of his NBA career with the Celtics. His abilities are significantly reduced in most statistics.
In the 2008-09 season, Marbury played 23 regular season games for the Celtics, averaging 3.8 points and 3.3 assists per game. His career averages are 19.3 points and 7.6 assists per game. He appeared in 14 playoff games that season; Boston lost a second-round series to Orlando in seven games. The following season, Boston offered Marbury only the veteran’s lowest offer, which the veteran immediately rejected.
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Instead, the Coney Island native headed overseas to join the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he had a long and successful career as a player and coach.
BOSTON – APRIL 28: Stephon Marbury #8 of the Boston Celtics attempts to discuss the call with referee Sean Corbin during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Chicago Bulls during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on April 28, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Bulls 106-104 in overtime. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
historical milestones
This was also the date in 1959 when legendary Boston point guard Bob Cousy dished out 28 assists in a game, setting an NBA record at the time. This happened against the (then) Minneapolis Lakers (now Los Angeles), with Boston defeating the Lakers 173-139 in the highest-scoring game in history.
The picture shows American basketball player Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics during basketball training. (Photo: -/AFP) (Photo: -/AFP, Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns tied the scoring record in 1990, and the assist record stood until Scott Skiles broke it in 1990 with 30 assists in a game.
This article was originally published in “Celtics Wire”: Celtics History: Marbury trade; Cousy finished with 173 points and 28 assists
