As one of the two winningest franchises with 17 championships, the Celtics have stayed away from one area of the NBA’s history for nearly six decades. With NBA All-Star weekend in Cleveland complete, another festivity wrapped up without returning to Boston. The city has not hosted the All-Star Game since 1964, when Red Auerbach led the East to a 111-107 win at the old Boston Garden. Oscar Robertson earned the MVP award while Bill Russell and Sam Jones each scored double-digit points on their home court.
After years of financial and political questions kept Boston from making a push to host the game, the organization and city could be ready for a resurgence.
In a recent article for the Boston Globe, Gary Washburn reported that at the very least, Boston is interested in applying to host in the next cycle.
“According to NBA sources, the Celtics’ ownership group, led by Wyc Grousbeck and Steven Pagliuca, has decided to take steps in submitting an application to host the game,” Washburn wrote.
Nov 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; A general view of a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The next opening for the game comes in 2025 after going to Salt Lake City in 2023 and Indianapolis in 2024.
Additionally, there is interest from the league in nudging the Celtics to make a move in future years.
“Privately, the NBA would love Boston to submit an application,” Washburn wrote. “The league wants the All-Star Game in one of its benchmark cities. But commissioner Adam Silver can’t force the Grousbeck-led ownership group into that decision. He can only encourage.”
The city and the Celtics would have to navigate financial plans and scheduling with the Bruins on an agreeable date to bring the plan together.
If that becomes feasible, the stars could finally align and bring one of the game’s greatest spectacles back to the land ingrained in basketball history.
Recapping the Celtics' trio of moves at the 2022 NBA trade deadline
Danny Ainge had overseen almost two decades worth of trade deadlines as the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. Fans may have been unsure of what to expect as Brad Stevens manned the phones for the first time since being promoted to Ainge’s old job back in June.
What ensued was one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent memory in Boston sports. In total, the Celtics traded away seven players and a first-round pick, acquired two players and a second-round pick, and added a future first-round pick swap. Here’s a quick rundown of each of the Celtics’ three deals done throughout the day…
Trade 1
Jan 27, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens in the first quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics get:
— Future 2nd-round pick
Magic get:
— F P.J. Dozier
— C Bol Bol
— Future 2nd-round pick
— Cash considerationsThe Celtics’ first move of the day wasn’t a major one, but it did help the team get under the luxury tax. Boston acquired P.J. Dozier and Bol Bol just a few weeks ago in a three team deal that saw them send forward Juancho Hernangomez and cash considerations to San Antonio.
Trade 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 23: Derrick White #4 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot in front of Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on December 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Celtics get:
— G Derrick White
Spurs get:
— G/F Josh Richardson
— G Romeo Langford
— 2022 1st-round pick (1-4 protected)A few hours later, the Celtics made their first player acquisition of the day, adding starting Spurs shooting guard Derrick White. White is expected to fill a similar role in Boston. His defensive prowess will give the Celtics a lockdown backcourt, with White playing next to Marcus Smart. Meanwhile, Richardson was part of the bench unit while Langford was struggling to find minutes in the rotation. This deal also includes a 2028 first-round pick swap, with Boston’s pick top-1 protected.
Trade 3
Dec 15, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (27) rebounds beside guard Josh Christopher (9) and forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics get:
— C Daniel Theis
Rockets get:
— G Dennis Schröder
— F Bruno Fernando
— C Enes FreedomFor the second year in a row, the Celtics made a trade involving Daniel Theis just before the trade deadline hit. This time, the Celtics brought back Theis for a second stint, and moved point guard Dennis Schröder. Leading up to Thursday, reports had indicated Schröder – who is on an expiring contract – would be dealt at the deadline.
WATCH: @FelgerAndMazz react to the Celtics Trading Dennis Schroder for Daniel Theis pic.twitter.com/TO2hH5Pb2L
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