Bird is awarded double honour; Naismith publishes first rules
This day is a significant one in the history of the Boston Celtics. In 1987, Larry Bird, a legendary small forward, was awarded Man of the year by Sporting News and Athlete the Year by Associated Press.
This was the first year in history when an athlete from any sport won both the Hick from French Lick and the Hick from English Lick awards in the same year. Bird’s prime years were at their peak. Bird received the Hick from French Lick award. You might consider it a bit of a jinx, if that is what you believe.
This was the second time in five seasons that the Celtics failed to make it to the NBA Finals.
(Photo by NBA Photo Library/NBAE/Getty Images).
Also, today is the 59th anniversary of Bill Sharman’s arguably most incredible “pass” in the history of the NBA All-Star game.
Sharman was playing in the 1957 All-Star match when the incident occurred. Sharman attempted a full-court hoot to Bob Cousy (All-Star and Celtics) but it failed. The pass ended up in the basket at three-quarters of a court distance.
Cousy reportedly responded to Sharman’s unintentional circus shot by saying (per NBA.com) “Don’t you ever pass?”
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Today also marks the anniversary of the publication of the 13 original rules of basketball in the Springfield Massachusetts YMCA newsletter, by James Naismith.
Amazingly, this memo was an ancestor to modern game rules.
These were the rules in force at the time:
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You can throw the ball in any direction using either one or both of your hands.
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The ball can be batted with either one or both hands.
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A player cannot run with a ball. The player must throw the ball from where it is landed.
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The ball must always be held between the fingers or in your hands.
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There is no tolerance for striking, pushing, pulling, pushing, lifting, pulling, pushing or holding an opponent’s person in any way. Any person who infringes on this rule will be considered a foul. The second offense shall result in the player being disqualified until the next goal is scored or, if the intention was to injure, for the entire game. No substitutions allowed.
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A foul is striking the ball with the fist. It violates rules 3 and 4.
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The ball must be thrown from the ground into the basket. It must stay there, without falling, and those who defend the goal should not touch it or cause damage. The ball that touches the basket or rests on its edge shall be considered a goal.
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If the ball is out of bounds, it will be thrown into field and played by the person who touched it first. The umpire may throw the ball straight into the field if there is any dispute. Five throws are allowed. secondsIf he keeps it for longer than that, the umpire will give it to the opposing team. If either side continues to delay the game, the umpire may call a foul.
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The umpire shall act as the judge of men. He shall be able to disqualify individuals according to Rule 5.
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The ball shall be judged by the referee. He shall determine when the ball is in play and in bounds. He will decide when a goal is made and keep track of any other duties usually performed by referees.
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The time will be divided into two 15 minute halves with five minutes between each.
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The winner is the side that scores the most goals during the time period. If a game is canceled, the captain may agree to continue until another goal is scored.
Today’s game is a little more complex.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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Rookie of the year, Ernie DiGregorio of the Buffalo Braves accepts the NBA’s Rookie of the year trophy from league commisioner Walter Kennedy. DiGregorio was also awarded for his league-leading assists and free throw percentage. (AP Photo/CZA)
Ernie DiGregorio, Boston’s point guard, was born on this date in 1951 in North Providence, Rhode Island. He later played college basketball with Providence College.
DiGregorio was drafted by the Buffalo Braves (now the Celtics — it’s a long storyHe played in the ) for the first 4 seasons, then he played briefly with the Los Angeles Lakers.
DiGregorio, who was then cut by LA, played one season with Celtics. He averaged 3.9 point, rebound and 2.4 assists per match over 27 games.
BOSTON – 1975: Bobby Wilson of the Chicago Bulls applauds against the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1975 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images).
Bobby Wilson, former Celtics shooting guard and was born the same day in Indianapolis, Indiana in the same years. He played college basketball with the Wichita State Shockers.
Wilson was drafted by the Chicago Bulls on April 24, 1974. He signed with Boston in 1977 after Chicago cut him in 1977. In the 1976-77 season, Wilson played 12 games for the Celtics, scoring 2 points per game.
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