Reggie Lewis: What could have been. As his career and game were ascending, suddenly, tragically he collapsed during a playoff game in 1993 vs the Charlotte Hornets which turned out to be his final game. His last moments in this earth were spent on the court during an off season practice. He was special and was going to be that next great Celtic.
How many players can say they were on a roster that consisted of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish and say they were becoming the best on the team well that's what was happening with Reggie. Lewis had some epic moments during his years and especially in the playoffs when the Celtics needed him the most.
Reggie could do it all and get to the hoop with ease. His midrange game was becoming unstoppable. He could even knock down an occasional three even though it wasn't as prevalent as it is in today's game. Defensively he was nasty! In a single game he blocked the great Michael Jordan 4 - yes 4 - times! Talk about a moment burned in time.
Imagine what he could have been if he hadn't left this world so soon. The Celtics could have built their teams around him and his skill set. He and Jordan would have had epic battles in the East! There may not have been such a lull in the Celtics being competitive. We may never have endured a certain college coach coming here.
At the time of Reggie's passing there were many questions surrounding what happened. How could a well conditioned athlete pass so early. The doctors said it was from a heart defect that happens in athletes. Others said it was from cocaine use. A combo of both? Too much negligence? To each his own on this subject.
Reggie Lewis was the next great Celtic and unfortunately he passed away too soon. Plenty of Celtics fans must think about what he would have become. Would he have brought banner 17 sooner rather than later? Could he have challenged a lot of Celtics records? Was the basketball Hall of Fame going to be calling at some point? An Olympic gold medalist? An all time great?
Those who were able to see Reggie play the game knew he had that "It" factor. Just ask his opponents how much trouble he caused them. Think about how much he learned from playing with the Big 3. He had a pure shot that was silky smooth. His baseline drives drove opponents nuts. How many fans made Reggie their first jersey purchase?!
A basketball life that ended way before its time. A basketball career that, in it's short existence, made an impact that still is talked about today. Just ask his fans. Somewhere in basketball heaven he's lighting it up with that ever so smooth jump shot.
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