Reggie Lewis was just coming into his own as a player the Celtics could build a team around when he suddenly died on July 27th, 1993 at the age of 27. He was at an off-season practice when he died of a sudden cardiac death. Lewis played 6 years for the Celtics appearing in 450 games (352 starts) in the regular season and he averaged 32.6 minutes, 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Lewis also played very well in the playoffs for the Celtics. He played in 42 games in his post season career and he averaged 30.4 minutes, 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Lewis shot 51% from the floor in the playoffs in his career and that is outstanding. Lewis is gone but not forgotten as he was a soul set free way too early from this Earth.

Rajon Rondo has finally been getting the recognition he deserves in the past year, but this guy’s numbers just keep getting better.  He was a talented rookie filled with potential, who averaged only 6.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.  That was only a glimpse of the player Rondo would become.  He has improved his numbers every year, and is now averaging 13.5 points, 9.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.6 steals.  What is probably most impressive is Rondo’s field goal percentage, which improved from 41% his rookie year, to 53% this year.  Rondo still needs to his outside shot and his free throw shooting, as he is not much of threat beyond 20 feet and is hitting only 11% of his threes and 60% of his free throws.  Rondo’s athleticism counters that though, and his alleyoop finish to win the game last night against Miami with 0.6 seconds was nothing short of amazing.  There is probably only one other point guard in my mind that could come close to finishing that play, and that would be the Chicago Bulls’ guard Derrick Rose.  Those two had a great battle in last year’s playoffs, and it will be a great rivalry to watch for years to come.

The Celtics have waived rookie shooting guard Lester Hudson. Hudson played in 16 games (0 starts) for the Celtics this season and he averaged 4.4 minutes, 1.4 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists. The Celtics didn’t have much playing time to offer Hudson so they likely did him a favor by letting him go.

With Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce out of action due to injuries the Celtics really need Rasheed Wallace to step up. Wallace has played in 31 games (2 starts) this season for the Celtics and he is averaging 21.6 minutes, 9.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. But, it’s Wallace’s shooting which has been way off this season as he is only hitting 38.7% from the floor and 28.1% from three point range. He starting to look like a player who is on the downside of his career which is not good news for the Celtics who need him to step up right now.