Re: May Day etc.

[Mike Dynon <mdynon@ix.netcom.com>]

Jo Hironaka wrote:
> Okay, finally getting to my point, what do you all think about starting
> a list among us of unsung Celtics guys who gave us their money's worth
> every night?

My nominee is Don Chaney, my all-time favorite player.  As a non-shooter
in my own playing days, I loved watching good defenders, and the "Duck"
was one of the best.

He somewhat bridged the gap between KC Jones and DJ as the Celtics'
defensive specialist in the backcourt.  Chaney's rookie year was Bill
Russell's last (68-69), and Chaney retired after Bird's rookie season
(79-80), making him the only player ever to be a teammate of both Celtic
greats.  In between, Duck played on two title winners, was a perennial
all-defensive selection, and broke my heart by being the only Celt ever
to jump to the ABA.  He ended up back in the NBA with LA, and returned
to Boston in the trade that acquired Kermit Washington.

Even as a starter, Duck was essentially a role player on the team with
Havlicek, Cowens, Silas and JoJo.  One of my greatest fan highlights was
being at Madison Square Garden the night Chaney scored his career-high
32 points against the Knicks.  How much did I like him?  My dog of that
era was named "Chaney."

(Sorry if I bored anyone!) 

Mike Dynon
North Kingstown, RI