Today in Boston Celtics history, the team traded star center Dave Cowens to the Milwaukee Bucks for point guard Quinn Buckner in 1982. Although Cowens had retired from the team in 1980, citing his supposed declining physical health and the need for fresh talent in Boston's frontcourt, he made the surprise decision to return to the court just two seasons later.
The Newport, Kentucky, native, who had been drafted out of Florida State University by the Celtics with the fourth overall pick of the 1970 NBA draft, had only played for the Celtics franchise, which still held his rights. The former Seminole convinced Boston to deal him to the Bucks (coached by one-time teammate Don Nelson) in exchange for Buckner to satisfy their contractual obligations.
Cowens played 40 more games for Milwaukee before retiring for good as a player.
While his Milwaukee stint was not especially noteworthy, he won two titles, an All-Star game and regular MVP award, eight All-Star bids, and several other honors in his 10 seasons with the Celtics.
Birthdays
It is also the birthday of ex-Celtic center Steve Downing, who won a title with Cowens as a backup big behind him in 1974. Downing was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1950, and drafted by Boston with the 17th pick of the 1973 NBA Draft out of Indiana University.
The former Hoosier played 27 games over two seasons for the Celtics between that year and 1975.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Today in Boston Celtics history: Dave Cowens traded; Steve Downing born
