Today in Boston Celtics history, Dave Popson signed with the team as an unrestricted free agent in 1990. The 6-foot-10 power forward played his college basketball at the University of North Carolina. After his NCAA era, he was selected 88th overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons in an era when the draft included several additional rounds more than it does today. Popson had brief tenures with the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat before joining the Celtics. He also played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and spent time overseas with clubs in France and Spain. Popson played just 19 games for Boston, averaging 1.8 points per game with the team.
Historic milestones It is also the date the Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex during the COVID-19 pandemic. Boston beat Philadelphia, 109-101, despite 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 steals from Sixers big man Joel Embiid. Jayson Tatum exploded for 32 points, 13 boards, and 3 blocks for the Celtics, then a playoff career high. Behind 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists from fellow wing Jaylen Brown and 19 points and 5 assists from point guard Kemba Walker, Boston secured the win. "It’s true that Jayson Tatum to start was excellent," said 76ers head coach Brett Brown via the Associated Press. "You have to give them credit for how good they are at creating their own shot." This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Today in Boston Celtics history: Popson signs: G1 of COVID bubble 1st round vs. 76ers won