Boston’s Big Changes in 1988

Big changes were in store for the Celtics during the 1988-89 season when K.C. Jones became VP of basketball operations and longtime assistant coach Jimmy Rodgers became head coach. On the court, the Celtics faced a setback as Larry Bird played in only six games. The team struggled to a 42-40 finish and a first-round playoff sweep by the Detroit Pistons. With Bird injured and Danny Ainge traded mid-season, some younger players tried to fill in the gaps, including second-year Northeastern University product Reggie Lewis and All-Rookie team selection Brian Shaw.