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Thursday, February 22, 2007

RIP DJ


This afternoon I heard on the radio that one of my favorite Celtic Legends passed away.

Dennis Johnson aka "DJ"

He helped bring two championships to Boston in 84 and 86. This was a time when I was growing up that the Celtics were kings. Basketball during that era was absolutely incredible. With the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Rockets, 76'ers, and Bulls toward the end. It was hard not to be a fan. 80's basketball will never be replaced.

I will never forget DJ. In fact last week after working out, I went down to the basketball court with Silent Steve to shoot some hoops. Halfway through I stopped at the free throw line and said to S.S. "Who am I?"

I then imitated DJ's free throwing ritual. I always did it when I was little. He takes the ball, bounces it three times in front of him slowly. Puts it against his belly, bounces it again, breathes, brings it up to his belly, rubs it like he's bloated from a huge dinner, his cheeks fill up with air and he lifts the ball, exhales and shoots...

It's always sad when someone passes away. It's especially sad when they are still so young. He was only 52. When Red Auerbach passed it was almost expected. He was up there in age and when you found it it wasn't a big surprise. Now that's two Celtic Legends in a years time.

Hey Big Guy! Give us a break for a little bit will ya!!!

My condolences go out to his family and also to the Celtic family. He gave me some wonderful memories growing up. He was the ultimate team player.

Rest in peace DJ.

Here is one of my favorite moments...

3 comments:

Gal on the Go said...

Well done! I couldn't have said it better myself.

furiousBall said...

As a Sixers fan growing up I hated DJ, solely because he was such a damn good player. Sad loss for the sporting world, but worse for his family.

Why Anna Nicole's passing gets more ink than this guy's is beyond me.

ThePapaDog said...

Don't even get me started on the whole Anna Nicole thing...

I heard earlier today that for his free throws he bounced the ball for the amount of years he played in the league.

I never knew that...