Today in Boston Celtics history is a day of basketball births, with four players who, in their own unique ways, contributed to the rich tapestry of the franchise. While their careers spanned different eras and their impacts varied, each player—Demetrius Jackson, Jack Hewson, Togo Palazzi, and Clyde Lovellette—holds a place in the team’s extensive record books. Their stories, from the Hall of Fame to the fleeting moment, speak to the vast number of athletes who have donned the iconic green and white jersey.
Demetrius Jackson: A Modern Chapter
Born on this day in 1994, Demetrius Jackson represents the most recent chapter of this group’s connection to the Celtics. A guard known for his explosive athleticism, Jackson was a highly-touted prospect coming out of Notre Dame. The Celtics drafted him in the second round of the 2016 NBA draft.
Jackson’s time with the Celtics was brief, but it reflects the modern era of the NBA where players often move between the G League and the main roster. He spent time with the Maine Red Claws (the Celtics’ G League affiliate) and had limited opportunities on the court in Boston. While his stint was short, it serves as a reminder that every player, regardless of their time on the floor, is a part of the team’s history. His career, while not reaching the heights many hoped for, highlights the constant churn and development of talent that a franchise like the Celtics relies on.
Jack Hewson and the Early Days
Stepping back in time, we find Jack Hewson, who was born in 1924. Hewson’s connection to the Celtics came in the early, formative years of the franchise. A 6’6″ forward, Hewson was selected by the Celtics in the fifth round of the 1948 BAA Draft.
His time in Boston was fleeting, but it places him among the pioneers of the organization. He was part of the Celtics’ fourth-ever season, playing under coach Alvin Julian. The Celtics of this era were a far cry from the dynasty that would emerge a decade later. They were a struggling team in a nascent league. Hewson’s single season with the club is a small but important footnote, illustrating the initial building blocks that would eventually lead to the franchise’s legendary status. These early players, who played in small gyms and traveled under less-than-glamorous conditions, laid the groundwork for the generations of Celtics greats to come.
Togo Palazzi: A Champion’s Teammate
Born in 1932, Togo Palazzi played a more significant role in the Celtics’ history than many casual fans might remember. A 6’4″ guard/forward, Palazzi was a local hero from Union City, New Jersey, who made a name for himself at Holy Cross. The Celtics drafted him with the fifth overall pick in the 1954 NBA draft.
Palazzi played two seasons for the Celtics, where he averaged 5.3 points per game. His career with the team overlapped with the beginning of a new era. In his second and final season in Boston, the Celtics drafted a young center named Bill Russell. While Palazzi was traded before he could win a championship with the team, his time in Boston saw the arrival of the cornerstone of the greatest dynasty in sports history. His career then took him to the Syracuse Nationals, where he continued to contribute. Palazzi’s place in Celtics history is a fascinating “what if” story—a talented player who just missed out on the glory years that were dawning in his final season with the team.
Clyde Lovellette: The Hall of Famer
Without a doubt, the most accomplished player born on this day is Clyde Lovellette, born in 1929. A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Lovellette’s legendary career included three NBA championships, two of which were with the Boston Celtics.
Lovellette was a trailblazer. He was the first player to win a championship at every major level: NCAA (with the Kansas Jayhawks), the Olympics (with Team USA), and the NBA. Standing at 6’9″, he was a formidable center known for his bruising style of play and his unique one-handed set shot.
He joined the Celtics for the final two seasons of his career, in 1962 and 1963. By this time, he was a veteran, but his role was invaluable. As the backup to Bill Russell, he provided depth and a different offensive look off the bench, contributing to the championship teams of 1963 and 1964. His presence, experience, and scoring ability were crucial in a time when the Celtics were a well-oiled machine. Lovellette’s Celtics tenure, while short, cemented his legacy as one of the few players to be part of multiple championship teams in multiple leagues. His story is a perfect example of a great player who, at the end of his career, embraced a new role to contribute to a championship-level team, securing two more titles for himself and the Celtics franchise.
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