Me, Lofton And The Celtics

Thirteen years ago, I interviewed former Vol Steve Hamer just after he was drafted in the 2nd round by the Boston Celtics. It's not often I let long established team-loyalties impact my daily work.  But on that day, as thrilled as Hamer was to be drafted-- I was equally thrilled to be interviewing a guy I really respect-- who was selected by a team I really like.

Truth be told, my passion for the Celtics isn't life-long, like it is with the Red Sox. As a youngster-- I was a huge Los Angeles Lakers fan. It was back in the days of Wilt, West, and Goodrich.

But spending summers in New England as a teenager, and actually living and working there in the mid-1980s transformed me. Parish, Bird, and McHale also had something to do with it. 

So, although Hamer never made it in Boston-- it's good to hear former Vol Chris Lofton is getting his chance. Lofton's been invited to play with the Celtics' summer league team-- and who knows, it could lead to a full-time job with the NBA's most tradition-rich franchise.

Don't count-out Chris' chances. He was neglected by his home-state Kentucky Wildcats, but went on to become a star player in the SEC at Tennessee. He spent last season playing pro ball in Turkey.

It would be a thrill to see him wearing Celtic green in 2009.