32 years ago came one of the most unforgettable days in NBA History, the passing of a Maryland legend in the making. 

With the hundreds of professional sports teams in existence today, remains the daunting two words of “what if”. What if the Red Sox trade for Alex Rodriguez got finalized in 2003? What if Michael Jordan hadn’t spent the 1994 season pursuing a professional baseball career? What if Drew Brees had passed his physical and signed with the Miami Dolphins? However perhaps the biggest sports “what if” surrounds the Boston Celtics and their 1986 Draft selection. Tragedy before greatness. That was the life of soon-to-be basketball phenom, Len Bias. A 22-year old some compared to the skillset of Michael Jordan. A 22-year old set to carry on the Boston Celtics winning tradition alongside names such as Larry Bird and Dennis Johnson. All gone in the span of a few days after being welcomed into the NBA.


Len Bias taking on the one and only Michael Jordan

The story of Len Bias began in Landover, Maryland, back in 1963. That was the day a hometown legend was born. Bias was one of four children and raised by James and Lonise Bias. His father James worked as an electrical repairman while his mother worked as a banker. It didn’t take very long to discover the excellence that was Bias on the basketball floor. A fate that could be seen paved from a mile away. In High School Bias was well known for his superhuman like athleticism at such a young age. In fact a former fellow player, Reginald Adams stated “he’d hump and his knees would be in my teeth”. Just one of many verbal praises of the incomprehensible talent that was Len Bias.

That talent wouldn’t go unrecognized post high school as division 1, Maryland would welcome Bias on a full scholarship. It was there that Bias would put together quite he senior year with NBA teams watching. 23.2 points and 7.0 rebounds was the send-off season for Bias in Maryland. However most importantly he caught the attention of one Red Auerbach who had helped lead the Boston Celtics to the 1986 NBA Finals Title. The teams 16th championship.


Len Bias moments after officially becoming a Boston Celtic on 1986 Draft night.

Then came draft night, June 17, 1986. The night Bias waited for his entire life had finally arrived and became a reality. The Boston Celtics had selected Len Bias with the 2nd overall selection. Unfortunately that glorious night would soon become an unforgettable nightmare in the span of just 48 hours. Bias collapsed and his life came to an end due to a cocaine overdose. He instantly became one of many who fell victim to this infamous era that stains the NBA’s History to this day. Gone at just 22 years old.


Family and friends carrying the casket of Len Bias during his funeral on June 19, 1986.

I personally recall hearing about Bias via my father who was an avid Boston Celtics fan since the 80’s. An era for Boston which featured basketball legends, Larry Bird, Rick Carslie, and Dennis Johnson. However when hearing this story, it was incomparable to say the least for someone who grew up in the 2008-11 big three era. Being a Celtics fan, I grew up on names such as Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. Yet the story of a Maryland legend with sights and expectations of being one of the league’s greatest, is one that I personally will never forget.