1999–2000 Boston Celtics season explained

The 1999–00 NBA season was the 54th season for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association.[1] During the off-season, the Celtics acquired Danny Fortson, and former Celtics forward Eric Williams from the Denver Nuggets,[2] [3] [4] [5] and signed free agents Calbert Cheaney,[6] [7] [8] and undrafted rookie guard Adrian Griffin.[9] [10] [11] In their third season under head coach Rick Pitino, the Celtics won their first three games, but played below .500 for the first few months, holding a 21–28 record at the All-Star break.[12]

At mid-season, the team traded Fortson to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Alvin Williams, but the trade was voided due to Williams failing his physical exam; Fortson only played 55 games this season due to a stress fracture in his right foot.[13] [14] [15] [16] The Celtics struggled and suffered a ten-game losing streak between March and April, but managed to win five of their final six games, finishing fifth in the Atlantic Division with a 35–47 record, and missing the playoffs again for the fifth straight season.[17]

Second-year star Paul Pierce had a stellar season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game, while Antoine Walker averaged 20.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, and Kenny Anderson contributed 14.0 points, 5.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game. In addition, Vitaly Potapenko provided the team with 9.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and Griffin provided with 6.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Off the bench, Fortson averaged 7.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, while Williams and Dana Barros both contributed 7.2 points per game each, and Tony Battie provided with 6.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.[18]

This season also reached a breaking point for the Celtics, after a 96–94 home loss to the Raptors on March 1, 2000, where All-Star guard Vince Carter hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, which even drew cheers from the Celtics fans at the Fleet Center; Pitino went on a legendary rant in his post-game interview, wherein he blamed fans and the media for being negative towards the Celtics, and demanded them to stop reliving past glories; best remembered by the phrase "walking through that door", as he referred to retired Celtics legends Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, who all won three championships with the team in the 1980s.[19] [20] [21] [22] [23] This would not leave Celtics fans nor the Boston media any more satiated, and contributed to his eventual downfall.

Following the season, the Celtics were involved in a four-team trade, as Barros was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, while Fortson was dealt to the Golden State Warriors.[24] [25] [26] [27] However, Barros never played for the Mavericks, as he was traded to the Detroit Pistons two months later.[28] [29] [30] Meanwhile, Cheaney was traded to the Denver Nuggets,[31] [32] [33] [34] and Pervis Ellison signed as a free agent with the Seattle SuperSonics.[35] [36] For the season, the team added their alternate logo of a cloverleaf above the shorts of their uniforms.[37] [38]

Draft picks

See main article: article and 1999 NBA draft.

Roster

Roster Notes

Regular season

Record vs. opponents

1999-2000 NBA Records
width=100TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAVANWAS
Atlanta– 1–3 1–3 3–1 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–4 1–1 3–1 2–1 0–3 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 2–2 0–2 1–1 1–3
Boston3–1 – 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–1 2–0 0–3 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–2 0–2 3–1 2–2 2–2 1–3 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 3–1
Charlotte3–1 3–1 – 4–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 0–2 2–2 3–1 2–0 2–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 2–0 3–0
Chicago1–3 2–2 0–4 – 1–3 0–2 1–1 1–3 0–2 0–2 1–3 2–0 0–2 2–2 1–3 0–2 2–1 0–3 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–2
Cleveland1–3 2–2 1–3 3–1 – 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 2–0 0–2 0–3 1–3 0–2 2–2 3–1 2–1 0–4 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–4 0–2 2–0 3–1
Dallas2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 – 3–1 2–0 4–0 1–3 1–1 4–0 1–3 0–2 0–2 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 3–1 2–2 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–1 1–3 3–1 1–1
Denver1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–3 – 1–1 2–2 2–2 0–2 3–1 1–3 0–2 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–0 2–2 2–2 1–1
Detroit3–1 3–0 2–2 3–1 2–2 0–2 1–1 – 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 2–2 3–1 0–2 2–1 1–3 2–2 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 0–2 2–0 2–2
Golden State2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–2 0–2 – 1–3 0–2 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–1 1–3 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–4 0–4 1–3 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–4 3–1 1–1
Houston1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–2 1–1 3–1 – 0–2 4–0 2–2 1–1 0–2 0–4 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–3 0–4 1–3 0–2 1–3 2–2 1–1
Indiana3–1 3–1 2–2 3–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 2–0 – 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–1 2–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–1
L.A. Clippers1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 1–3 0–2 3–1 0–4 1–1 – 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–4 1–3 0–4 1–3 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–1
L.A. Lakers2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 4–0 2–2 1–1 4–0 – 2–0 2–0 4–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 2–2 3–1 1–3 3–1 1–1 3–1 4–0 1–1
Miami2–2 3–1 2–2 2–2 3–0 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–0 0–2 – 2–2 2–0 2–2 3–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 4–0
Milwaukee4–0 2–1 1–3 3–1 3–1 2–0 0–2 1–3 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 0–2 2–2 – 0–2 1–3 0–4 4–0 0–3 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 3–1
Minnesota1–1 2–0 0–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–2 2–0 3–1 4–0 1–1 3–1 0–4 0–2 2–0 – 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 3–1 2–2 2–0 3–1 4–0 0–2
New Jersey1–3 1–3 1–2 1–2 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–2 3–1 1–1 – 1–3 3–2 1–3 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–3
New York1–2 2–2 3–1 3–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 4–0 1–1 3–1 – 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–3 0–2 2–0 2–2
Orlando3–0 2–2 2–2 4–0 1–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 2–0 1–2 2–0 0–2 1–3 0–4 1–1 2–3 1–3 – 2–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 2–0 4–0
Philadelphia4–0 3–1 1–3 4–0 4–0 2–0 0–2 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 3–0 1–1 3–1 1–3 2–2 – 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 3–0 1–1 2–0 3–1
Phoenix2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–3 3–1 2–0 4–0 2–2 1–1 4–0 0–4 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 – 1–3 4–0 2–2 2–2 1–1 0–4 4–0 2–0
Portland2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 4–0 2–2 0–2 4–0 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 3–1 – 4–0 3–1 4–0 1–1 3–1 3–1 2–0
Sacramento0–2 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–2 2–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 3–1 1–3 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–4 0–4 – 3–1 2–2 1–1 1–3 3–1 2–0
San Antonio2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–2 3–1 1–1 4–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 3–1 1–1 0–2 1–3 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–3 1–3 – 2–2 1–1 2–2 4–0 1–1
Seattle1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 3–1 0–2 4–0 3–1 1–1 3–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–4 2–2 2–2 – 0–2 2–2 4–0 2–0
Toronto2–2 2–2 1–3 4–0 4–0 1–1 0–2 2–2 2–0 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 2–1 2–2 0–2 2–2 3–1 2–2 0–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 – 1–1 1–1 2–2
Utah2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–2 2–0 4–0 3–1 0–2 4–0 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–3 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 4–0 1–3 3–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 – 3–1 2–0
Vancouver1–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 1–3 2–2 0–2 1–3 2–2 0–2 3–1 0–4 1–1 1–1 0–4 2–0 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–3 0–4 0–4 1–1 1–3 – 1–1
Washington3–1 1–3 0–3 2–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 1–3 2–0 3–1 2–2 0–4 1–3 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–2 1–1 —

Game log

Player statistics

Regular season

|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 82 || 82 || 31.6 || .440 || .386 || .775 || 2.7 || 5.1 || 1.7 || .1 || 14.0|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 72 || 0 || 15.8 || .451 || .410 || .868 || 1.4 || 1.8 || .4 || .1 || 7.2|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 82 || 4 || 18.4 || .477 || .125 || .675 || 5.0 || .8 || .6 || .9 || 6.6|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 67 || 19 || 19.5 || .440 || .333 || .429 || 2.1 || 1.2 || .7 || .2 || 4.0|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 30 || 5 || 9.0 || .442 || || .714 || 2.2 || .4 || .3 || .3 || 1.8|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 55 || 5 || 15.6 || .528 || || .735 || 6.7 || .5 || .4 || .1 || 7.6|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 72 || 47 || 26.8 || .424 || .281 || .753 || 5.2 || 2.5 || 1.6 || .2 || 6.7|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 61 || 5 || 14.4 || .339 || .309 || .722 || 1.8 || 1.1 || .4 || .4 || 3.8|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 48 || 0 || 9.0 || .396 || .357 || .952 || .7 || 1.1 || .2 || .0 || 3.2|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 73 || 72 || 35.4 || .442 || .343 || .798 || 5.4 || 3.0 || 2.1 || .8 || 19.5|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 79 || 72 || 22.7 || .499 || .000 || .681 || 6.3 || 1.0 || .5 || .4 || 9.2|- | style="text-align:left;"|†| 3 || 0 || 6.3 || .500 || .000 || 1.000 || .7 || .7 || .0 || .0 || 3.7|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 3 || 0 || 13.7 || .167 || || .333 || 1.0 || 1.7 || .0 || .0 || 1.3|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 82 || 82 || 36.6 || .430 || .256 || .699 || 8.0 || 3.7 || 1.4 || .4 || 20.5|- | style="text-align:left;"|| 68 || 17 || 20.3 || .427 || .347 || .793 || 2.3 || 1.4 || .6 || .2 || 7.2|}

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2000.html 1999-2000 Boston Celtics
  2. News: Associated Press . Celtics Trade Mercer in Six-Player Deal . Los Angeles Times . August 4, 1999 . September 15, 2022.
  3. News: Greenberg . Alan . Celts Cash Out on Mercer . Hartford Courant . August 4, 1999 . December 15, 2022.
  4. News: Associated Press . NBA Teams Get Busy Trading and Signing . Deseret News . August 4, 1999 . July 3, 2023.
  5. News: NBA Trade Roundup . Associated Press . August 4, 1999 . October 14, 2021.
  6. News: Associated Press . PLUS: PRO BASKETBALL -- BOSTON; Cheaney Headed to the Celtics . The New York Times . August 6, 1999 . September 16, 2022.
  7. News: Associated Press . Magic's Gone, So Hardaway Traded . Los Angeles Times . August 6, 1999 . July 4, 2023.
  8. News: Wyche . Steve . Wizards Lose Cheaney to the Celtics . The Washington Post . August 6, 1999 . October 3, 2022.
  9. News: Goldberg . Jeff . Dues Paid, Griffin Joins Club at Last . Hartford Courant . October 6, 1999 . October 12, 2022.
  10. News: Wise . Mike . 1999–2000 N.B.A. PREVIEW; The West Is Still the Best . The New York Times . October 31, 1999 . January 13, 2022.
  11. News: Berman . Marc . The Hall's Griffin Finds Home in Boston After CBA Journey . New York Post . November 13, 1999 . July 4, 2023.
  12. News: NBA Games Played on February 10, 2000 . Basketball-Reference . July 22, 2022.
  13. News: Associated Press . Fortson Back with Celtics . CBS News . February 11, 2000 . March 28, 2023.
  14. News: Celtics Cancel Trade with Raptors . Associated Press . February 11, 2000 . October 17, 2022.
  15. News: Gardner . Kris . Fortson Dealt to Toronto . The Houston Roundball Review . February 11, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  16. News: Associated Press . N.B.A. ROUNDUP -- BOSTON; Trade Rescinded After Williams Flunks Physical . The New York Times . February 12, 2000 . October 17, 2022.
  17. Web site: 1999–2000 Boston Celtics Schedule and Results. Basketball-Reference. July 15, 2021.
  18. Web site: 1999–2000 Boston Celtics Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. July 15, 2021.
  19. News: Associated Press . Pitino Frustrated in Post-Game Comments . ESPN . March 1, 2000 . July 5, 2023.
  20. News: Associated Press . Carter Is Mr. Big Shot in Victory Over Celtics . Los Angeles Times . March 2, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  21. News: MacLeod . Robert . Carter Shot Steals a Win . The Globe and Mail . March 2, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  22. News: Thompson . Jack . Pitino Rips Boston Fans, Media as Celtics' Frustration Grows . Chicago Tribune . March 3, 2000 . March 28, 2023.
  23. News: Associated Press . Celtics' Failures Have Pitino Feeling Some Heat; Boston Coach Blaming Media for City's Bad Attitude Toward Team . Deseret News . March 6, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  24. News: Buckley . Tim . Jazz Make Deal for Marshall . Deseret News . August 14, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  25. News: Staff and Wire Reports . Marshall, Eisley Included in Four-Team NBA Trade . Los Angeles Times . August 15, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  26. News: Associated Press . Four NBA Teams in 9-Man Swap . CBS News . August 16, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  27. News: Associated Press . PLUS: PRO BASKETBALL; 4 N.B.A. Teams Involved in Trade . The New York Times . August 17, 2000 . October 12, 2022.
  28. News: Gardner . Kris . Dallas, Detroit Complete Three-Player Deal . The Houston Roundball Review . October 17, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  29. News: CBC Sports . Mavs Get Vaught from Pistons for Barros and Sesay . CBC . October 17, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  30. News: Mavericks Acquire Loy Vaught from Pistons . United Press International . October 17, 2000 . January 5, 2022.
  31. News: Reuters . PLUS: PRO BASKETBALL; Pack Trade to Nuggets Official . The New York Times . October 17, 2000 . January 11, 2022.
  32. News: Associated Press . Celtics, Nuggets Complete Four-Player Trade . Los Angeles Times . October 17, 2000 . October 19, 2022.
  33. News: Nuggets-Celtics Trade Official . Orlando Sentinel . October 17, 2000 . November 8, 2024.
  34. News: Gardner . Kris . Pack Returns to Nuggets . The Houston Roundball Review . October 29, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  35. News: Sun Sports . THE NBA: Fans Get First Look at Sonics in Scrimmage . Kitsap Sun . October 24, 2000 . July 4, 2023.
  36. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; West Side Story, the Sequel . The New York Times . October 30, 2000 . September 12, 2022.
  37. News: Boston Celtics Uniform . Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. . January 22, 2022.
  38. News: Boston Celtics Uniform . Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. . January 22, 2022.
  39. News: Goldberg . Jeff . Celtics Hope Upgrade Holds Up for Y2k . Hartford Courant . October 5, 1999 . October 12, 2022.

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