Today we mark the birthdays of two former Boston Celtics who left their marks in different ways. One arrived as a college champion, the other as a tough rebounder. Both moved through several NBA teams before their time in green.

Ed Pinckney: Villanova champ to steady big man

Edward "Ed" Lewis Pinckney was born in 1963 in the Bronx, New York. He starred at Villanova and was part of the Wildcats team that won the 1985 national championship. That same year he was selected 10th overall in the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns.

Pinckney was traded to the Sacramento Kings early in his career. In 1989 Boston acquired him along with Joe Kleine in exchange for Danny Ainge and Brad Lohaus. Pinckney spent six seasons with the Celtics, averaging 6.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while in Boston.

After his stint in Boston he was later sent to the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade that included Andrei Fetisov and brought Blue Edwards and Derek Strong to the Celtics.

Danny Fortson: Short but physical Celtics chapter

Danny Fortson was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He played college basketball at Cincinnati and was taken 10th overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. On draft night he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. A little later Denver moved him to Boston as part of a deal that also involved Eric Washington and Eric Williams, with Boston sending Popeye Jones, Ron Mercer, and Dwayne Schintzius the other way.

Fortson played one season with the Celtics in 1999-2000, averaging 7.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He was later included in a multi-team trade that also involved Dana Barros and resulted in Boston receiving Robert Pack, Hot Rod Williams, cash, and draft considerations.

Short recap:

  • Ed Pinckney: Born 1963, Villanova national champion (1985), 10th overall pick, six seasons with Boston, averaged 6.1 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Celtics.
  • Danny Fortson: Born in Altoona, played at Cincinnati, 10th overall pick in 1997, one season with Boston (1999-2000), averaged 7.6 points and 6.7 rebounds.

Two different careers, same birthday nod from Celtics history. If you are a fan of records or trade paperwork, both of these players offer a neat snapshot of how roster building used to look.