Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 30, 1994 TAG: 9401300140
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BOSTON LENGTH: Medium
\ He couldn't run fast or jump high. His moves were unusual and unstoppable. He was one of the greatest forwards in NBA history during a 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. Then injuries forced him to retire.
Larry Bird?
No.
This time it's Kevin McHale. The man who labored so tirelessly in Bird's shadow gets the spotlight to himself when his number 32 is retired today.
Less than five hours before the Super Bowl, McHale will be honored at halftime of the game between the Celtics and the Phoenix Suns. It won't match the two-hour, star-studded retirement ceremony for Bird last Feb. 4, but that's not McHale's style.
While his wit lets him thrive in the limelight, he's content not to plunge into it.
"If he was bothered because he had to live in Larry's shadow, it was very minimal compared to the joy that came with winning championships," Celtics senior executive vice president Dave Gavitt said. "What happens to a player like Kevin is a lot of times a lot of people around him, friends, are maybe more bothered by it than he is. If that person's personality listens to that a lot, he dwells on it.
"But Kevin's personality, his sense of himself, his confidence level was too great for that."
McHale, a college star at Minnesota, joined the Celtics one year after Bird's arrival in 1979-80. Robert Parish came the same year, and the trio formed perhaps the best frontcourt in NBA history.
"They were like the Beatles, all different personalities," Boston guard Dee Brown said. Parish "is the shy one, Kevin's the loud one, Larry's the popular one."
They led the Celtics to three NBA titles, the last in 1986. Then age and injuries contributed to a decline that has reached a low point this season. The retirement of McHale, beset by foot and ankle problems, and death of Reggie Lewis contributed to the team's sub-.500 record.
"I miss what was. I don't miss what is and what was the last couple of years," McHale said at a Celtics practice last Tuesday where he brought four of his five children. "I miss what was when we were a good team. I miss winning 60 games [a season], winning championships, playing with the Danny Ainges, the Larry Birds, the Robert Parishes, the DJs [Dennis Johnsons], the other great players and the great times."
Unlike many retired Celtic stars, he returned to his home state rather than resettle permanently in Massachusetts. He broadcasts Minnesota Timberwolves games and coaches their big men.
"It's fun," he said of his broadcasting. "It keeps you involved in the game."
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB