The Boston Celtics pulled off one of the greatest heists in sports history a few years ago in a lopsided trade with the Brooklyn Nets — a deal that continues to look better and better for the C’s.
The Celtics sent aging veterans Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry and a guy named D.J. White to Brooklyn in 2013, acquiring five players and three (!) first-round picks, as well as the right to swap first-round picks in 2017.
The Nets continue to stink, making those picks look even better. The Celtics used the 2016 pick, the No. 3 selection overall, on Jaylen Brown, who made his NBA debut Wednesday night as Boston opened its season at home against Brooklyn.
When Brown went to the free-throw line early in the game, Celtics fans were ready to give the Nets a (likely unneeded) reminder of their folly.
Brown played nearly 20 minutes in his debut, scoring nine points and grabbing a couple of rebounds in the Celtics’ win.
Thumbnail photo via Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports Images
