Len Bias, a University of Maryland forward selected second overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA Draft, died of a cocaine overdose just two days later.
His death at age 22 sent shockwaves through the league and altered the trajectory of the Celtics franchise.
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The 6-foot-8 star averaged 23.2 points as a college senior.
On June 19, 1986, he suffered cardiac arrhythmia after consuming cocaine at a campus party celebrating his draft selection.
Impact on the Celtics
Former Celtics front-office employee Jeff Twiss recalled the optimism surrounding team president Red Auerbach's scouting.
"Whatever Red saw, Red felt, and Red anticipated, usually it was pretty spot on and led to pretty good results," Twiss said.
Twiss interacted with Bias during media obligations at Boston Garden just before the tragedy.
"Inside, I’m sure [Bias] was overexcited about being drafted by the Celtics and coming to Boston.
But on the outside he very much portrayed it as a very business and very distinguished manner," Twiss said.
Bias expressed enthusiasm about joining the reigning champions. "We’re going to have some fun this year," he told team staff.
The organization envisioned Bias learning from legends like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish without immediate pressure.
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"He would not have had to put pressure on himself to be the man. We already had six of those," Twiss said.
