Today in Boston Celtics history, the inaugural All-Star Game in NBA history took place at the historic Boston Garden in 1951. The concept for the game was developed by NBA President Maurice Podoloff, NBA Publicity Director Haskell Cohen, and Boston Celtics owner Walter A. Brown during a league meeting in the 1950-51 NBA season.
Still smarting from the shame of a collegiate point-shaving scandal that would get the University of Kentucky the only NCAA “death penalty” ban ever handed out, the professional aspect of the sport was looking for a way to boost its public image. The league settled on the now-annual exhibition to do it. Brown offered to host the event at his expense and set the tradition in motion.
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The East defeated the West 111-94 and, fittingly, star Celtic forward Easy Ed Macaulay was named All-Star Most Valuable Player, scoring 20 points.
Birthdays
Today is also the birthday of former Celtic guard John Hazen, born this day in 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. Hazen played for Boston in its Basketball Association of America (BAA — a precursor league to the NBA) in its second season of 1948-49, after playing collegiately for Indiana State University. He appeared in just six games for the Celtics, averaging 3 points per game.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 17: Confetti covers the Boston Celtics logo after Boston’s 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Hazen shares his birthday with Celtic fan favorite forward Jonas Jerebko, who was born on March 2 in Kinna, Sweden in 1987. Jerebko was drafted by the Detroit Pistons after beginning his career playing overseas, and was dealt with Luigi Datome to Boston in 2015. The Swedish Larry Bird played parts of three seasons with the Celtics. He averaged 4.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game with the team before leaving to join the Golden State Warriors in 2018.
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Gone too soon
Finally, today’s the day we lost Clarence “Kleggie” Henry Hermsen in 1994.
Mar 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen on the court before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Hill City native played his NCAA ball at Minnesota, and with the (defunct) Cleveland Rebels, (also defunct) Toronto Huskies (yep, defunct) Baltimore Bullets, (still defunct) Washington Capitals, and Tri-Cities Black Hawks (now, Atlanta Hawks) before he was dealt to Boston. Over two seasons, Hermsen logged 5.6 points and 4.8 boards per game with the Celtics — rest in peace.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: 1st ASG at Garden; Hazen, Jerebko born; Hermsen passes