In the storied history of the

Boston Celtics

, the retired jerseys hanging in the TD Garden rafters honor legends who shaped the franchise. Among them is No. 35, a tribute to

Reggie Lewis

, whose life and career were cut heartbreakingly short. Though his time in the NBA was brief,

Lewis

made an unforgettable impact on and off the court. His tragic passing in 1993, at just 27 years old, remains a poignant chapter in Celtics history—a story of promise, tragedy, and a legacy that still echoes today.

On July 27, 1993, the Boston Celtics’ world turned upside down. During what should have been a routine offseason workout at Brandeis University, Reggie Lewis collapsed on the court. He had suffered sudden cardiac death. Paramedics and doctors did everything they could, but there was no bringing him back.
Just weeks before his passing, Lewis had played in his final NBA game, Game 1 of the Celtics' first-round playoff series against the Charlotte Hornets. During the match, he collapsed on the court and, though initially able to get up, appeared disoriented. He briefly returned to the game, ending with 17 points in 13 minutes before being ruled out.

Doctors diagnosed Lewis with focal cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that could have ended his career. However, a second opinion provided a more hopeful diagnosis: neurocardiogenic syncope, a less severe condition that allowed him to plan a return to basketball. Tragically, that comeback never came.
The official cause of death was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle thickens and struggles to pump blood effectively. It’s a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, especially in high-intensity sports like basketball and football.
Controversy arose when The Wall Street Journal published a report suggesting possible cocaine use, a claim that hit hard. The Celtics, fiercely protective of Lewis's reputation, threatened a $100 million lawsuit. The autopsy later confirmed there was no evidence of drug use. Instead, Lewis's heart tissue showed signs of adenovirus, which can cause flu-like symptoms.

Drafted 22nd overall by Boston in 1987, Reggie Lewis quickly proved he wasn’t just another rookie. His first season saw him contribute to a Celtics team that reached the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals. By his second season, it was clear he was something special. Many saw him as Larry Bird’s successor.
He earned an All-Star spot during Bird’s last season and became a leader in the post-Bird era. When he led Boston to a 48-win season, it felt like the start of something new. But the future never came.
Two years after his death, the Celtics retired his No. 35 jersey. It was a gesture of respect, of course, but also a way of keeping his memory alive. Reggie Lewis wasn’t just a player; he was a promise—a reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly everything can change.
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To this day, Celtics fans remember him not just as a talent lost too soon but as a symbol of hope. His jersey in the rafters is more than a tribute; it’s a story. One that still matters.