Today in Boston Celtics history marks a day full of Hall of Fame honors and birthday celebrations that every true fan should know about.

In 1990, former Celtics point guard Dave Bing was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. He joined an elite class that included the legendary Elvin Hayes, Philadelphia Warriors center Neil Johnston, and the flashy Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. While Bing spent the bulk of his career with the Detroit Pistons — a city he would later serve as mayor — and his hometown Washington Bullets, he finished his storied NBA journey in Boston. During the 1977-78 season, Bing averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game before hanging up his sneakers.

Fast forward to 2021, and the Hall of Fame announced another historic moment for the Celtics on this date. Two iconic Boston figures were named to that year's class: Kevin Garnett as a player and Bill Russell as a head coach. It's a testament to the franchise's deep roots in basketball greatness.

Today is also a birthday double-header for Celtics legends. Virgil Vaughn, a 6-foot-4 "big" man, was born on this day. He suited up for Boston's inaugural season as a Basketball Association of America team — the precursor to the NBA. Though he played only 17 games, averaging 2.6 points and 0.6 assists, Vaughn's place in early Celtics history is secure. (Rebounds and blocks weren't tracked back then, so his full impact remains a mystery.)

Then there's Don Nelson, whose name might ring a bell for his agricultural pursuits or his legendary coaching career. But before all that, Nelson was a key piece of the Celtics dynasty in the 1960s and '70s. He won five NBA championships with Boston — three in the golden era of the '60s and two more in the '70s — before retiring as a player and taking the helm of the rival Milwaukee Bucks. Over 11 seasons in green and white, Nelson averaged 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

And let's not forget: it was on this date in 1975 that another chapter in Celtics lore was written. Whether you're rocking a vintage Garnett jersey or a classic Russell tee, today is a perfect day to celebrate the legends who made Boston basketball what it is.