In a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, Hall of Fame Boston Celtics head coach KC Jones resigned unexpectedly after the 1987-88 season. Jones, who had already cemented his legacy as an eight-time champion during his playing days as a point guard, added two more titles as head coach in 1984 and 1986. His leadership was so revered that he was chosen to coach the NBA All-Star Game four times between 1984 and 1987.

Over five seasons starting in 1983-84, the University of San Francisco product compiled an impressive 308-102 regular-season record and a 65-37 playoff mark, translating to winning percentages of .751 and .637 respectively. After stepping down, Jones remained with the organization in an advisory capacity for one year before joining the Seattle SuperSonics as an assistant coach in 1989-90.

The same day marked the promotion of assistant coach Jimmy Rodgers to the top spot. Rodgers had originally joined the Celtics alongside former head coach Bill Fitch and stayed on after Fitch's departure. His tenure proved challenging as the team entered a decline, with Larry Bird missing all but a handful of games in Rodgers' first season. After a first-round playoff exit to the New York Knicks in 1990, Rodgers' run ended with a 94-70 regular-season record and a tough 2-6 playoff mark.

On this date in 1967, the Celtics also made their mark in the NBA draft, selecting two notable players. Shooting guard Rick Weitzman was taken 110th overall out of Northeastern—a reminder of the era's lengthy draft process. Weitzman played one season with Boston, winning a championship in 1967-68, and averaged 1.3 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists over 25 games. The team also added a point guard, rounding out a draft class that would contribute to the franchise's storied history.