Today in Boston Celtics history: Swain, Smith drafted; Coles born

TL;DR

On this day in Boston Celtics history, the team drafted Bennie Swain and Jimmy Smith in the 1958 NBA Draft. Swain played one season with the Celtics, contributing to their championship team before injuries cut his career short.

Key points

Bennie Swain was drafted 7th overall by the Celtics in 1958.
Jimmy Smith was selected 15th overall but faced military service.
Swain contributed to the Celtics' 1959 championship team.
Injuries limited Swain's career to one season.
Tommy Heinsohn praised Swain's potential as a strong inside player.

Mentioned in this story

Tommy Heinsohn

Boston CelticsBennie SwainJimmy Smith

Today in Boston Celtics history, the team made a pair of selections that made the roster in the 1958 NBA Draft, which took place in New York City. Boston picked up center Bennie Swain from Texas Southern University with the seventh overall pick of the draft, and forward Jimmy Smith from Franciscan College with the 15th overall selection. Swain later contributed as a reserve alongside the legendary center Bill Russell on the 1959 championship team.

He recorded 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in his sole season with Boston, his career cut short by a knee injury after his rookie season. Before it, Swain was a potential force in the paint that would have won more than his sole title with the Celtics, and perhaps in a bigger role. "He was a forerunner of a (Kendrick) Perkins type of player," said Boston Hall of Famer Tommy Heinsohn via Boston.com's John M. Guilfoyle. "He was a big, strong rebounding type of guy, an inside player, and you're always looking for rebounders, so he was going to get a really good look."

"Red (Auerbach, legendary Celtics coach and GM) would break players in. They'd play a little bit, and then they would carve out a niche for themselves. Swain could have been a really good player, I think," added Heinsohn. Smith was a promising prospect as well, but was drafted into the U.S. military. Knee problems forced his discharge from the armed forces, and would also unfortunately end his basketball career as well, in an unfortunately canny coincidence.

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)

Q&A

Who were the Boston Celtics' 1958 NBA Draft picks?

The Boston Celtics selected Bennie Swain with the seventh overall pick and Jimmy Smith with the 15th overall pick in the 1958 NBA Draft.

What impact did Bennie Swain have on the Boston Celtics?

Bennie Swain contributed as a reserve on the Celtics' 1959 championship team, averaging 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in his only season before injuries ended his career.

Why did Jimmy Smith's basketball career end early?

Jimmy Smith's basketball career was cut short due to knee problems that forced his discharge from the U.S. military.

What was Tommy Heinsohn's view on Bennie Swain's potential?

Tommy Heinsohn believed Bennie Swain could have been a significant player for the Celtics, comparing him to Kendrick Perkins for his rebounding ability.