On Monday, December 18, the news of Eric Montross’ passing struck a deep blow for both the Boston Celtics and the basketball community. The family of Montross, a 7-foot center from North Carolina who was selected by the Celtics in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft, announced he passed away on Sunday from cancer. He was fifty-two.
Eight years made up Montross’ NBA career, two of which he spent with the Celtics when they selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft.
That was his greatest season as a rookie. During the 1994–95 season, he started 75 games at center for the Celtics. Montross shot 53.4% from the field and averaged 10.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 10.0 points. His moniker was All-Rookie.
In his second season, he played 61 games and started 59 of them, which caused his numbers to decline. Montross shot 56.6% while scoring 7.2 points and grabbing 5.8 rebounds.
The Dallas Mavericks received Montross and a first-round pick from the Celtics after that season in exchange for a first-round pick in 1996 and a second-round pick in 1997. The Celtics selected Antoine Walker with that pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. They chose Ron Mercer in 1997.
Glenn Ordway, a former radio colorman for the Celtics, stated that Montross was usually grinning.
Ordway said on X, “So sad to hear of the passing of former Celtic, Eric Montross, at only 52.” “I recall him as a man who would always smile when you walked up to him.RIP.
It said, “RIP, Eric Montross.” “We are praying and thinking of the Montross family.”
During his eight years in the NBA, Montross played for five different clubs. He spent a portion of four seasons as a player for the Detroit Pistons.
Montross attended the University of North Carolina for four years as a player. He was a member of a championship team and received two All-ACC selections. His average was 6.8 rebounds and 11.7 points. As a junior, Montross scored 15.8 points per game, which was his highest offensive output to date.
A family statement claims that Montross received a cancer diagnosis in March. He was had to resign from his position as radio analyst for the men’s basketball games at UNC due to the diagnosis.
Renowned sports analyst Dick Vitale, who is battling cancer himself, stated that Montross was much more than just a competent basketball player.
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