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Saturday Sporting Icon - Len Bias

Welcome to Saturday's Sporting Icon! 

Every Saturday, this page will showcase some of history's most unappreciated sports superstars. From the winding streets of Monaco to the NBA hardcourt, I think it's time to shed some light on the greatness of some of the world's least treasured icons.

Saturday 27th February - Len Bias 

Since 1984, the world has searched for the next Michael Jordan. Some thought it was Kobe. Others think it's LeBron James. However, those who were around in 1984, only had to wait a mere 2 years to see the next best thing. Len Bias was a bigger and arguably more skilled version of Michael Jordan, with incredible athleticism at 6'8" and a shooters touch from inside 13 feet. Throughout his 4 years at Maryland University, he dominated college basketball and quickly became one of the most exciting prospects for the 1986 NBA Draft. However, in a tragic switch of fate, Len Bias soon became one of the biggest "what-if's" in basketball history. 

"I want one of those". These were probably the words spoken by every NBA GM after Michael Jordan's incredible rookie year in 1984. Len Bias was believed to be the next best thing and certainly has the resume to back it up. In his senior year with his hometown Maryland Terrapins, Bias averaged 23 points per game along with 7 rebounds. He was one of only 10 players to win multiple ACC Player of the Year awards and remains the only player to average 25 points and 10 rebounds throughout the NCAA Tournament since seedings began in 1979. More notably, he also beat out Jordan for the 1984 ACC Tournament MVP; a detail you won't find on Jodan's "Last Dance" documentary. 

This undeniable list of accomplishments landed him with the Celtics and the 2nd overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. Boston saw Bias as an opportunity to continue its winning tradition; a 6'8" cornerstone that would add many more banners to the rafters of the Boston Garden. 

Tragically, Bias collapsed and died due to cocaine intoxication, 2 days after the draft whilst partying with friends in Riverdale Park, Maryland. He was just 22 years old. 

Bias was a player of such extraordinary talent that he could have changed the landscape of NBA history. He would have made the Celtics younger and tougher than ever before. Maybe he even puts a dent in Jordan's legacy and prevents him from winning a few of his early titles? Maybe he gets put in the GOAT conversation himself? Unfortunately, these are answers to questions we will never know and is an ultimate legacy that was never written. 






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