In this week's edition of "What the Hell Happened To" we look back at the inillustrious career of Eric Montross. That's right folks, he sucked so much I had to make up a word- inillustrious- to describe his years in the NBA.
See I wouldn't be so grumpy about Montross but he was picked a slot ahead of Eddie Jones, whom the enemy picked at number 10 and who obviously went on to a much more successful career than Mongoose. The thing is his rookie year he was somewhat solid- 10 ppg and almost 7.5 rpg in 78 games, 75 of which he started. That Celtics team made the playoffs in 1995 and gave Orlando the scare of a lifetime before bowing out in 4 games and shutting down the Boston Garden permanently.
But after his rookie year (which included a 2nd Team All Rookie selection) Montross was a disaster. He was traded to Dallas after the following season (along with pick number 9 which turned into pick number 6 which turned into Antoine Walker) so for that some may say ML Carr actually made a good move. He then went on to suck for the Mavericks, Nets, Pistons and Raptors before ending his career after 2002.Amazingly enough the guy made $18.8 million in his career (and got paid in 2003 and 2004 for I suppose fulfilling a contract). How about you email that to Otis Birdsong to see how he feels?
I think he epitomizes how the legit 7'0 centers were phased out over time. No reason to bring a stiff like Montross in (and trust me he epitomized a stiff). Better to get a 6'9 or 6'10 who can actually play.
Anyways today Montross is an announcer for North Carolina (according to Wikipedia). I wonder if he announces basketball or maybe they have a race car driving team.
In closing I think this video is great. The little girl second from the right, her expression at 0:15 at hearing the size of Eric's feet is identical to my expression as to how much his NBA career sucked:
Be sure to watch the whole thing, especially when the guy begins interviewing him and refers to him as "NBA Star Eric Montross." I love when people don't have a clue about anything and refer to guys as 'stars.' This is a common occurrence for people outside the mainline sporting scene. If I was reporting for the Chatham Journal Newspaper I would've said "This is TB727 with ex-NBA blowhard Eric Montross."
tb727
12/07/2009 08:15:00 PM
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We also got the Mavs unprotected first rounder the following yr in the deal, which increased our chances of landing Duncan significantly, but we ended up with Ron Mercer with that pick (in hindsight we should of taken T-Mac). I remember Montross during his rookie season. He wasn't bad and that playoffs was rather exciting. Sherman was the man. Last playoffs in the original Garden. Thing about coming into the NBA bald? You age better. Montross looks the same.
It's incredible how Mercer was so solid his first 2 years, did have a couple of other great years where I want to say he averaged close to 20ppg (without looking) and then fell off the face of the earth.
Hmmm perhaps a segue into the NEXT WTTHT lol...
I was actually very excited when the C's drafted this guy and he played quite well the first year. He became a stiff quite quickly..what a waste of money! I also remember the hugely long contract he got, something like an 8 year one or so...was it from us?
Yeah Bohemian it's like the entire league figured him out. I mean he wasn't spectacular his first year- but very solid. I really thought he could be the center for the next 10 seasons.
Not sure if the C's gave him that contract...
Eric's career went down hill fast I am not going to argue that fact but ML Carr was a moron. He didnt know how to use Montross, his rookie season 29 mins per game 10 pts 8 rebs 2nd year 23 mins 7pts and 6rebs per. Say he plays 35 to 40 mins per that's probably 15pts per and 10 rebs. Also would have killed the C's to keep Robert Parish around for his rookie season and maybe his second season to teach him. Parish was awesome and I am sure he could have taken Montross under his wing oh well. The what ifs ?
Interesting take last Anonymous with Parish around. The thing is Montross was really slow and was prone to foul trouble- not sure he could be a 40 minute a night guy, ever.
Eric Montross= WORST CELTIC OF ALL TIME! Hysterical article tb.
Seriously? Worst of all time? You didn't watch many Celtics games in the 80s/90s... I can think a several bench scrubs (guys mentioned profiled in WTHHT) who were worse
Eric was straight up garbage. Didn't Shaq punch him in the mouth...lmao.