Dave Gavitt Dies at 73

Former Celtic higher-up Dave Gavitt passed away this Friday.  If you've ever had the chance to read Unfinished Business by Jack McCallum (one of the best-written sports books out there) you'd know Dave was really the segue from the old Celtic regime to the new.  When youngsters Reggie Lewis and Dee Brown wanted rap music as part of the pre-game shootaround music, Dave accommodated, giving all the players a chance to mix an hour of their favorite music.  When Dave saw the horrid conditions at Boston Garden, he knew a new arena was needed.  Where Red Auerbach's disdain for player agents was well-known, Dave stepped in and worked out negotiations.

He was also very well known for heading up the Big East Conference during its peak and he also coached the Providence Friar team that made the Final 4 in 1973, lead by Ernie D, Kevin Stacom and Marvin Barnes.