if Len Bias didn't die prematurely how would NBA history have changed?

[crisoner]

I honestly think Bias would of lead the Celtics to a title or two.
Sad man.....still sad about him passing till this day.

[Blzrfn]

I believe Gerald Henderson was traded for the #2 pick that became Len Bias.

In response to the original question, the next few years would have changed. Since Bias would have been able to rest Bird/McHale/etc in the grueling 1987 playoffs (Bird played 44 minutes/game and McHale was playing on a broken foot), they could probably give the '87 Lakers a better run for their money in the Finals. Considering that the '87 Celts played two 7 game series (against a veteran Bucks team and the Bad Boy Pistons), a skilled rookie would've certainly helped (especially since both Walton and Wedman were injured, forcing KC to use guys like Daye/Kite/Sichting/Vincent) The Celtics would maybe be able to hold off Detroit in 1988, but Bird's time was ticking. The Pistons' window probably closes slightly, but Jordan's Bulls probably still wins the six titles. I'm astounded that the '87 Celtics could even play the way they did in that playoffs with their injuries. Even more remarkable that they were so close to tie the Finals at 2-2 had Bird's shot gone in. Terrible luck for the Celtics, but people will always wonder what could have been with Bias/Lewis.

Yes, you are right about Henderson. The Sonics were another moronic team that the Celtics fleeced. They must have gotten excited about Henderson because of the steal that he made in the 1984 NBA Finals. What a joke.

Speaking of that steal, there is another what if right there. If Henderson doesn't make that play, the Celtics may not have been in position to get Bias. Also, in addition, the Bulls may not have gotten Pippen, or if they did, they may not have gotten Pippen and Horace Grant, another key piece to their title teams of the early-90's.

How? Let me explain.

On November 12, 1986, The Sonics traded Gerald Henderson and the 18th pick to the Knicks for the #5 pick and a 1990 second rounder. The Sonics used that pick on Pippen, and then traded him to Chicago. That could have been the Knicks who got Pippen. If they would have taken him, and hired a CBA coach named Phil Jackson to replace Pitino instead of Stu Jackson, maybe Ewing gets a ring or two in the 90's.

[t-rex]

Isn't it weird how everything is connected. if Len Bias never bought that drug and overdosed, how different would the NBA have been. The boston celtics would never have been irrelevant in the 90s. And MJ probably would have gone on ringless as a bald headed dominique. Jordan brand sneakers never take off. MJ retires without that constant stream of income. and with his gambling debts goes bankrupt. Becomes a cautionary tale like Anthony Walker.

If Len Bias had not died