Expert: Fabio Anderle - 11/1/2006

Question
Who was playing in the ABA in 1969, jumped to the NBA Phoenix Suns, whose draft rights were owned by the Celtics, and who was the player they git after the 1970 season as compensation? Heard the story on wfan on Tuesday and can't remember names

Answer
Brian, I think you are talking about Charlie Scott, since he is the only player who jumped from the ABA to the Phoenix Suns while his rights were owned by the Boston Celtics. But the correct year is not the one you mentioned: the Celtics had drafted Scott in 1970, but the former University of North Carolina star had decided to play for the ABA's Virginia Squires. Scott was named ABA Rookie of the Year after averaging 27.1 points per game, and during his second season with the Squires he set the ABA record for highest scoring average in one season (34.6 points per game). However, he became dissatisfied with life in the ABA and jumped to the NBA, joining the Phoenix Suns in 1972. On september 19, 1972 the Phoenix Suns sent power forward Paul Silas to the Celtics as a compensation for Scott's signing. On may 25, 1975, Scott was back to Boston, though: the immortal Red Auerbach brought him back for Paul Westphal and future considerations. Charlie Scott, teaming with Silas, John Havlicek and Dave Cowens in the following campaign, managed to win Boston's 13th title upending the.... Phoenix Suns in the Finals.
I hope this helps

Fabio