Editing Reggie Lewis (section)

==Professional career==

===Boston Celtics (1987–1993)===
Lewis was drafted in the first round, 22nd overall, by the Boston Celtics in the [[1987 NBA draft]]. The Celtics were looking to add some youth to the team, especially for the aging "Big 3" of [[Larry Bird]], [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]], and [[Robert Parish]]. This need became more urgent after [[Len Bias]], the 2nd overall pick in the [[1986 NBA draft]], died of a [[cocaine overdose]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Mike B.|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/327165-with-len-bias-reggie-lewis-duo-boston-C%20Bags-could-have-owned-1990s|title=With Len Bias-Reggie Lewis Duo, Boston Celtics Could Have Owned 1990s|publisher=[[Bleacher Report]]|date=January 16, 2010|access-date=February 19, 2020}}</ref>

As a rookie, Lewis played sporadically, averaging 8.3 minutes per game under coach [[K. C. Jones]]. By his second season, thanks in part to a [[Jimmy Rodgers (basketball)|new coach]] (and an injury to Bird), Lewis averaged over 30 minutes and scored 18.5 points per game. 

In 1991, Lewis scored a career-high 42 points during a win against the [[Miami Heat]].<ref>[https://chowderandchampions.com/2020/05/16/boston-celtics-legends-remembering-reggie-lewis/ Boston Celtics legends: Remembering Reggie Lewis]</ref> The following season, Lewis was selected to play in his first and only [[1992 NBA All-Star Game|NBA All-Star Game]], held in [[Orlando, Florida]]. He played 15 minutes, scoring 7 points and grabbing 4 rebounds.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1992.html 1992 NBA All-Star Game, West 153, East 113]</ref>

Lewis averaged 20.8 points in each of his last two seasons with the Celtics, and finished with a career average of 17.6 points per contest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.nba.com/player/77384/career/|title=Reggie Lewis|publisher=[[National Basketball Association]]|access-date=February 19, 2020}}</ref>

On April 29, 1993, in Game 1 of the Celtics' playoff series against the [[Charlotte Hornets]], Lewis collapsed on the court and remained on the ground for several seconds. After he finally got up, he looked perplexed and dazed as he headed to the Celtics bench. Lewis returned briefly to the game but was eventually pulled due to dizziness and shortness of breath. He left the game having scored 17 points in 13 minutes of action in what turned out to be his final NBA game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9510589/remembering-reggie-lewis-20-years-tragic-death|title=MacMullan: Remembering Reggie Lewis|date=July 26, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

The following day, Lewis checked into [[New England Baptist Hospital]], where he underwent a series of tests by more than a dozen heart specialists, whom the Celtics called their "dream team" of doctors. Lewis was diagnosed with "focal [[cardiomyopathy]]", a disease of the heart muscle that can cause irregular heartbeat and heart failure. Lewis was told his condition was most likely career-ending. However, he later sought a second opinion from Dr. Gilbert Mudge at [[Brigham and Women's Hospital]], who diagnosed Lewis with neurocardiogenic syncope, a less serious non-fatal condition instead. As a result, Lewis began working out in preparation for returning for the 1994 season. Mudge was later cleared of any wrongdoing, and he insisted he had never authorized Lewis to resume workouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2018/12/21/those-who-knew-him-best-fond-memories-reggie-lewis-remain-fresh/QhmckwUssAuIHId3vNzGZL/story.html|title=To those who knew Reggie Lewis best, fond memories are always front and center |work=The Boston Globe}}</ref>

His no. 35 jersey was retired by the Celtics, making him one of only two Celtics to have a retired number without winning a championship with the team, the other player being [[Ed Macauley]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Tommy McArdle|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2019/02/21/celtics-retired-numbers-nba|title=Every retired number for the Celtics and who wore it|publisher=[[Boston.com]]|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=February 19, 2020}}</ref>