He was cataloged by experts as Michael Jordan’s great opponent, but an overdose of cocaine ended his life after the 1986 Draft.
The wait is over. The 2022 NBA Draft It will take place this Thursday, June 23, from 8:00 p.m. One of the great attractions of the event is knowing who are the first players that the franchises will choose. It’s a huge privilege, but at the same time a huge responsibility because of the expectations placed on them by critics and fans. Today, the 1986 Draft will be remembered as one of the most tragic in history since the sudden death of No. 2 pick 36 hours after being selected by the Boston Celtics. The star? Len Bias.
Leonard Kevin Bias was born on November 18, 1963 in Landover, Maryland. The American started playing basketball from an early age on the streets and when he grew up he replaced the cement for parquet in Northwestern High School in Hyattsville. There he began training and, despite the fact that discipline was not something that characterized him, he led the team to a runner-up position in 1982.
His talent is unquestionable. Some universities noticed him because of what he showed in high school. However, Bias chose the University of Maryland to discuss one of the most complex conferences at the university level: the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Yes, a conference where the University of North Carolina, then headed by Michael Jordan.
His first steps in college basketball were not easy. Len was criticized because he was far from the level he showed in high school. However, he became deaf and improved a lot until he became a team figure.
When Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls (1984), Len Bias became the top undisputed star in the league: Nominated ACC Player of the Year two consecutive years (1985 and 1986). Exactly in his last season at university he scored 35 points to eliminate top North Carolina in the quarterfinals. A consecrating performance that showed he was ready for the NBA.
Selected by Len Bias in the 1986 NBA Draft
Although Len Bias and MJ face off at the University, the big hope is in the rivalry that could take place in the NBA. Native Maryland was first compared to Jordan. In that context, the 1986 Draft came.
The event was held on June 17 at Madison Square Garden (New York). After the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Brad Daugherty with No. 1 pick, the Boston Celtics chose who was called to replace Larry Bird: Len Bias. Tomorrow, the beginner he traveled to Washington to sign a $ 1.6 million contract with Reebok and eventually returned to Maryland.
The tragic death of Len Bias and comparisons to Michael Jordan
In his hometown, Bias began the celebration for his long -awaited arrival in the NBA. Unfortunately, everything is out of control: At about three in the morning on June 19, he decided to use cocaine at Washington Hall, the residence of the university where he was staying. Hours later, the 22-year-old basketball player had a seizure and stopped breathing. The cocaine in question is over 98% pure.
Some of his friends tried to revive him while one of them, Brian Tribble, called 911 for an ambulance. Doctors at the scene were unable to rescue him and decided to transfer him to a hospital in Riverdale Park for final attempts. Unfortunately, it’s all too late: Len Bias died at 08:55 am from an overdose that caused a fatal cardiac arrhythmia..
“He was a little ahead of Michael Jordan. We would say he was the best of all time. Jordan is on a different level. I think they would have pushed each other to the limit, but Bias was a little bit above Michael. Bias ’jump shot was the best seen and he was able to defend in a variety of positions. It’s kind of a hybrid game now“Walt Williams, a former NBA player, came to declare.
Source: Tycsports
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
