**Today in Boston Celtics History: August 13 Marks Dual Milestones**
August 13 holds a special place in Boston Celtics history, marking two significant events that shaped the franchise in recent years. On this day in 2021, the Celtics signed free agent point guard Dennis Schröder to a one-year deal, adding a dynamic playmaker to their roster. Exactly one year earlier, on August 13, 2020, the Celtics played their final regular-season game in the NBA’s Orlando bubble—a unique and challenging chapter in league history. These two moments, though different in nature, reflect the Celtics’ adaptability and relentless pursuit of success.
### **The Schröder Signing: A Calculated Gamble**
When the Boston Celtics inked Dennis Schröder to a one-year, $5.9 million contract on August 13, 2021, it was seen as a low-risk, high-reward move. At the time, Schröder was coming off a season with the Los Angeles Lakers where he had turned down a lucrative extension, betting on himself in free agency. When the market didn’t materialize as he had hoped, the Celtics swooped in, acquiring a proven guard who could bolster their backcourt depth.
Schröder’s arrival was particularly important given the uncertainty surrounding Kemba Walker’s health and eventual departure. The German guard brought speed, playmaking, and defensive tenacity—qualities that fit well alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. While his stint in Boston was brief, Schröder provided valuable contributions, averaging 14.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. His energy off the bench and ability to create offense were crucial during stretches of the season.
However, the signing was not without controversy. Some fans questioned whether Schröder’s ball-dominant style meshed perfectly with the Celtics’ system, and his tenure in Boston ended after just one season when he was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a deal for Daniel Theis. Still, the move exemplified the Celtics’ willingness to take calculated risks in their quest to remain competitive.
### **The Bubble’s Finale: A Season Like No Other**
Rewind one year earlier to August 13, 2020, and the Celtics were wrapping up an unprecedented regular season inside the NBA’s Orlando bubble. The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the league to suspend play in March, and after months of uncertainty, the season resumed in a controlled environment at Walt Disney World. For the Celtics, the bubble was both a challenge and an opportunity.
Entering the restart, Boston was firmly in contention as the East’s No. 3 seed, led by the rising duo of Tatum and Brown. Their final regular-season game was against the Washington Wizards, a 96-90 victory that sealed a 48-24 record. Though the game itself was relatively low-stakes (the Wizards were already eliminated from playoff contention), it was a symbolic moment—the end of a strange, truncated season and the beginning of a grueling playoff run.
The bubble experience was mentally and physically taxing for players, who were isolated from their families and confined to the Disney campus for weeks. Yet, the Celtics showed resilience, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Miami Heat in six games. That playoff run, though falling short of a title, reinforced the potential of Boston’s young core and set the stage for future success.
### **Connecting the Dots: Adaptability and Evolution**
Though separated by a year, these two August 13 milestones share a common theme: adaptation. The 2020 bubble season required teams to adjust to extraordinary circumstances, and the Celtics proved they could thrive under pressure. Similarly, the 2021 signing of Schröder demonstrated the front office’s ability to pivot and address roster needs creatively.
In hindsight, both moments were transitional. The bubble marked the end of an era where the Celtics were ascending contenders, while the Schröder signing was a short-term solution in a period of roster turnover. Yet, each played a role in shaping the team’s trajectory.
### **Legacy of August 13**
While August 13 may not be the most famous date in Celtics lore, it encapsulates the franchise’s relentless drive to compete. Whether navigating a global pandemic or retooling the roster on the fly, the Celtics have consistently shown an ability to adapt and push forward.
For fans, these moments serve as reminders of the team’s resilience. The bubble was a testament to mental toughness, while the Schröder experiment highlighted the front office’s willingness to explore every avenue for improvement. As the Celtics continue their pursuit of Banner 18, August 13 stands as a date that—though understated—holds meaningful significance in the team’s journey.
In the grand tapestry of Celtics history, some dates are defined by championships and legendary performances. Others, like August 13, are about the smaller, yet equally important, steps along the way. Whether it was closing out an unforgettable season in isolation or taking a chance on a talented guard, the Celtics proved once again that every decision, every game, and every moment matters in the quest for greatness.
