Two-Time NBA Champion Cedric Maxwell Discusses His Career and ‘The Last Dance’

Two-time NBA champion and 1981 NBA Finals MVP Cedric Maxwell checked in with Eduardo Solano from SBR Picks and AccuScore to discuss the NBA’s current era, playing against Michael Jordan and ‘The Last Dance.’

Cedric Maxwell won the NBA Championship with the Celtics in 1981 and 1984 and won his NBA Finals MVP award after averaging 17.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 blocks in 37.8 minutes over six games against the Rockets in 1981.

When asked about the main differences between the era he played in and this era Maxwell said:

“So many! The game is barely recognizable when alongside my playing days. The game was more physical and big man focused around the basket in my day. Today, regardless of size and position, players are faster, more athletic and playmakers. Then there’s the 3-point shot. In my Game 7 (1984) vs. the Lakers, both teams attempted SEVEN three-point shots in 48 mins of play. Need I say more? Haha.”

As for what it was like to play against a young Michael Jordan, Maxwell explained:

“Michael was young and the rosters he played on were not even remotely close to what most people remember from his six championships. We all knew some kid named Michael Jordan was going to be a high impact player but very few people actually knew just how game-changing he’d become.”

Maxwell thought that ‘The Last Dance’ was “a good diversion for fans while no sports are being played.”

“I can’t say I caught every episode but, from what I did see, it was a compelling story and one that many of my friends had been involved in.

I just spoke with a former teammate of mine and Michael’s, Robert Parish who had some very interesting insights into what it was like playing on Michael’s team (1996-97).

Also connected with many of my other former teammates and friends to either interview on my podcast or get interviewed on their shows. So, ‘The Last Dance’, more than anything for me, reintroduced me to many friends that Father Time had me lose touch with. Thank you, Michael. Haha,” he concluded.