The Max Factor: How good was Cedric Maxwell

Received Cedric Maxwell's book as one of my Christmas gifts, and it brought back memories of his time in Boston. Let me say this - I really enjoyed watching him play.

We hear the nickname, Cornbread, a lot connected to Max, but I always liked the moniker, Rubber Band Man. It clearly described his resilient, wiggle-his-way-to-the-hoop-maneuver for a layup or a foul. Kevin McHale may have had better footwork close to the basket, but The Rubber Band Man was adept at getting a short-range shot up, with or without being fouled.

@cedricmaxwell81 We never hear your nickname, Rubber Band Man, anymore. It all had to do with your resilient, flexible maneuvering under the hoop, getting the layup or picking up a foul. One of the best at it I have ever seen.
— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) September 19, 2020

Maxwell may have peaked too soon. The 1978-79 season, his second in the NBA, may have been his most-productive season stats-wise. For a full season, he led the Celtics in points (19.0 PPG), rebounds (9.9 RPG), offensive boards (3.4 ORPG) and field goal percentage (,584). Max also led his team (by far) in free throw attempts - averaging 9.0 FTAs per game and making more than 80% of them. Opponents had no desire to guard him close to the hoop. He thrived there.

Max picked up two Title rings in Beantown (1981, 1984) before being shipped off to the Clippers for Bill Walton. But it was great to see the Rubber Band Man bounce back as an analyst for the team for which he played and earned the 1981 Finals MVP Award - an award which clearly showed his value, but also the fact that he may have peaked too soon.

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