Signed to relieve Cowens and Silas, injuries instead thrust Ard into the spotlight far sooner than expected.  He struggled through 59 games that season, never growing comfortable in the offense, and the Celtics failed to repeat as NBA Champions.  A year later, Ard was ready to help his teammates reclaim what they’d lost.  He proved himself a key reserve, coming off the bench to play tough, hard-nosed defense, and the Celtics were suddenly far deeper – and healthier – than the year before.  They finished with a 54-28 regular season record, muscled their way past the Buffalo Braves and Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, and faced off against those young, resilient Suns in the Finals.

That ’76 championship would be Ard’s zenith.  He would play one more full season in a Celtic uniform, before being waived on November 8, 1977 – just one game into the 1977-78 campaign.  He would retire nine games later as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

“I had an enjoyable and rewarding basketball career,” Ard says with a smile.  “I was able to play for a storied collegiate program, and I was fortunate enough to win an NBA title with the greatest franchise in professional basketball.  How many people can say that?”

Not many.

Celtic Nation is honored to bring you this interview.

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