Smith’s Return as Broadcaster Is His Latest Bird’s-Eye View

Coach Chris Ford was not the only former Celtic greeted warmly by Boston fans before Wednesday night’s game. Clipper broadcaster Michael Smith was drafted by Boston with the 13th overall pick from Brigham Young in 1989 and, even though he played limited minutes as a backup for Larry Bird in his two seasons with the Celtics, Smith is remembered fondly.

“This is the first time I’ve been back in eight or nine years and it does feel a little strange,” said Smith, who played in Europe from 1991-95 and with the Clippers in 1994-95.

“There were a lot of familiar faces. People see me and because I’m still slender in build, they look at me and say ‘Hey you look like you can still play.’ I get that a lot.”

Smith, in his first season announcing Clipper games, said he doesn’t have any regrets about his pro career.

“You can’t be bitter about what didn’t happen or what you didn’t cause to happen,” Smith said. “I think things would have been different if I went to a different team. I think things would have been different if it had been a different year when I joined the Celtics. Bird had played four or five games the season before and he came back [Smith’s rookie season] and played 45 minutes of every game.”

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Forward Maurice Taylor played 35 minutes despite being slowed with sore Achilles’ tendons in both legs. . . . Ford said he expects point guard Sherman Douglas to be activated for Friday’s game at Toronto. . . . The second half was worked by two officials (Tommie Wood and Scott Foster) because veteran Hue Hollins aggravated an Achilles’ injury late in the second quarter and did not return.