PROFILE: WALTER MCCARTY

Since he joined the Celtics via a trade with the New York Knicks in 1997, Walter McCarty has been a favorite of the Boston faithful. McCarty’s sweet touch from behind the arc and aggressive defense made him a key factor in the Celts’ playoff run of 2002 and continue to contribute to the team’s success. Off the court, the six-foot, 10-inch power forward has made a significant impact in the greater Boston community by devoting much of his time and resources to charitable causes.

SBO sat down with McCarty after one of his most impressive games of the current season – 22 points, five assists, five three-point shots against the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 22 – to discuss his new foundation, “I Love Music” (www.ilovemusicfoundation.org), which is focused on providing underprivileged children with the means to explore music education.

“I had this idea in my head for about two years,” McCarty explains. “It was something I wanted to do and I finally got enough time to really sit down and set it up. People don’t necessarily understand that something like this is a lot of work and takes a lot of time out of your schedule, but this is important to me and it’s something that I can get not only get behind, but really enjoy, as well.”

The name of McCarty’s foundation references an often-heard refrain from Celtics legend and current sportscaster, Tommy Heinsohn, who follows up every McCarty dunk, steal, or block with, “I love Waltahhh!” At Celtics home games, there are “I Love Walter!” signs throughout the crowd and the sentiment is reciprocated by the man himself.