Tom Heinsohn

A Boston Celtics Icon and a Basketball Legend

Ranking Tom Heinsohn in the history of basketball By Jason Patt Tom Heinsohn has been a significant figure in the game of basketball, with a brilliant career as a player, influential coach and respected broadcaster. As a six-time NBA champion as a player and two-time NBA champion as a coach, Heinsohn’s basketball roots are firmly rooted in the tradition and winning of the Boston Celtics. His life, leadership, and love of the game have made him an enduring symbol of Celtics pride and basketball excellence.

From Player to Coach to Iconic Broadcaster

Early life Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on August 26, 1934, Heinsohn grew up in the nearby town of Union City. He played at Holy Cross, where he became known as a prolific scorer and versatile forward. His college career was followed by a successful move into the professional game.

Heinsohn was drafted to the Boston Celtics in 1956, this team would be connected to him for life. He would eventually play a key role for the Celtics’ storied dynasty, with coach Red Auerbach and superstar Bill Russell. With his relentlessly driving scoring, his fierce competitiveness, and his clutch performances, Heinsohn played on eight N.B.A. championship teams with the Celtics in his nine professional seasons, from 1956 to 1965.

He was a scorer in the post and on the drive and played with abandon on offense and defense. Heinsohn’s strengths coincided with the Celtics’ defense-first dogma, and he received particular praise for his basketball I.Q. and for his leadership on the court.

Heinsohn followed his playing career by coaching the Celtics from 1969 to 1978. Behind his coaching, the Celtics added two more N.B.A. titles (in 1974 and 1976), a triumph that further buttressed his reputation as a winner and as a basketball intellectual.

Off the court, Heinsohn was a popular longtime color commentator on Celtics games, with his fervent takes, colorful anecdotes and deep understanding of the game rendering him a fan favorite for decades. His voice and love for the game made Celtics basketball real for so many fans for so many years.

Tom Heinsohn Had a Clear Impact on the World of Basketball

The achievements of Tom Heinsohn in basketball far exceed his statistics. He was a linchpin of one of the greatest dynasties in N.B.A. history, as a player, coach and team ambassador. His championship pedigree is unmatched at that position, with 10 N.B.A. rings over all.

In 1986, Heinsohn was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and as a coach. The Celtics franchise and basketball fans everywhere honor his memory.

His intense enthusiasm for the game, commitment to the Celtics and his capacity to motivate others still ring in the ears of those who knew him. Heinsohn’s impact helped make the Celtics into a championship team known for teamwork, defense and resolve.

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