Dave Cowens
Inducted:
1991
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
Born
October 25, 1948
Newport, Kentucky, U.S.
Position
Center
College
Florida State (1967–1970)
Dave Cowens was the heart and soul of the dominant Boston Celtics teams of the 1970s. Though undersized for a center at 6 feet 9 inches, Cowens combined relentless hustle, defensive toughness, rebounding strength, and surprising playmaking ability to become one of the league’s most complete big men.
After being drafted fourth overall in 1970, Cowens made an immediate impact, sharing Rookie of the Year honors. He went on to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 1973 and led the Celtics to two NBA championships (1974, 1976). In 1973, Cowens achieved one of the most remarkable individual seasons in history, winning both the league MVP and the All-Star Game MVP.
A versatile player who could score, rebound, defend, and even handle the ball, Cowens helped define team-first basketball during his 11-year career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Cowens' Awards and Honors
- 2× NBA champion (1974, 1976)
- NBA Most Valuable Player (1973)
- 8× NBA All-Star (1972–1978, 1980)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1973)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (1973, 1975, 1976)
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (1976)
- 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1975, 1980)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1971)
- NBA All-Rookie Team (1971)
- NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
NBA Teams
Boston Celtics (1970–1980)
Milwaukee Bucks (1982–1983)
NBA Draft
1970: 1st round, 4th overall pick
Boston Celtics
Number Worn
18, 36
NBA Stats
Seasons:
11 (1970-1983)
Game played:
766
Points:
13,516 (17.6 ppg)
Rebounds:
10,444 (13.6 rpg)
Assists:
2,910 (3.8 apg)
Steals:
599 (1.1 spg)
Blocks:
488 (0.9 bpg)
Field Goal(%):
46.0
Free Throw(%):
78.3