Dutch Dehnert
Inducted:
1969
Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born
April 5, 1898
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died
April 20, 1979
Far Rockaway, New York, U.S.
Position
Forward/Center
College
NA
Dutch Dehnert was one of professional basketball's earliest stars and a pioneer of the center position. His playing career unfolded in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s, long before the foundation of the BAA or NBA (though he later briefly coached the Cleveland Rebels during the BAA's inaugural 1946–47 season). Standing 6'1" and weighing 210 pounds, Dehnert was a physical, defensive anchor and the focal point of the world-famous Original Celtics barnstorming team.
He is universally recognized as the pioneer of "the pivot play" (the foundation of modern post play), a tactical revolution that permanently altered basketball offensive strategy. With his physical strength, vision, and unselfish passing, Dehnert anchored four consecutive ABL championships across two franchises.
For his game-changing tactical innovation and dominance during basketball's early era, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1969.
Dehnert's Awards and Honor
- EBL champion (1922)
- 4× ABL champion (1927–1930)
- All-Time Pro Stars First Team (1945)
- WPBT champion (1941 as coach)
- Star player for the Original Celtics
NBA Teams
Original Celtics (1926–1928)
NBA Records
Playing career:
1926–1930
Playing Era:
Pre-NBA professional basketball
Team Captain:
Original Celtics
ABL champion:
4 (1927–1930)
Pennsylvania State League Champion:
2 (1920,1921)
BAA Coach:
Cleveland Rebels (1946–47)