Tom Heinsohn
Inducted:
1986- As Player
2015- As Coach
Player Stats
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
218 lb (99 kg)
Born:
August 26, 1934
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
Died:
November 9, 2020
Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Position:
Power forward
Coach
College:
Holy Cross (1953–1956)
Tom Heinsohn was one of the most iconic figures in Boston Celtics history, building an extraordinary legacy as a player, coach, and broadcaster. Drafted by the Celtics in 1956, he made an immediate impact by winning the 1957 NBA Rookie of the Year award and helping Boston capture its first NBA championship. His unforgettable Game 7 performance in the 1957 NBA Finals, recording 37 points and 23 rebounds as a rookie, remains one of the greatest performances in Finals history.
During his nine-season playing career, Heinsohn won eight NBA championships, earned six NBA All-Star selections, and led the Celtics in scoring on five title-winning teams. After retiring, he guided Boston to two more NBA championships in 1974 and 1976, led the franchise to a then-record 68-win season, and earned NBA Coach of the Year honors.
Renowned for his leadership, competitive spirit, and basketball IQ, Heinsohn was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1986 and as a coach in 2015, becoming one of the few individuals honored in both categories.
Heinsohn's Awards and Honors
As Player
- NIT Championship (1954)
- Consensus first-team All-American (1956)
- Second-team All-American – Collier's (1955)
As Coach
- 2× NBA champion (1974, 1976)
- NBA Coach of the Year (1973)
- 4× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1972–1974, 1976)
- Career Record: 427 wins – 263 losses
NBA Records
As Player
- 8× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1965)
- 6× NBA All-Star (1957, 1961–1965)
- 4× All-NBA Second Team (1961–1964)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1957)
As Coach
- NBA Championships as Coach: 2 (1974, 1976)
- NBA Coach of the Year: 1973
- One of the few coaches to win NBA titles both as a player and coach
NBA Teams
As a player:
Boston Celtics (1956–1965)
As a coach:
Boston Celtics (1969–1978)
NBA Draft:
1956: territorial pick
Boston Celtics
Number Worn:
24
NBA Stats
As Player
Seasons:
9 (1956–1964)
Games Played:
667
Points:
12,194 (18.6 PPG)
Rebounds:
5,749 (8.6 RPG)
Assists:
2,318 (3.5 APG)
As Coach
Games Coached:
690
Wins:
427
Losses:
263
Win Percentage:
61.9%
NBA Championships:
2 (1974, 1976)