Tom Heinsohn
Inducted:
2015
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 (August 26, 1934 – November 9, 2020) was a legendary figure in Boston Celtics history, excelling as a player, coach, and broadcaster. As a player, he won eight NBA championships in nine seasons (1956–1965) and led the Celtics in scoring on five title-winning teams. Heinsohn’s rookie performance in Game 7 of the 1957 Finals—37 points and 23 rebounds—helped secure Boston’s first championship and marked the start of a storied career.
Transitioning to coaching, he led the Celtics to two more NBA titles (1974, 1976) and achieved a franchise-best 68-win season in 1973, earning Coach of the Year honors. Renowned for his competitive drive, basketball IQ, and leadership, Heinsohn remained a central voice in the sport as a longtime broadcaster. He is one of the few figures inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice, first as a player and later as a coach, leaving an enduring legacy in NBA history.
Heinsohn's Awards & Records:
- 2× NBA champion (1974, 1976)
- NBA Coach of the Year (1973)
- 4× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1972–1974, 1976)
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2009)
- Career Record: 427 wins – 263 losses
NBA Records:
- 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
- Holds distinction as part of the only person involved in all 17 Celtics championships
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
Career Stats:
Games Played:
667
Points:
12,194 (18.6 PPG)
Rebounds:
5,749 (8.6 RPG)
Assists:
2,318 (3.5 APG)
Games Coached:
690
Wins:
427
Losses:
263
Win Percentage:
61.9%
NBA Championships:
2 (1974, 1976)