The Boston Celtics are mourning the loss of one of their icons. News broke today that Celtics Legend Tommy Heinsohn has passed away.
Heinsohn had been a part of the Celtics organization for 65 years. He made his debut in 1956 as a player later returning to the team in 1969 as a coach. Tommy led the Celtics to a total of 10 championships as a player and a coach.
The Good Ole’ Days
Tommy was drafted by the Celtics by way of a territorial pick. In his first season, he was named an All-Star, won rookie of the year over teammate Bill Russell (the man that the Finals MVP trophy is named after just to jog your memory), and won a ring. As far as successful first seasons go this has to be close to the top if not at the top. That was just the beginning of a storied career.
1957 NBA Rookie of the Year.
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) November 10, 2020
1973 NBA Coach of the Year.
6× NBA All-Star.
8× NBA Champion.
2× NBA Champion (as coach).
No. 15 retired by Boston Celtics.
Celtics legend and Hall of Famer Tommy Heinsohn has passed away at the age of 86.
RIP
☘
Additionally, Tommy was a broadcaster for a little bit before he began coaching in 1969 leading the Celtics to 2 titles before ending his coaching career in 1978. He transitioned back to broadcasting joining Mike Gorman in 1981 as the Celtics color commentator. Tommy called the finals from 1984-1987on CBS. Three of those finals involved the Celtics and the Lakers.
Mr. Celtic’s Iconic Impact
Heinsohn was inducted into the hall of fame as a player in 1986 and as a coach in 2015. He is only the 4th ever person to be inducted as both. Tom is also the only person that was able to stake claim to being officially involved in some way to all 17 of the Celtics championships.
Tommy was integral to the Celtics in all aspects of his career. He was a leader on and off the court. His personality and charisma brought energy to every broadcast. Heinsohn’s impact on this organization will live on in the garden for years to come. Additionally, the level of energy in the broadcasts will never be the same.
Tommy Heinsohn was Boston.
— KJ Doyle (@bykjdoyle) November 10, 2020
He’s been in the Celtics organization in some capacity since 1956.
He was the passion. He was the anger. He was the joy. He was the fan. He was everything.
There has never been and will never be anyone like Tommy Heinsohn.
In a year where everything sucks, Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn has passed away and there is no way a void that big will ever be filled. The Celtics and basketball community have lost a truly great player, coach, and broadcaster, but most importantly an amazing person.
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