It is a rarity in sports when one player is identified so reverently with one franchise. Michael Jordan and the Bulls, Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees, Kobe and Magic with the Lakers, Jim Brown with the Browns, Walter Payton with the Bears. Rarer, though, is the player whose presence around the team lasts beyond his playing days, creating a legacy spanning not just one or two decades, but several.
In basketball circles, Tom Heinsohn was that rarity. Heinsohn, who played his college ball at Holy Cross (Worcester, MA), played all nine of his pro seasons with the Boston Celtics, from 1956-1965. He was an all-star in his rookie season, and in consecutive seasons from 1960-1965. He ended his playing career with averages of 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds, a 6-time All-Star, with 8 championships and was four times All-NBA (2nd team). His 37 point, 23 rebound performance in Game 7 of the '57 Finals against the St. Louis Hawks capped off a stupendous rookie campaign and is one of the league's most memorable big game performances.
Four years after his playing career, he would coach the Celtics, from 1969 through 1978. As a head coach, he won two championships (1974 and 1976), and a Coach of the Year award in 1973. He also coached in four All-Star games (1972, 1973, 1974, 1976). Heinsohn would embark on a lengthy broadcasting career following his coaching days, both nationally for CBS and for the Celtics alongside Mike Gorman, creating one half of a legendary broadcasting tandem that began in 1981 and lasted until this past NBA season. Though Heinsohn would miss games occasionally in recent years for health reasons, he and Gorman, when together, formed one of the best broadcasting duos of all-time, regardless of the professional league.
All of the above is why the death of Heinsohn, on Tuesday, November 10 at the age of 86, stings so much. He wasn't just your run of the mill former NBA player - he was a Hall of Famer. He wasn't just your run of the mill head coach - he coached the Celtics to two championships. And he wasn't just your run of the mill broadcaster - his keen eye for the game, trademark accent, personality (he awarded "Tommy Points" for hustle plays) and his unique Celtic bias created the foundation for him being a broadcasting staple and one of best and well-known in the NBA.
Though he was born in Jersey City, NJ and went to high school in Union City, his time in Massachusetts and the Boston area spanned nearly 70 years. He was a vital part of the Celtics' dynasty of the '50s and '60s and turned into a great head coach and legendary broadcaster.
He will be missed. Rest In Peace, Tom Heinsohn.
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