NBA Boston Celtics (1969-78)

Compiled a 427-263 record in nine seasons

Led Boston to the NBA championship (1974, 1976)

NBA Coach of the Year (1973)

Led Boston to five Atlantic Division titles (1972-76)

The 1973 Boston team compiled a league-best 68-14 record



Tom Heinsohn's championship winning percentage is nearly flawless. In nine seasons as a starting forward with the Boston Celtics, Heinsohn won eight NBA titles. The architect of an unorthodox but deadly hook shot scored 1,789 (22.1 ppg) points as a consensus All-America at Holy Cross and 12,194 points (18.6 ppg) with the Celtics. As both a player, and later a coach, Tommy Heinsohn did whatever it took to win. While at Holy Cross, Heinsohn was a three-time All-New England selection and an All-America in 1955 and 1956. He led the Crusaders to the 1954 NIT championship, and a 67-13 record. Drafted in the first round as a territorial pick by the Boston Celtics in 1957, Heinsohn captured Rookie of the Year honors. Despite playing among a veritable "who's who of basketball"

In Boston, Heinsohn led the Celtics in scoring from 1960 to 1962, and appeared in six NBA All-Star Games. At 6-foot-7, he grabbed 5,749 rebounds. His competitive zeal was strong in the post-season, as he averaged 19.8 points in 104 playoff games. After his playing career ended, Heinsohn became a successful head coach in Boston for nine seasons (19691978), compiling a 427-263 coaching record (.619 winning percentage). In 1973, Heinsohn guided the Celtics to a 68-14 record, the most single-season victories in Boston's famed history, and was named NBA Coach of the Year. Heinsohn added to his eight NBA titles as a player by leading Boston to the 1974 and 1976 titles as a coach.