As a player, as a coach and as a broadcaster, the impact of Tommy Heinsohn on the Boston Celtics cannot be overstated.
Boston Celtics legend Tom Heinsohn has died at the age of 86.
The Hall-of-Famer won eight NBA championships as a player for the Celtics before going on to coach the team to two more titles. He was a play-by-play man and color commentator for the team's television broadcast for over 30 years, most recently for NBC Sports Boston.
He was with the Celtics for all 17 of their championships, and his number 15 is retired by the team.
"This is a devastating loss," the Celtics' ownership group said in a statement. "Tommy was the ultimate Celtic. For the past 18 years, our ownership group has relied hugely on Tommy’s advice and insights and have reveled in his hundreds of stories about Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, and how the Celtics became a dynasty. He will be remembered forever."
We take this time to celebrate Tommy Heinsohn’s life and legacy, and to share in the sorrow of his passing with his family, friends, and fans. As long as there are the Boston Celtics, Tommy’s spirit will remain alive.
"Rest In Peace, Tommy," Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said on Twitter. "You have meant so much to the six decades of Celtics' fans that you shared the game with as a HOFer in every facet... An Incredible person, teammate and mentor."
Prior to his Celtics career, Heinsohn played college basketball at Holy Cross in Worcester. He was a territorial draft pick by the Celtics in 1956. He beat out Russell for the NBA's rookie of the year award that season and scored 39 points and had 23 rebounds in Game 7 of the NBA finals against the St. Louis Hawks.
It was the franchise's first title, and the first of eight in nine years for Heinsohn and Russell. Heinsohn was the team's leading scorer in four of the championship seasons.
NBC Sports - Boston
Tom Heinsohn won eight NBA championships with the Boston Celtics before going on to coach the team to two more titles.
Heinsohn retired in 1965 with totals of 12,194 points and 5,749 rebounds and remained with the team as a broadcaster. Celtics patriarch Auerbach tabbed him to be the coach in 1969, succeeding Russell.
Heinsohn was the NBA coach of the year in 1973, when the team won a then-record 68 games. The Celtics added championships in 1974 and ’76. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1986 and as a coach in 2015.
Shortly after retiring as a coach in 1979, he rejoined the team’s broadcasts, where his unapologetic homerism has endeared him to Celtics fans ever since.
Mike Gorman, who called Boston Celtics games with Tommy Heinsohn for 39 years, describes what he meant to the organization, the fans and the entire basketball world.
“It’s hard to imagine the Boston Celtics without Tommy Heinsohn,” the team said in a statement. “There isn’t a generation of Celtics fans for whom Tommy’s presence hasn’t been felt. He is the only person to be an active participant in each of the Celtics’ 17 world championships, an extraordinary and singular legacy.”
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 6: Tom Heinsohn’s jersey is on display during the NBA Hall announcement at the NCAA Final Four on April 6, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Mike LeBrecht via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MARCH 27: Broadcaster, Tom Heinsohn (left) of the Boston Celtics, prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at The Quicken Loans Arena on March 27, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA – SEPTEMBER 11: Inductee Tom Heinsohn speaks during the 2015 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on September 11, 2015 at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 25: Banner captain, NBA Hall of Famer, Tommy Heinsohn, waves a flag before the game of the Boston Bruins ACTION against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on April 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 13: Head coach of the Boston Celtics 1976 Championship team Tom Heinsohn is honored at halftime of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
BOSTON – APRIL 23: Boston Celtics legends Tom Heinsohn (L) and Bob Cousey (R) Game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2004 NBA Playoffs between the Celtics and the Indiana Pacers April 23, 2004 at the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
FILE: Tom Heinsohn of the Boston Celtics (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WORCESTER, MA – JUNE 7: Bob Cousy, NBA Legend and alumnus of Holy Cross is interviewed by NBA Legend Tom Heinsohn during a ceremony unveiling a statue of Bob Cousy on June 7, 2008 at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SECAUCUS, NJ – MAY 22: Tom Heinsohn of the Boston Celtics gets the number five pick during the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery on May 22, 2007 at the NBATV Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 18: Members of the ’62 Celtics team from left, Tom Sanders, Bill Russell, Frank Ramsey, Sam Jones, Tom Heinsohn, Bob Cousy, and Jim Loscutoff are honored on the 50th anniversary of Boston’s game 7 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to win an NBA championship, at the TD Garden during half time. The Boston Celtics play the Orlando Magic at the TD Garden during a regular season NBA game in Boston, MA on April 18, 2012. (Photo by Yoon S. Byun/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
(Original Caption) It’s a jubilant mob scene as happy fans carry Celtics’ Tommy Heinsohn (L), coach Red Auerbach (Center, with victory cigar), and big Bill Russell (R) around the basketball court at Boston Garden April 27th, after the Celtics won their sixth consecutive World’s Championship. They defeated the Warrior’s, 105-99. The Celtics are the only pro team in history to win six consecutive championships.
ATLANTA, GA – 1974: Head Coach Tom Heinsohn of the Boston Celtics speaks to the team during the game against the Atlanta Hawks circa 1974 at the Omni Coliseum in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1974 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
NOVEMBER 4: Boston Celtics head coach Tom Heinsohn gets called for a technical foul during the third quarter of a game against the Denver Nuggets at the Boston Garden on Nov. 4, 1977. (Photo by Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – CIRCA 1970’s: Head coach Tom Heinsohn of the Boston Celtics is watching the action from the bench during a mid circa 1970’s NBA basketball game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Heinsohn coached the Celtics from 1969-78. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 20: Tom Heinsohn grabs a rebound as Dave Cowens moves in during the 1988 Boston Celtics Legends game at the Boston Garden on Nov. 20, 1988. (Photo by John Blanding/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 25: Wilt Chamberlain #13 of the Philadelphia Warriors fights for the rebound with Tom Heinsohn #15 of the Boston Celtics during an NBA game on November 25, 1959 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Hy Peskin/Getty Images) (Set Number: X6393)
BOSTON, MA – CIRCA 1960’s: Tom Heinsohn #15 of the Boston Celtics in action drives to the basket against the San Francisco Warriors during a mid circa 1960’s NBA basketball game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Heinsohn played for the Celtics from 1956-65. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – 1960: Tom Heinsohn #15 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball circa 1960 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1960 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 31: From left, Boston Celtics Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn and Red Auerbach sit on the bench during a playoff game against the Cincinnati Royals at the Boston Garden, March 31, 1964. (Photo by Dan Goshtigian/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – CIRCA 1960’s: Tom Heinsohn #15 of the Boston Celtics shoots over Jerry West #44 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a mid circa 1960’s NBA basketball game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Heinsohn played for the Celtics from 1956-65. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – CIRCA 1964: Tom Heinsohn #15 and head coach Red Auerbach of the Boston Celtics center, celebrate after a victory during an NBA basketball game circa 1964 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Heinsohn played for the Celtics from 1956-65. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said he was saddened to learn of Heinsohn's death.
"We don't really have power forwards any more, but he was a dervish," Baker said. "He was one of those guys who no one ever wanted to cover and no one ever wanted to play against."
Governor Charlie Baker shared his love for the Celtic legend Tom Heisohn’s after learning of his death during a press conference on Tuesday.
As a Celtics announcer, the governor said Heinsohn "was right up there with Johnny Most," so profoundly committed to the home team that it was like watching a different game.
"He was a special piece of our sports fabric here in Massachusetts," Baker said. "The guy was all heart. Whatever it was, whatever the cause -- and he did tons and tons of charitable work -- the guy was all heart."
Many people from the Celtics and greater NBA community took to Twitter on Tuesday to share their thoughts on Heinsohn's passing and his impact on the game.
Many Celtics fans only knew Tommy Heinsohn from local TV. Or from national TV in the 80s. Or as a hall of fame coach. Or as 1956 rookie of the yr & a hall of fame player. NO ONE ever loved this team more than Tommy did. More later, but it just won't be the same without him. 😥☘️
Damn RIP Tommy Heinsohn!!! “The Little guy” that’s the nickname he gave me. Will miss his voice and everything he brought to the game especially Celtics basketball
You can’t imagine what a privilege it was to know and speak to Tommy Heinsohn. Whenever he would ask me in our Burlington office, “What’s going on with the Patriots?” I’d answer while a voice in my head screamed “TOMMY HEINSOHN IS LISTENING TO YOU!!!” I loved that guy.
The Bruins mourn the passing of the legendary Tommy Heinsohn. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and the entire Celtics organization. pic.twitter.com/cqNWEUPtIU
My love and prayers goes out to the family of Mr. Tommy Heinsohn. I’m thankful for the impact you left on the game and for all the “tommy points!” Gone but never forgotten ✊🏽
RIP Tom Heinsohn '56: a larger-than-life coach, player, and commentator involved in all 17 of the Celtics' NBA titles. He will be remembered by basketball fans everywhere. For his exceptional play, hustle and heart, we award him all the "Tommy Points."🏀❤️https://t.co/3Lsqnm6LWMpic.twitter.com/aFURwY0IDX
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