Thomas William Heinsohn was a prominent figure in American basketball, deeply connected with the Boston Celtics for over 60 years. As a player, coach, and later a broadcaster, he became an iconic symbol of the franchise, known for his loyalty and passion, earning him the nickname "Mr. Celtic." His contributions spanned from 1956 to his later years, leaving a lasting impact on the team and its fans.
August 26, 1934: Birth of Tom Heinsohn
Tom Heinsohn was born on August 26, 1934.
1956: NBA Debut, Rookie of the Year, and First Championship
In 1956, Tom Heinsohn was drafted by the Boston Celtics and named Rookie of the Year. He also won his first NBA championship that year.
1956: NBA Debut and Rookie of the Year
Tom Heinsohn began his NBA career with the Boston Celtics in 1956, earning the Rookie of the Year award.
1959: Start of Championship Dynasty
The Boston Celtics, led by Tom Heinsohn, began their streak of eight NBA championships in nine years in 1959.
1964: Leadership in Players Association
Tom Heinsohn played a key role in the NBA Players Association, serving as its second president. In 1964, he helped lead a movement that resulted in the league implementing a pension plan for players.
1965: End of Playing Career
Tom Heinsohn retired from playing basketball in 1965 after a successful run with the Celtics.
1965: Seventh NBA Championship and Retirement
Tom Heinsohn won his seventh NBA championship with the Celtics in 1965, marking the end of their dominant run. He also retired from playing that year due to a foot injury.
1966: Broadcasting Beginnings
Tom Heinsohn embarked on his broadcasting career in 1966, serving as the play-by-play announcer for the Boston Celtics on WKBG.
1966: Jersey Retirement and Broadcasting Debut
Tom Heinsohn's number 15 jersey was retired by the Boston Celtics in 1966. He also began his broadcasting career that year, calling play-by-play for Celtics games.
1969: Return to Coaching
After three seasons in the broadcasting booth, Tom Heinsohn returned to coaching in 1969.
1969: Transition to Coaching
Tom Heinsohn transitioned from player to coach, taking the helm of the Boston Celtics in 1969.
1969: Start of Coaching Career
Tom Heinsohn's coaching career with the Boston Celtics commenced in the 1969-70 season.
1972: Coach of the Year Honor
Tom Heinsohn received the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 1972 after leading the Celtics to a league-best 68-14 record.
1976: Second Championship as Coach
Tom Heinsohn led the Boston Celtics to another NBA championship in 1976, adding to his legacy with the franchise.
1978: End of Coaching Tenure
Tom Heinsohn's time as head coach of the Celtics concluded in 1978.
1981: Color Commentator Partnership with Mike Gorman
Tom Heinsohn joined forces with Mike Gorman in 1981 to form a color commentary duo for the Boston Celtics on PRISM New England.
1984: Start of NBA Finals Coverage for CBS
Tom Heinsohn began providing color commentary for CBS's NBA playoff coverage in 1984, calling four NBA Finals between 1984 and 1987.
1986: NCAA Basketball Coverage for CBS
Tom Heinsohn added NCAA college basketball coverage to his broadcasting repertoire in 1986, lending his voice to CBS's Men's Tournament broadcasts.
1987: Shift in CBS Broadcast Role
In 1987, Tom Heinsohn's role as the primary color analyst for CBS's NBA coverage shifted. He moved to the second spot on the network's depth chart, primarily calling playoff games.
1988: Playoff Commentary with Verne Lundquist
Throughout the 1988-89 NBA season, Tom Heinsohn partnered with Verne Lundquist to provide color commentary for playoff games on CBS.
1988: Publication of Memoir: "Give 'em the Hook"
Tom Heinsohn, in collaboration with writer Joe Fitzgerald, published his memoir, "Give 'em the Hook," in 1988.
1990: Final Season with CBS
The 1990 NCAA men's basketball tournament marked the end of Tom Heinsohn's broadcasting tenure with CBS.
1990: Road Play-by-Play Commentator
Tom Heinsohn took on the role of road play-by-play commentator for the Boston Celtics in 1990.
1999: End of Road Play-by-Play Role
Tom Heinsohn's tenure as the Celtics' road play-by-play commentator concluded in 1999.
2008: Passing of Helen Weiss
Tom Heinsohn's second wife, Helen Weiss, passed away in 2008.
February 14, 2015: Basketball Hall of Fame Induction as Coach
Tom Heinsohn was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach on February 14, 2015. This marked his second induction, as he was previously enshrined as a player.
November 9, 2020: Death of Tom Heinsohn
Tom Heinsohn passed away on November 9, 2020.