Classic SI Photos of Bob Cousy

An All-Star in every single one of his seasons (save for a seven-game return to boost ticket sales for the Cincinnati Royals, the team he coached, in 1970), Bob Cousy was a six-time NBA champion and the 1957 MVP. He was the man in Boston until the arrival of Bill Russell, with whom he teamed to build the NBA’s first dynasty. In celebration of Cousy's 88th birthday on Aug. 9, 2016, we present these classic SI photos of the great Celtics point guard of the 1950s and early '60s—nicknamed "Cooz" and "Houdini of the Hardwood"—through the years.

Classic SI Photos of Bob Cousy

Hy Peskin

Bob Cousy poses for a portait in 1955 Boston.

Hy Peskin

A multiple exposure of Bob Cousy demonstrating a behind the back dribble in 1955 Boston.

Hy Peskin

Bob Cousy reacts on the sidelines during the Boston Celtics game against the Fort Wayne Pistons on Nov. 19, 1955 at Boston Garden.

Hy Peskin

Bob Cousy shoots over Clyde Lovellette during the Boston Celtics game against the Minnesota Lakers on Dec. 10, 1955 at Boston Garden.

Hy Peskin

Red Morrison, Bob Cousy and coach Red Auerbach react from the bench during the Boston Celtics game against the Minnesota Lakers on Dec. 10, 1955 at Boston Garden.

Hy Peskin

Bob Cousy appears on the Jan. 9, 1956 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Hy Peskin

Bob Cousy shoots over Ed Fleming during the Boston Celtics game against the Rochester Royals on Dec. 12, 1956 at Boston Garden.

Richard Meek

Bob Cousy and Bill Russell pose in the tunnel before Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and St. Louis Hawks on April 9, 1957 at Boston Garden.

Richard Meek

Bob Cousy passes the ball during Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and St. Louis Hawks on April 9, 1957 at Boston Garden.

Richard Meek

Bob Cousy drives to the basket against Bob Pettit during Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and St. Louis Hawks on April 9, 1957 at Boston Garden.

Neil Leifer

Bob Cousy dribbles against Guy Rodgers during the Boston Celtics game against the Philadelphia Warriors on Jan. 2, 1960 at Convention Hall in Philadelphia.

Neil Leifer

Bob Cousy dribbles against Andy Johnson during the Boston Celtics game against the Philadelphia Warriors on Jan. 2, 1960 at Convention Hall in Philadelphia.

John G. Zimmerman

Bob Cousy appears on the Jan. 16, 1961 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Walter Iooss Jr.

Bob Cousy passes the ball against Jim Krebs during Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers on April 18, 1962 at Boston Garden.

Walter Iooss Jr.

Bob Cousy and Bill Russell in action during Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers on April 18, 1962 at Boston Garden.

Walter Iooss Jr.

Bob Cousy dribbles against Jerry West during Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers on April 18, 1962 at Boston Garden.

Walter Iooss Jr.

Cincinnati Royals coach Bob Cousy looks on during halftime of a preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sept. 29, 1969 in Camden, N.J.

Walter Iooss Jr.

Bob Cousy appears on the Jan. 26, 1970 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Heinz Kluetmeier

John Havlicek, Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, Bob Cousy and other former Boston Celtics pose together during a team reunion on Jan. 5, 1985 at Matthews Arena on Northeastern University campus in Boston.

Heinz Kluetmeier

Bob Cousy dribbles during a reunion game on Jan. 5, 1985 at Matthews Arena on Northeastern University campus in Boston.

Manny Millan

Bob Cousy, Larry Byrd, Red Auerbach, Tommy Heinson and John Havlicek pose together while smoking cigars on Oct. 3, 1992 in Boston.

Manny Millan

Bob Cousy looks to shoot during a legends contest before the Boston Celtics game against the New York Knicks on Jan. 10, 1997 at TD Garden in Boston.

Chuck Solomon

Bob Cousy waves to fans as he heads out to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the start of the Boston Red Sox game against the New York Yankees on April 20, 2007 at Fenway Park in Boston.