Brad Stevens, Celtics Pay Tribute to Boston Legend Tommy Heinsohn

Heinsohn died at the age of 86 on Tuesday after over six decades as a Celtics player, coach and broadcaster.

Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated

Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn passed away at the age of 86 on Tuesday.

Heinsohn was a member of the Celtics organization for over six decades as a player, coach and broadcaster. He won Rookie of the Year with Boston in 1957, leading the Celtics with 39 points and 23 rebounds in a Game 7 win over the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA Finals. Heinsohn retired in 1965 after six All-Star appearances and eight championships, and he quickly returned to the hardwood as a coach in 1969. 

Boston won two more titles with Heinson as the team's head coach in 1974 and 1976. Younger generations of Celtics fans have come to know Heinsohn as the Celtics' color analyst on TV broadcasts, where the Boston lifer handed out his patented "Tommy Points" for hustle plays. 

Numerous players and broadcasters paid tribute to Heinsohn on social media on Tuesday, honoring one of the most important figures in Celtics history. 

We were rookies together and friends for life. In life there are a limited number of true friends, today I lost one.
RIP Heiny. pic.twitter.com/nKJn0DqgJJ

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) November 10, 2020

Rest In Peace, Tommy. 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. https://t.co/gdQ0CHTQd1

— Brad Stevens (@BCCoachStevens) November 10, 2020

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

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) November 10, 2020

Just heard about the passing of Tommy Heinsohn. Was always an honor winning those Tommy awards. Rest In Peace big fella 🙏🏽🙏🏽 @celtics

— Shane Larkin (@shanelarkin) November 10, 2020

Roughly 2800 times I sat down with Tommy to broadcast a game. Every time it was special. HOF player...HOF coach...HOF partner. Celtics Nation has lost its finest voice. Rest In Peace my friend. It has been the privilege of my professional life to be the Mike in Mike & Tommy.

— Mike Gorman (@celticsvoice) November 10, 2020

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.

Full Statement from the Celtics: https://t.co/T5tQbCpfs2 pic.twitter.com/WCcRe3C7aU

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 10, 2020

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
✊🏽

— Evan Turner (@thekidet) November 10, 2020

Rest In Paradise Tom Heinsohn! #LEGEND 🙏🏾😢

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) November 10, 2020

😢

— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) November 10, 2020

Adam Silver’s statement on the passing of Tommy Heinsohn: pic.twitter.com/I774Vl69FZ

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) November 10, 2020