Tom Heinsohn

Thomas William Heinsohn (August 26, 1934 – November 9, 2020) was an American professional basketball player, coach, and broadcaster associated with the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association for six decades. Of German descent, he played for the Celtics from 1956 to 1965 before coaching the team from 1969 to 1978. He later spent over thirty years as the color commentator for the Celtics' local broadcasts, working alongside play-by-play commentator Mike Gorman.

Known for his charisma and his loyalty to the team and its traditions, Heinsohn earned the nickname "Mr. Celtic." He helped form the NBA Players Association. He was the only person involved in an official team capacity in each of the Celtics' first 17 championships, as well as each of their first 21 NBA Finals appearances.

Heinsohn was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his contributions as a player, and was also inducted for his success as a head coach.