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Celtics Hall of Famer Tommy Heinsohn dies at age 86

NBA’s rookie of the year award in 1956 and combined with fellow future Hall of Famers to win eight championships in nine years.

Credit: AP

FILE - This Sept. 30, 2018, file photo shows former Boston Celtics great Tommy Heinsohn prior to a preseason basketball game in Boston. Tommy Heinsohn, who as a Boston Celtics player, coach and broadcaster was with the team for all 17 of its NBA championships, has died. He was 86. The team confirmed Heinsohn's death on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

BOSTON — Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Tommy Heinsohn has died at age 86.

Heinsohn was a player, coach and broadcaster who was with the team for all 17 of its NBA championships. He beat out teammate Bill Russell for the NBA’s rookie of the year award in 1956 and combined with his fellow future Hall of Famer to win eight championships in nine years.

After retiring, Heinsohn broadcast the team’s games for three years before moving to the bench in 1969, succeeding Russell.

Under Heinsohn, the Celtics won two more titles 1974 and ’76 and he was inducted into the Hall for a second time for his coaching.

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

All-time great Bill Russell tweeted Tuesday evening, saying he and Heinsohn were rookies together with the Celtics. Russell Called Heinsohn a true friend.

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