Tommy Heinsohn, who as a Boston Celtics player, coach and broadcaster over more than 60 years was with the team for all 17 of its NBA championships, died Tuesday. He was 86.
"This is a devastating loss,'' the team's owners said in a statement. "Tommy was the ultimate Celtic. For the past 18 years, our ownership group has relied hugely on Tommy's advice and insights and have reveled in his hundreds of stories about Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, and how the Celtics became a dynasty. He will be remembered forever.''
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hailed Heinsohn for being "synonymous with success,'' noting that he was one of the few basketball greats inducted to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach, before continuing his career in broadcasting.
"Celtics games will not be the same without Tommy, and he will be dearly missed by those who share his fervor for basketball,'' Silver said.
Another legend gone. RIP.
