Dave Cowens
(Born 1948)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1991
Card Shown:
2014-15 Panini Flawless
Hall of Fame
Position: C/PF
Height: 6’9″
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Dave Cowens, “Big Red,” was an undersized center in the NBA whose grit, toughness, and all-out play helped him to become a superstar. Facing some of the bigger centers in the league, like Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, Bob Lanier, and Wilt Chamberlain, Cowens relied upon his heart and hustle to compete. He was known for his unselfish play and his willingness to sacrifice his body for the good of the team. A good scorer and great rebounder, Dave’s high motor and aggressive play compensated for any lack of height and helped him lead the Boston Celtics to two NBA Championships.
Awards and Honors
- In 1970-71, Cowens was named the co-NBA Rookie of the Year with Geoff Petrie of the Portland Trail Blazers. In his first year, with the Celtics, Dave averaged 17.0 points per game, 15.0 rebounds per game, and 2.8 assists per game.
- During his eleven-year NBA career, Cowens was an NBA All-Star eight times. In 1973 he was selected the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player.
- Achieving the ultimate individual goal, Dave was named the 1972-73 NBA Most Valuable Player.
- Cowens helped lead the Boston Celtics to two NBA Championships in 1974 and 1976. Others on those two squads included Hall of Famers Jo Jo White and John Havlicek as well as Paul Silas and Don Nelson.
- Dave was selected to the All-NBA Second Team three times. He also made the NBA All-Defensive First Team once and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice.
Points of Interest
- Dave started playing basketball when he was a junior in high school. With relatively little experience, he was able to earn a scholarship from Florida State University. As a Seminole, Cowens averaged a double-double in points and rebounds during his college career.
- The Boston Celtics chose Cowens with the fourth overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft, following Bob Lanier, Rudy Tomjanovich, and Pete Maravich. The Celtics needed a new center since the great Bill Russell had retired in 1969.
- Cowens retired following the 1979-80 season, having played one year with new Celtic legend-in-the-making Larry Bird. Two years later, at the request of friend, former teammate, and Milwaukee Bucks coach Don Nelson, Dave returned to the league for 40 games with the Bucks during the 1982-83 season.
- Dave finished his NBA career with averages of 17.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.8 rebounds per game.
- In 1996, Cowens was honored as one of The 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
- Cowens number 18 jersey was retired by the Boston Celtics on February 8, 1981.
Statistics
Dave Cowens Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com