NBA Boston Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn dies at 86, league mourns

NBA Boston Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn dies at 86 years old. /CFP

Boston Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn passed away at the age of 86. He was a player, coach and color commentator for the team for over 60 years and won a total of 10 NBA Championships for the Celtics.

"This is a devastating loss. 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," said Celtics owners in a statement.

Tommy Heinsohn of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball in the game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, 1960. /CFP

Boston selected Heinsohn with a territorial pick in the 1956 NBA Draft. As a 2.01-meter-tall power forward – there weren't too many big guys in the league back then – he averaged 18.6 points and 8.8 rebounds in 29.4 minutes. One of the reasons Heinsohn did not stay on the court as long as his teammates was that he was a huge smoker which made stamina his weakness.

Of course that did not stop Heinsohn from winning eight titles with the Celtics including doing it for seven consecutive times between 1959 and 1965. Four yeas after his retirement, Heinsohn became the head coach of the Celtics and added another two rings to his honor list in 1974 and 1976.

Boston Celtics legends Bill Russell (L) and Tommy Heinsohn watch Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Semifinals against the Orlando Magic at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, May 6, 2009. /CFP

"(Heinsohn was an) unofficial mentor to decades of Celtics coaches and players. A frequent constructive critic of referees. Originator of the most 'Celtic stat' of them all, The Tommy Point. And a boundless love for all things Boston Celtics, a passion which he shared with fans over 64 years," said the team in a statement.

"We were rookies together and friends for life. In life there are a limited number of true friends, today I lost one. RIP Heiny," posted 86-year-old 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell.

Paul Pierce who played 15 years for the Celtics posted a crying emoji on Twitter.

From L to R: Bill Russell, Tommy Heinsohn of the Boston Celtics and their head coach Arnold Auerbach sit on the bench in the playoff game against the Cincinnati Royals at the Boston Garden, March 31, 1964. /CFP

"RIP Tommy Heinsohn you were joy to listen to and learn from my heart is heavy today," wrote Celtics' 24-year-old swingman Jaylen Brown.

"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," from Celtics' head coach Brad Stevens.

"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," posted Isaiah Thomas.

Tommy Heinsohn (C), head coach of the Boston Celtics, gives his players instructions during a timeout in the game at the Boston Garden, 1974. /CFP

"R.I.P. Tom Heinsohn, NBA legend. For me I will always think of him as the color analyst on CBS's NBA coverage during the 80's, but his contributions throughout his career were too many to count," from Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

"The Bruins mourn the passing of the legendary Tommy Heinsohn. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and the entire Celtics organization," from the NHL's Boston Bruins.

Many other NBA teams paid tribute to Heinsohn's death.