Dave Cowens

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Cowens arrived from Florida State University, where he set school records for scoring (1,479 points) and rebounding (1,340 rebounds). His professional tenure was marked by a refusal to accept limitations regarding his height. In the 1972–73 season, Cowens played all 82 games, averaging a career-high 20.5 points and 16.2 rebounds per game while guiding Boston to a league-best 68–14 record. That year, he defeated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the MVP award, stating later that being named by his peers meant the most because "they are the only ones who understand your work habits." His physical style was evident in games like his career-high 39-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 16, 1976. Cowens also set single-season Celtics records for total defensive rebounds (993) and defensive rating (90.6) during the 1973–74 season, proving his value extended far beyond traditional center statistics.

In Their Own Story

The 1974 NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks showcased Cowens at his absolute peak. After splitting the first six games, the series came down to a decisive Game 7 in Milwaukee. Facing the top-seeded Bucks, Cowens delivered a masterclass performance, recording 28 points and 14 rebounds to secure the Celtics' 12th NBA championship. His postseason run that year averaged 20.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. Two years later, in the 1976 Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Cowens again proved indispensable. With John Havlicek injured and Jo Jo White needing support, Cowens picked up the slack during a grueling series that went to six games. CBS commentator Rick Barry famously noted during this run: "There is no player with greater desire than Dave Cowens." This drive was evident even in his rookie year when he led the entire league in personal fouls with 350, showcasing an aggressive style that defined his era.

Reader's Guide

Cowens' career offers a blueprint for playing above one's physical limitations through sheer effort. He wore jersey number 18 only because Jim Loscutoff declined to have it retired, allowing Cowens to take the mantle. Fans should note his consistency: he appeared in every All-Star game from 1972 through 1976 (five straight appearances) and was named to multiple All-NBA Second Teams. His versatility allowed him to average over 40 minutes per game during the 1973–74 season, logging a career-high 41.9 MPG. Even when injuries struck, such as breaking his foot in the preseason of 1974–75, he returned to play 65 games and finish second in the league in rebounding behind Wes Unseld. Cowens' legacy includes being named to both the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players regardless of height.

Did You Know?

• Cowens was the first Celtic to win the NBA MVP award since 1968, beating out Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1973.
• Despite being an undersized center at 6 ft 9 in, he set a Celtics single-season record with 993 total defensive rebounds in 1973–74.
• He shared the 1971 Rookie of the Year award with Portland's Geoff Petrie after averaging 15.0 rebounds per game.
• Cowens holds the Florida State University all-time rebounding record with 1,340 career rebounds.
• He led the NBA in personal fouls during his rookie season with a total of 350.