Retired Number 14 (Bob Cousy)

Lore & Background

The bond between Cousy and Red Auerbach was forged in fire rather than friendship at first. They clashed initially over playing style, with Cousy's flair sometimes conflicting with Red's defensive demands. Yet their shared vision for victory forged a dynasty that would dominate the late 1950s and early 1960s. Cousy's leadership was vocal and visible; he directed traffic with authority, often pushing teammates to their limits to ensure victory.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Boston Garden was thick with the smell of popcorn and floor wax, a familiar scent to Cousy. He stood at mid-court, dribbling with a rhythm that seemed to sync with the heartbeat of the crowd. The opposing defense crouched low, eyes wide, terrified of the no-look pass they knew was coming. With a flick of his wrist, the ball vanished from his hands and reappeared in the hands of an open teammate near the rim. The roar that erupted wasn't just for the basket; it was for the artistry. In that moment, Bob Cousy didn't just play basketball; he conducted a symphony on hardwood.

Reader's Guide

This honor acknowledged that Cousy's unique skill set fundamentally changed how the game was played; before him, point guards were mere facilitators, but Cousy proved they could be the primary engine and face of a team. The significance extends beyond statistics: it represents the transition from a struggling expansion team to the NBA's premier dynasty. Today, Number 14 hangs permanently in TD Garden, reminding current players that excellence is expected. It signifies the beginning of the 'Celtics Way,' a tradition enduring for over seven decades. Cousy's legacy ensures that every time a Celtics point guard orchestrates an offense with flair and precision, they walk in his footsteps.

Did You Know?

• Cousy was known as 'The Houdini of the Hardwood' because he could seemingly make the ball disappear from his hands during no-look passes.
• He was one of only two players (along with Bill Russell) to win six NBA championships in the 1950s and 60s without ever missing a Finals series.
• Cousy famously refused to wear a warm-up suit on the court, believing it made him look like he was trying too hard, preferring just his jersey and shorts.
• He was selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.