Ed Macauley

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Macauley's tenure in Boston was defined by both brilliance and a singular, life-altering trade. After leading the team to three consecutive Finals appearances (1957–1959), he faced his most significant moment off the court on April 29, 1956. On draft day, Macauley personally convinced reluctant Celtics owner Walter A. Brown to trade him to the St. Louis Hawks. The reason was deeply personal: his son had been diagnosed with spinal meningitis and was receiving care in St. Louis. In exchange for Macauley and Cliff Hagan, Boston received Bill Russell, the second overall pick. While this move sacrificed Macauley's time in green without a championship, it secured the defensive anchor that would launch the Celtics' future 13-title dynasty.

In Their Own Story

The first NBA All-Star Game belonged to Ed Macauley. In a league still finding its identity, he stood out not just for his size but for his command of the game. He earned MVP honors in that inaugural contest, proving his dominance among the league's elite. During his six seasons with Boston, he was named to the All-NBA First Team in three consecutive years and the Second Team once, specifically during the 1953–54 season where he also led the league in field goal percentage. His style was distinct; he didn't rely on brute force but on precision. Even as he reached the Finals in 1957, averaging 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game over a grueling seven-game series against his former team, his focus remained sharp, though the Celtics fell just short.

Reader's Guide

Ed Macauley's path to the Hall of Fame began long before he stepped onto an NBA court. At Saint Louis University, he led his team to the NIT championship in 1948 and was named AP Player of the Year in 1949. His famous nickname, "Easy Ed," originated during a sophomore-year pre-game warmup when fans shouted "Take it easy, Ed" after he ran onto the court unaware the national anthem was playing. In Boston, his numbers were consistent: seven consecutive All-Star appearances and a career total of 11,234 points over ten NBA seasons. At age 32, he became the youngest male player admitted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1960. The Celtics retired his number 22 on October 16, 1963, the same day Bob Cousy's number was honored, cementing his legacy as one of only two Celtics to have their number retired without winning a title with the team.

Did You Know?

• Macauley was the MVP of the very first NBA All-Star Game.
• He convinced Celtics owner Walter A. Brown to trade him so his son could receive medical care for spinal meningitis in St. Louis.
• At age 32, he remains the youngest male player ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
• His nickname 'Easy Ed' came from fans shouting at him during a pre-game warmup when he ran out onto the court not realizing the national anthem was playing.