NBA's Greatest Players in History: Bob Cousy

• Led the NBA in assists for 8 consecutive seasons
• 6-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics
• 13-time NBA All-Star and 1957 NBA MVP

Bob Cousy revolutionised basketball with his innovative playmaking and dribbling skills, earning the nickname "Houdini of the Hardwood" whilst leading the Celtics to six championships.

Overview

Bob Cousy's impact on basketball cannot be overstated. As the NBA's premier point guard throughout the 1950s, Cousy's creative ball-handling and passing abilities transformed the way the game was played. His flashy yet effective style helped popularise basketball and played a crucial role in the Boston Celtics' emergence as the NBA's first dynasty.

Career snapshot

Cousy's 13-year NBA career, spent almost entirely with the Celtics, was marked by consistent excellence and team success. He led the league in assists for eight straight seasons from 1953 to 1960, averaging over 7 assists per game for his career. Cousy's playmaking prowess was complemented by his scoring ability, as he averaged 18.4 points per game and twice averaged over 20 points per season.

Playing style

Cousy's playing style was revolutionary for his era. His ability to handle the ball as if it were "on a string" allowed him to execute moves that were previously unseen on the basketball court. Cousy's mastery of the behind-the-back dribble, no-look pass, and other creative manoeuvres made him a nightmare for defenders and a joy for spectators.

His court vision and anticipation were exceptional, allowing him to see plays develop before they happened. This ability to "slow the game down" mentally whilst playing at a fast pace physically was a hallmark of Cousy's game and set him apart from his contemporaries.

Why Bob Cousy is on Our List

Cousy's inclusion on the list of most dominant players in NBA history is justified by his transformative impact on the game, his consistent individual excellence, and his role in establishing the Celtics dynasty. His innovative style of play laid the foundation for future generations of point guards and helped elevate the NBA's popularity during its formative years.

Cousy's dominance is reflected in his impressive list of accolades, including six NBA championships, 13 All-Star selections, and the 1957 MVP award. His ability to excel both as a scorer and a playmaker made him a complete offensive threat and a cornerstone of the Celtics' success.

Five Fast Facts

1. Cousy was initially drafted by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks but ended up with the Celtics through a series of fortunate events
2. He led the NBA in assists for eight consecutive seasons (1953-1960)
3. Cousy was named to the All-NBA First Team for ten consecutive seasons (1952-1961)
4. He served as the first president of the NBA Players Association
5. Cousy's number 14 was retired by the Boston Celtics in 1963

Career Highlights Timeline

1950: Drafted by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, traded to Chicago Stags, then allocated to Boston Celtics

1951: Named to his first NBA All-Star team

1953: Led the NBA in assists for the first time, beginning an eight-year streak

1957: Won NBA MVP award and led Celtics to their first NBA championship

1959: Began a streak of four consecutive seasons averaging a double-double in points and assists

1963: Won his sixth and final NBA championship before retiring

Bob Cousy's legacy as one of the most dominant players in NBA history is secure. His innovative playing style, consistent excellence, and pivotal role in the Celtics dynasty ensure that the "Houdini of the Hardwood" will always be remembered as one of basketball's true pioneers and greatest players.

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