First annual ‘Tommy Heinsohn Day’ to honor franchise icon on Sunday, May 9

The Boston Celtics have announced via press release they plan to honor franchise legend Tommy Heinsohn this Sunday, May 9 with the inaugural “Tommy Heinsohn Day” to honor the late Celtics icon with a day of on-air tributes hosted by the team and NBC Sports Boston.

Drafted ahead of the 1956-57 NBA season in which he won Rookie of the Year honors, Heinsohn would kick off his career with the Celtics by winning his (and the franchise’s) first NBA championship. He’d win eight total titles with Boston along with six All-Star nods among many other honors, and would return to coach the team to two more titles in the 1970s after his playing days were over.

He would remain close to the team even after he retired, working as a broadcaster right up to his death in 2020.

Per the team's press release, the day's broadcast schedule begins at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time with 90 minutes of programming dedicated to his life and career ahead of the home contest against the Miami Heat. Swag, signage and a video tribute to the late Celtics legend will complete the celebration of Heinsohn's life, which will conclude with the first annual awarding of the team's new "Tommy Award," which will be presented to the Celtic who "best embodies attributes of hustle, effort, and pride throughout the season" per the Celtics' press release. https://twitter.com/TheCelticsWire/status/1390788552481550338?s=20

"Tommy Heinsohn is the only person to be an active participant in each of the Celtics’ 17 World Championships, an extraordinary and singular legacy," shares the team ahead of the first-ever inaugural event honoring the Boston legend. Celebrate his 64 years with the team and its fanbase this Sunday. This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook! [lawrence-related id=50030,50017,49979,49980] [listicle id=50019]

1

1