1973 Tommy Heinsohn Original Artwork from The Red Auerbach Collection....

Description

1973 Tommy Heinsohn Original Artwork from The Red Auerbach Collection. Original oil on canvas work by The Tommy Gun once hung in Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach's office. Heinsohn himself is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and a coach. He is also a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame as a player.

The large painting is signed and dated "Tom Heinsohn 73" at the bottom right, and features Celtics and Phoenix Suns players from the period, including Hall of Famers Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, Jo Jo White, Don Nelson, and Paul Silas. While Heinsohn executed the painting in 1973, he gifted it to Auerbach in 1976 after Heinsohn coached the Boston Celtics to a four games to two Finals victory over the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns to win their 13th NBA Championship. Framed to 36.75x24.75". Letter of provenance from Red Auerbach's estate.

More Information: The Arnold "Red" Auerbach Collection

He was the greatest coach in the history of the National Basketball Association, and not simply for his record tally of nine NBA Championships earned during his seventeen seasons at the helm of the Boston Celtics, or his status as the first coach in the Association to win a thousand games. Auerbach was far more than a strategist--he was a leader of men. His "Pyramid of Success" hangs in locker rooms and boardrooms all over the world, celebrating such qualities as industriousness, loyalty and enthusiasm as the foundation of competitive greatness. After moving from the sidelines to the front office, Auerbach continued his essential service to Beantown basketball, earning another eight NBA championships as general manager and president.

Heritage Auctions is particularly proud to bring to market the inspiring artifacts of this cigar-chomping giant of professional basketball, one of the most beloved and respected figures ever to lead a team into battle. All lots are consigned by the Auerbach family with their letter of provenance, making their hobby debut in this Platinum Night event.