Synopsis
"Heinsohn, Don’t You Ever Smile?: The Life & Times of Tommy Heinsohn & the Boston Celtics" by Tommy Heinsohn offers an intimate and vibrant recounting of the life of one of the Boston Celtics’ most iconic figures, interwoven with the storied history of the franchise during its formative and dominant years. The book serves as both an autobiography of Heinsohn’s multifaceted career and a tribute to the camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs of the Celtics dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s. Heinsohn, a Hall of Fame player, coach, and broadcaster, narrates his journey with a blend of humor, candor, and deep loyalty to the team that defined his life, providing readers with a front-row seat to the inner workings of a basketball powerhouse and the personal dynamics that fueled its success.
The narrative begins with Heinsohn’s early years, delving into his childhood in New Jersey, where he faced bullying that shaped his resilience. His father’s unconventional solution—organizing fights with neighborhood kids to build his confidence—marked the start of Heinsohn’s scrappy, determined character. This tenacity carried him to Holy Cross, where he became a standout player, setting scoring records and catching the eye of the Celtics, who selected him as a territorial draft pick in 1956. Heinsohn vividly describes his rookie season, a pivotal year when he joined forces with Bill Russell, whose arrival transformed the team. Despite initial friction with Russell, Heinsohn’s competitive spirit and scoring prowess—most notably his 37 points and 23 rebounds in Game 7 of the 1957 NBA Finals—helped secure Boston’s first championship, setting the stage for a dynasty. The book captures the exhilaration of those early years, filled with practical jokes, intense rivalries, and the forging of lifelong bonds with teammates like Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, and Frank Ramsey.
As Heinsohn recounts his playing career, which spanned nine seasons and eight championships, he doesn’t shy away from his reputation as “Tommy Gun,” a relentless shooter whose ego sometimes clashed with teammates but ultimately drove the team’s success. He reflects on the Celtics’ fast-paced style under coach Red Auerbach, whose psychological tactics and strategic brilliance Heinsohn credits for the team’s dominance. The book also addresses serious issues, such as the racism faced by Black players like Russell in Boston, offering a sobering perspective on the era’s social climate. Heinsohn’s anecdotes about Auerbach’s leadership, from motivational ploys to outsmarting opponents, paint a picture of a coach who was both a genius and a father figure to his players.
Transitioning to his coaching tenure from 1969 to 1978, Heinsohn details the challenges of following Russell’s player-coach era and rebuilding the team. He shares the highs of leading the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976, with players like John Havlicek and Dave Cowens, and the lows of navigating roster changes and injuries. His coaching philosophy, rooted in the same hustle and heart he displayed as a player, shines through, as does his pride in being named NBA Coach of the Year in 1973. The book also touches on his post-coaching career as a broadcaster, where his colorful commentary and unabashed Celtics loyalty endeared him to fans, even as he occasionally stirred controversy with his critiques of referees.
Beyond basketball, Heinsohn weaves in personal stories about his family—his parents, wife, and children—revealing the man behind the public persona. His love for painting and his brief foray into the insurance business add depth to his character, showing a restless creative spirit. The narrative is peppered with lighthearted tales of teammate pranks, like those orchestrated by Jim Loscutoff, and heartfelt reflections on friendships, particularly with Russell, which evolved from early tension to mutual respect. Ultimately, the book is a celebration of Heinsohn’s identity as “Mr. Celtic,” a symbol of the franchise’s enduring legacy, and a testament to the passion, humor, and grit that defined both his life and the team he cherished.