Who is Dave Cowens?

Dave Cowens’s Early Life

David William Cowens was born on October 25, 1948, in Newport, Kentucky. Growing up, he gravitated toward sports at an early age, playing both basketball and baseball. Despite not towering over his peers—at least not by conventional center standards—Cowens made his mark with grit and a high basketball IQ.

He attended Florida State University, where he became a standout for the Seminoles. Known for his rebounding prowess and unselfish play, Cowens quickly drew the attention of professional scouts. By the end of his collegiate career, he had solidified his reputation as an undersized big man who could outwork nearly anyone on the court.

Dave Cowens’s NBA Career

Draft and Early Success

The Boston Celtics selected Cowens fourth overall in the 1970 NBA Draft, seeing in him a potential cornerstone to help transition from the Bill Russell era. Despite being around 6’9”—shorter than the league’s dominant centers at the time—Cowens compensated with an unrelenting motor and aggressive style.

He wasted no time making an impact:

• Rookie of the Year (1971) – Shared the honor with Geoff Petrie, immediately putting the league on notice.
• Rapidly became an anchor in the paint, grabbing rebounds at a prolific rate and igniting fast breaks with his crisp outlet passes.

Ascending to Stardom

By the early 1970s, Cowens solidified himself as a franchise centerpiece. Under head coach Tommy Heinsohn, the Celtics built around Cowens, John Havlicek, and Jo Jo White, shaping a new winning culture in Boston.

• MVP (1973) – Cowens captured the league’s Most Valuable Player award, a testament to his 20+ points and 15+ rebounds per game during that stretch.
• All-Star Appearances – He made eight All-Star teams between 1972 and 1980, consistently representing the Celtics on basketball’s biggest stage.

Championship Legacy

Cowens’s leadership and hard-nosed play helped Boston capture two NBA championships—in 1974 and 1976—reviving the city’s championship pedigree post-Bill Russell. During these title runs, Cowens proved time and again that hustle and heart could match up with taller, more physically imposing centers.

• 1974 Title – Cowens delivered clutch performances throughout the playoffs, particularly against Milwaukee’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the NBA Finals.
• 1976 Title – Often remembered for Game 5’s triple-overtime thriller against the Phoenix Suns, Cowens’s endurance and defensive presence were critical to Boston’s victory.