Dave Cowens: A Relentless Force in the NBA

Dave Cowens, a name synonymous with grit, determination, and championship success, carved out an indelible legacy in the annals of the National Basketball Association. Standing at 6 ft 9 in, Cowens primarily played the centre position, though he was also adept at power forward. His career, predominantly with the iconic Boston Celtics, was a testament to a relentless playing style that endeared him to fans and earned him the respect of his peers. From his early days as a standout college player to his NBA triumphs and eventual coaching roles, Cowens embodied the spirit of a true competitor. But was his game truly a 'game of attrition' as some might suggest, or was it a more nuanced display of skill and heart? Let's delve into the career of this Hall of Fame inductee.

Early Life and College Stardom

Born on October 25, 1948, in Newport, Kentucky, David William Cowens was one of six children. His athletic prowess was evident from a young age, particularly in basketball at Newport Catholic High School. His collegiate career at Florida State University was nothing short of spectacular. Playing under coach Hugh Durham from 1967 to 1970, Cowens established himself as a dominant force. He remains the all-time leading rebounder for Florida State, amassing an incredible 1,340 rebounds. His rebounding average of 17.2 per game is a testament to his tenacity on the boards, and he still holds the team record for the best seasonal rebound average at 17.5 in the 1968-1969 season. In that same season, he pulled down an astounding 31 rebounds against LSU, a feat that ranks second in the team's history. Offensively, Cowens was equally impressive, scoring 1,479 points in 78 games, averaging 19.0 points per game, and ranking among the top 10 all-time scorers for the university.

Drafted by the Celtics: A Russell Endorsement

The Boston Celtics selected Cowens with the fourth overall pick in the 1970 NBA draft. This selection was significantly influenced by the endorsement of Celtics legend Bill Russell, who saw immense potential in the young centre. Despite some scepticism about his size for the centre position, Russell famously declared, "No one is going to tell that kid he can't play centre." Cowens was also fortunate to inherit the No. 18 jersey, previously worn by Jim Loscutoff, who had opted to allow other players to wear his number rather than have it retired. This allowed Cowens to carry on a tradition of strong defensive play associated with that number.

Rookie Sensation and Immediate Impact

Cowens wasted no time making his mark in the NBA. In his rookie year (1970-1971), he averaged an impressive 17.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team and saw him share the NBA's Rookie of the Year honours with Geoff Petrie of the Portland Trail Blazers. It's worth noting that in this same year, he also led the league in personal fouls, an early indicator of his aggressive, all-out style of play.

MVP Season and Championship Glory

The 1972-1973 season was a defining one for Cowens. He averaged a stellar 20.5 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, spearheading the Celtics to a league-best 68-14 record. His individual brilliance was further highlighted in a home win against the Houston Rockets, where he recorded a career-high 32 rebounds to go along with 20 points and 9 assists. Although the Celtics fell to the New York Knicks in a gruelling Game 7 of the semi-finals, Cowens' individual accolades were undeniable. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and also earned MVP honours in the All-Star Game. This season also brought a unique distinction: like Bill Russell before him, Cowens was named league MVP but not selected for the All-NBA First Team.

The following season, 1973-1974, saw Cowens continue his dominant form, averaging 19.0 points, 15.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. He was instrumental in guiding the Celtics through the playoffs, overcoming the Buffalo Braves and the New York Knicks. In the NBA Finals against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, the series went down to a decisive Game 7. In that crucial game, played in Milwaukee, Cowens delivered a masterful performance, scoring 28 points and grabbing 14 rebounds to secure the Celtics' 12th NBA championship.

Cowens clinched his second NBA championship ring in the 1975-1976 season, as the Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns 4-2 in the NBA Finals.

Challenges and Player-Coaching Stints

Cowens' career wasn't without its challenges. In November 1976, amidst a four-game losing streak, he unexpectedly left the team for a period due to "undisclosed reasons." Speculation at the time pointed to his dissatisfaction with the team's contract decisions regarding Paul Silas and his alleged involvement in a lawsuit stemming from an incident where he reportedly struck a fan. Cowens returned in January 1977 and helped lead the Celtics to the playoffs, though they were eliminated in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 1977-1978 season saw Cowens continue to put up strong numbers with 18.6 points and 14 rebounds per game, but the Celtics missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. In a significant shift, following the dismissal of coach Satch Sanders early in the 1978-1979 season, Cowens took on the dual role of player-coach for the remainder of the season, a challenging period that saw the team finish with a 29-53 record.

Farewell to Boston and Final Season

In his final season with the Celtics, 1979-1980, Cowens helped the team achieve a formidable 61-21 record. He averaged 14.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, where they were defeated by the Philadelphia 76ers. Following the season, Cowens retired as a player. The Celtics, anticipating his departure, drafted Kevin McHale and acquired Robert Parish, who would form a formidable frontcourt and lead Boston to another championship in 1981.

Upon retiring, Cowens reflected on the physical toll his career had taken: "I have sprained my ankle at least 30 times over the duration of my career, broken both legs and fractured a foot," he stated. "Two years ago, a team of foot and bone specialists said they were amazed that I could play up to that point without sustaining serious injuries."

A Brief Return and Final Retirement

The desire to play again resurfaced in the 1982-1983 season. Cowens approached the Celtics, who still held his rights, about a potential trade. He expressed a willingness to play for another team, acknowledging the Celtics' strong frontcourt with Bird, McHale, and Parish. "The Celtics are set up front (with Bird, McHale and Parish). They could trade me, work something out. No disrespect to Bill Fitch. I'd advise any younger players to play for him, but I'd probably be better off somewhere else."

After initial negotiations with the Phoenix Suns, Cowens was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, then coached by his former Celtics teammate Don Nelson. The Celtics received Quinn Buckner in compensation. In his final NBA season, Cowens averaged 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25 minutes per game for the Bucks. Unfortunately, an injury sustained in the final game of the regular season prevented him from participating in the playoffs, marking his definitive retirement from professional basketball.

Player Profile and Enduring Legacy

Dave Cowens' career statistics paint a picture of a consistently dominant and versatile player. He averaged a double-double for his NBA career with 17.6 points and 13.6 rebounds, complemented by 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals over 766 games. His accolades include eight All-Star selections, three All-NBA Second Team selections, and two NBA All-Defensive Team selections (First Team in 1976, Second Team in 1973 and 1980). His two NBA championships with the Celtics further cement his status as a winner.

Cowens' playing style was characterized by 'all-out intensity' at both ends of the court. Hall of Fame centre Willis Reed aptly described him: "He was quick, fast, strong and skilled, and played hard." This relentless approach, combined with his all-around abilities, made him a unique force. He was one of the few centres in NBA history to average five assists per game in a single season, joining the elite company of Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His career assist average of 3.8 also highlights his playmaking ability. As of the end of the 2018-2019 season, Cowens ranked 27th in NBA history for most point-rebound-assist triple-doubles by a centre.

His versatility is further underscored by the fact that he, along with only a handful of other players like Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić, led his team in all five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals) for a season. He achieved this remarkable feat in the 1977-1978 season. This ability to impact every facet of the game solidified his reputation as a truly valuable player.

Honours and Recognition

Dave Cowens' contributions to the game have been widely recognized. In 1996, he was honoured as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team. In October 2021, his legacy was further acknowledged with his inclusion in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. The Athletic, in their ranking of the top 75 players of all time, placed Cowens at 57th, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.

His former Celtics teammate John Havlicek aptly summarized Cowens' significance: "No one ever did more for the Celtics than Dave did." This sentiment speaks volumes about the dedication, passion, and leadership Cowens brought to the parquet floor. His game was indeed a relentless pursuit of excellence, a testament to skill, heart, and an unyielding will to win, making him a true icon of the NBA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Was Dave Cowens considered a 'game of attrition'?
While Cowens played with incredible intensity and physicality, which could lead to games becoming attritional, his game was also defined by exceptional skill, speed, and all-around ability. He wasn't just about wearing down opponents; he outplayed them with a combination of tenacity and talent.

Q2: What were Dave Cowens' major career achievements?
Dave Cowens was a two-time NBA Champion (1974, 1976), the 1973 NBA MVP, the 1971 NBA Rookie of the Year, an eight-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA Second Team selection, and a two-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection. He is also a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.

Q3: What was Dave Cowens' playing style like?
Cowens was known for his relentless intensity at both ends of the court. He was a strong rebounder, a capable scorer, a skilled passer, and a tenacious defender. His hustle and all-around contributions were hallmarks of his game.

Q4: Did Dave Cowens play for any other teams besides the Boston Celtics?
Yes, after his illustrious career with the Boston Celtics, Dave Cowens played one season (1982-1983) for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Q5: How did Dave Cowens' career impact the Boston Celtics?
Dave Cowens was a pivotal player for the Boston Celtics during a highly successful era, leading them to two NBA championships and earning MVP honours. His intense play and leadership were instrumental in the team's success.