Perhaps the first showman guard in NBA history, Bob Cousy set the tone for point guard play in the league for decades to come. One of the most exciting playmakers in NBA history, he led the NBA in assists for eight straight seasons, was a clutch free throw shooter and played in 13 straight All-Star Games all while helping the Boston Celtics to six NBA titles. Career His dribbling and playmaking skills — revolutionary at the time — earned him the nickname "The Houdini of the Hardwood." At full speed he could see the whole court and spot the open man — even if that player was trailing behind. The league had never before seen a player with sharper peripheral vision. Before arriving in Boston, Cousy was traded from the Tri-Cities Blackhawks to the Chicago Stags. The Stags folded before the 1950-51 season and he ended up with the Boston Celtics via a dispersal draft. In the days before the shot clock, Cousy delivered a playoff performance that stands out in Celtics lore. In Game 2 of the 1953 division semifinals, he finished with 50 points in a four-overtime, 111-105 win against the Syracuse Nationals. En route to his 50 points, Cousy sank 30-of-32 free throws. Cousy was at his peak in the 1956-57 season as the Celtics were about to begin their run of dominance. Boston won the championship behind Cousy, who won his first and only NBA MVP award. That season, Cousy ranked first in the league in assists (7.5 apg) and eighth in scoring (20.6 ppg), just behind teammate Bill Sharman (21.1 ppg). In 1971, he was rewarded with election to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also named to the NBA's 25th, 35th and 50th Anniversary Teams. After retiring as a player, Cousy got into coaching. He was the coach at Boston College from 1963-69. He returned to the NBA — as a coach — with the Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City-Omaha Kings from 1969-73. During that time, in 1969-70, Cousy returned briefly as a player, appearing in seven games for the Kings. Overall, as an NBA coach, Cousy compiled a 141-209 record. Following his coaching and playing days, Cousy found success as a broadcaster with the Celtics. He began calling games in 1974, something he still does occasionally on team broadcasts.