The 1970 Draft: Auerbach’s 4th-Pick "Heist"

Cowens' career began with a story often retold as a "heist." In the 1970 NBA Draft, Boston's legendary coach-GM Red Auerbach used the 4th overall pick on Dave Cowens out of Florida State.

The league was not sold on the 6-foot-9 center—in an era that worshiped giants, Cowens did not look the part. But Auerbach prized exactly his mobility, competitiveness and endless energy. The 4th pick became the pivot of Boston's rebuild: Cowens showed above-his-draft-position production as a rookie and quickly locked in as a starter.

The pick also reflected Auerbach's sharp eye: he chased neither fame nor height, only "guys who win." Cowens repaid that trust with two rings and a Finals MVP. Years later, the shrewdest move of that Celtics draft was the name Auerbach pressed at No. 4.

Related Reading

• 1973 NBA MVP: Dave Cowens (Boston Celtics)
• Dave Cowens: Auerbach’s "Stolen" Small-Center, the Blue-Collar Core of the Celtics
• Historical Standing: Why Cowens Is the Best Value Championship Big
• The 1974 Title: Beating Milwaukee in Seven, Cowens’ Repeat Run
• The Twin Core With Havlicek: Boston’s Handoff