The Evolution of the Boston Celtics’ Sixth Man

Here’s a fun fact you should know as a Boston Celtics fan: Red Auerbach invented the “Sixth-Man.” Red built his dynasty around Bob Cousy and Bill Russell, but knew the importance of a strong bench, a second unit that could put points on the board and close out important games with fresh legs. Frank Ramsey is widely regarded as the first sixth-man, as he supposedly felt more comfortable coming off the bench.

Just years later, Auerbach made the tactical decision to place Ohio State star John Havlicek on the bench to start games. Havlicek’s importance on the game was not diminished, however, as he made numerous clutch shots and still holds the record for most all-time points wearing a green and white jersey.

Both Ramsey and Havlicek were swingmen, primarily scorers who could put up points in a hurry. Ramsey averaged 13.4 points per game during his career, as well as an impressive 5.5 rebounds for a perimeter player. Havlicek’s career 20.8 ppg and efficient 44% shooting made him one of the most prolific scorers of his era.

After the Bill Russell era came to a close, Larry Bird was next in line to lead the Celtics to the promised land. He served as the starting centerpiece for the franchise, but was aided by hall-of-fame sixth men. Unlike in the Russell-era, however, these sixth men didn’t play along the perimeter; they were efficient, low-post big men who had the skills and pedigree of starting-caliber players.

Kevin McHale is the greatest sixth-man of all-time, and it’s not even close. McHale averaged over 20 ppg for nine straight seasons, and grabbed nearly 10 boards each game throughout his career as a Celtic. A precursor to the dexterity of crafty big men like Hakeem Olajuwon and Karl Malone, McHale’s up-and-under move has become a staple of the low-post game since the 80’s.

Don’t forget about either Cedric Maxwell or Bill Walton on this list of low-post sixth men. Maxwell was named 1981 Finals MVP and made a major impact in the 1984 Finals against the Lakers as well. Although Walton joined the Celtics toward the end of his career, he was still named Sixth Man of the Year for the 1986 Celtics (a team that some have regarded as the greatest team of all-time).

After the tragedies of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis, Boston struggled to put out a competitive team and the sixth-man position thus suffered. In the early 2000’s, players like Eric Williams and Ricky Davis tried their hand coming off the bench, but their teams failed to make any meaningful push in the playoffs.

With the revival of championship basketball in 2008 came the rejuvenation of the sixth-man. There would only be 16 banners in the rafters had it not been for the clutch play of Eddie House and James Posey, who spurred on one of the greatest combacks in team history against the Lakers in game 4. The Celtics would experiment with other veteran role players off the bench, including Nate Robinson and Rasheed Wallace.

Finally, it appears as though the Celtics may have found a sixth-man who will stay with the team for years to come: Isaiah Thomas. Statistically, Thomas is the best Celtics sixth-man since Kevin McHale; with a scorching 19.0 ppg average since being traded to the Celtics, Thomas was the offensive leader of this franchise last year.

Thomas, a point guard, illustrates the evolution of the game of basketball and of the sixth-man position. While the 80’s were home to some of the greatest big men to ever play the game, the modern era is stacked with crafty point guards who can score the basketball. Thomas hasn’t impacted the franchise like McHale once did, but if the Celtics can build a championship roster, Thomas’ contributions off the bench may be remembered as one of the best in Celtics’ history.

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