https://preview.redd.it/fmgqfsbf7kaf1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dccc29b5c77ec2901cd95468480834d40e27d300

Dave was an exceptional rebounder, defender and scorer. At Florida State he averaged over 17 rebounds a game for his career. Almost as strong in the NBA, averaging over 15 most of his years. On rebounding he always said, “It’s not how high you jump, it’s how much space you take up when you get there.”

The great thing about him though, was his character. One game he was called for a couple of touch fouls, so the next time his guy tried to shoot Dave about knocked his arms off. Then he looked at the ref and said, “Now THAT”S a foul!!”

Love to hear any memories, or stories you remember.

wharpua

15 | 4 days ago

I was always envious of those who went to his basketball camp, growing up

Str8intothestorm

11 | 4 days ago

I was one of those kids! It was awesome. He was around a lot.

One of my teams was coached by Steve Silas, who went on to be an NBA coach.

Logical_not

2 | 4 days ago

That would have been my dream come true. When I was in high school brother had his wall plastered with everybody from Pistol Pete, to DR J, to Bob McAdoo and more. My side of the wall only had Dave hanging.

Str8intothestorm

3 | 4 days ago

One thing I remember clearly was a story he told about coaching- I think from San Antonio?

He described a player who thought his defensive expectations were unfair. “You are asking me to be in two places at once,” the player complained.

Cowans explained that being in two places at once was EXACTLY what he needed for team defense to be successful. I still think about it.

Logical_not

2 | 4 days ago

It sounds like a mentality he might have learned from Russell.

secretcache

2 | 4 days ago

I went too. Super fun

marionetted

2 | 3 days ago

I went three years in a row. Played him one-on-one. Still some of my best memories growing up.

He passed me the ball and i started running before the ball even got to my hands, so I got around him for an easy layup. Like I didn’t even give him a chance to realize I had the ball yet. He then proceeded to block every one of my shots and score on me at will. I deserved that but hey I still went 3-1 against Dave Freaking Cowens.

waltercash15

8 | 4 days ago

I loved “Big Red.” I got to watch him help the Celtics win two titles including outplaying Kareem (with the Bucks) in 1974. This clip pretty much epitomizes how he played all the time:

https://youtu.be/C3tiruwkF_4?si=VkZbIxN_A0fJ7Lyh

Set22band

7 | 4 days ago

I was surprised he wasn’t in the doc. Health related, maybe?

horseshoeoverlook | Boston Celtics

4 | 4 days ago

He’s a fucking demon on 2K. Like Bill Russell with a long jumper. He could hit the three

RealEatMeImaDanish

3 | 4 days ago

My dad’s favorite player. Him showing me highlights and such was my gateway into being a Celtics fan for life. Thanks, Dave and dad. Go Cs!

Ill-Procedure9866

3 | 4 days ago

is that nellie in the back left?

Logical_not

2 | 3 days ago

It is

arvid

2 | 3 days ago

👍

SaveHogwarts | THE TRUTH

2 | 4 days ago

I feel like this picture would be fun in a photoshop battle

NoBozosonthebus

2 | 4 days ago

still can picture him diving for loose balls

MeddlingMike | The Celtics are the balls

2 | 2 days ago

I always feel that Cowens gets lost in the shuffle of Celtics greats. Hung 2 banners and won an MVP award to boot. Sandwiched between the Russell and Bird years and without the bump of recency bias of the 2008 and 2024 teams he tends to get overlooked.

Appreciating Dave Cowens