In a year that continues to throw Sandy Koufaxlevel curveballs, the sporting community and the world at large find ourselves mourning the loss of another icon. Whether you are a fan of basketball or not, the NBA and the Boston Celtics have lost a true legend of what it means to be a champion.

The late Tommy Heinsohn passed away on Tuesday, at 86 years of age. Leaving behind him an iconic legacy filled with success, triumph, and most importantly an inspiring dedication to the game he loved.

It could be argued that there is no greater connection between a person and an NBA organization in history.

Since 1957, Tommy Heinsohn was synonymous with success across seven decades. As a player, he was an eight-time champion, atwo-time champ as a coach, six-time NBA All-Star, the 1973 Coach of the Year.

Better yet, Tommy Heinsohn is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. He continued to nurturehis love to the game with a 40-year broadcasting career on top.

A true champion in the hearts of many, rest in paradise Tommy.

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