Walter Brown was the original owner of the Boston Celtics. He remained the team's owner until his death in 1964. Under his
ownership, the Celtics won 7 Championships! The NBA Championship trophy was named in his honor in 1964. The Celtics retired the number 1 in
Brown?s honor in 1964. In 1965, Brown was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Biography (from HoopHall.com)
Walter Brown turned Boston into a basketball mecca. As president of the Boston Garden, he organized the first college basketball doubleheader
in Beantown. In 1946 he helped establish the Basketball Association of America, and in 1949 helped form the NBA. But Brown's biggest accomplishment
was the Boston Celtics. Brown founded the Celtics in 1946 and served as co-owner and president. His string of seven NBA championships (1957, 1959,
1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964) in eight years showed his shrewd business sense and ability to form a team. Brown was responsible for Chuck Cooper
becoming the first black player drafted in the NBA, and originated the NBA All-Star Game - Boston hosted the first in 1951. Described as
"down-to-earth, honest, and imaginative," he was beloved by his players. When he passed away, the NBA honored Brown by naming the championship
trophy after him.
Career Highlights (from HoopHall.com)
- President of the Boston Garden, 1937-64
- Founded the Boston Celtics, 1946
- Spearheaded the formation of the NBA, 1949
- President of the International Ice Federation