Bob Cousy Net Worth

What Is Bob Cousy's Net Worth?

Bob Cousy is a retired American professional basketball player and coach who has a net worth of $3 million.

Nicknamed the "Houdini of the Hardwood," Bob Cousy revolutionized the point guard position through his inventive passing, ambidextrous dribbling, and command of the fast break. He played primarily for the Boston Celtics and became one of the NBA's first nationally recognized superstars.

Cousy won six NBA championships with the Celtics, including five consecutive titles from 1959 through 1963. He was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1957, made 13 consecutive All-Star teams, won two All-Star Game MVP awards, and led the league in assists for eight straight seasons. His partnership with coach Red Auerbach and center Bill Russell helped establish the Celtics as professional basketball's first great dynasty.

Beyond his achievements on the court, Cousy organized the National Basketball Players Association and served as its first president. He later coached at Boston College and in the NBA, worked as a television analyst, and became one of basketball's most respected elder statesmen. Cousy was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.

Early Life

Robert Joseph Cousy was born on August 9, 1928, in Manhattan, New York. His parents, Joseph and Juliette Cousy, were French immigrants, and Bob spoke primarily French until he began attending school.

The family later moved to the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens. Cousy did not initially appear destined for basketball greatness. He was cut from the team during his first two years at Andrew Jackson High School.

After breaking his right arm, Cousy began practicing with his left hand and developed the ability to dribble and shoot with either one. He eventually made the varsity team, became one of New York City's leading high school scorers, and earned a scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.

College Career

Cousy joined Holy Cross in 1946. His flashy playing style initially frustrated coach Doggie Julian, who preferred a more conventional approach, but Cousy's talent eventually became impossible to ignore.

As a freshman, he helped Holy Cross win the 1947 NCAA championship. The Crusaders returned to the national tournament several times during his college career, and Cousy earned All-American recognition in each of his final three seasons.

His popularity helped draw large crowds to Boston Garden, where Holy Cross played some of its most important games. The school later retired his number 17.

Boston Celtics

The Tri-Cities Blackhawks selected Cousy with the third overall pick in the 1950 NBA Draft. Cousy did not want to relocate to the Midwest and refused the team's $6,000 salary offer. His rights were transferred to the Chicago Stags, but that franchise folded before the season began.

The Celtics acquired Cousy through a dispersal draft. Boston coach Red Auerbach had previously passed on the local star, dismissing small guards as readily available, but Cousy quickly proved his value.

As a rookie, Cousy averaged 15.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists and earned the first of his 13 consecutive All-Star selections. He became the NBA's leading playmaker, using no-look passes, behind-the-back dribbles, and rapid changes of direction that were highly unusual for the era.

Cousy led the league in assists every season from 1952-53 through 1959-60. In a 1953 playoff victory over the Syracuse Nationals, he scored 50 points in a four-overtime game and made a record 30 free throws.

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Championships and MVP Season

The Celtics became championship contenders after drafting Bill Russell in 1956. Cousy provided the playmaking and controlled the fast break, while Russell transformed the team's defense.

During the 1956-57 season, Cousy averaged 20.6 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. He was named NBA MVP and led Boston to the first championship in franchise history.

The Celtics won five additional titles during Cousy's playing career. Boston defeated the Minneapolis Lakers in 1959, beginning a run of eight consecutive NBA championships. Cousy retired after the Celtics defeated the Lakers again in the 1963 Finals.

He finished his primary NBA career with 16,960 points and 6,955 assists. His Celtics number 14 was retired, making him the first player in franchise history to receive that honor.

NBA Players Association

Cousy's influence extended far beyond his statistics. In 1954, NBA players had no pension, health benefits, minimum salary, or formal representation in negotiations with team owners.

Cousy contacted prominent players throughout the league and organized what became the National Basketball Players Association. He served as its first president from 1954 to 1958.

The union's earliest demands included improved travel conditions, reasonable schedules, unpaid salary protections, and a pension plan. Although many of those benefits were not secured until later, Cousy's organizing efforts helped establish the foundation for the powerful union that represents NBA players today.

Coaching Career

After retiring from the Celtics, Cousy became the head basketball coach at Boston College. He compiled a 114-38 record over six seasons and led the Eagles to two NCAA Tournament appearances and three National Invitation Tournament berths. Boston College reached the NIT championship game in 1969.

Cousy left the college ranks that year to coach the Cincinnati Royals. As a promotional move, the 41-year-old coach briefly activated himself as a player and appeared in seven games during the 1969-70 season.

He continued coaching the franchise after it relocated and became the Kansas City-Omaha Kings. Cousy stepped down early in the 1973-74 season.

Later Years and Honors

Cousy later worked as a broadcaster and appeared in the 1994 basketball film "Blue Chips." He was selected for the NBA's 25th, 35th, 50th, and 75th anniversary teams, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in league history.

A statue honoring Cousy was unveiled outside the DCU Center in Worcester in 2021. The annual award recognizing the best point guard in men's college basketball is also named the Bob Cousy Award.

Personal Life

Cousy married his college sweetheart, Marie "Missie" Ritterbusch, in 1950. They had two daughters and spent most of their married life in Worcester. Missie died in 2013 after living with dementia for several years.

In addition to his work on behalf of NBA players, Cousy became known for opposing racial discrimination. He supported Black teammates including Chuck Cooper and Bill Russell during an era when they regularly encountered segregation and racism while traveling with the Celtics.

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