Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn dies at 86

Boston Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn, who both played and coached for the team and most recently served as its long-running broadcaster, died at the age of 86, the Celtics confirmed Tuesday.

"It's hard to imagine the Boston Celtics without Tommy Heinsohn," a team statement said. "There isn't a generation of Celtics fans for whom Tommy's presence hasn't been felt. He is the only person to be an active participant in each of the Celtics' 17 world championships, an extraordinary and singular legacy."

Heinsohn began his affiliation with the Celtics when he was drafted by the team in 1956. He won eight NBA championships as a player and two more as head coach between 1969 and 1978. He became the team's regular color commentator on TV broadcasts in 1981, a role he filled until last season.

"This is a devastating loss. Tommy was the ultimate Celtic," team owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca said. "For the past 18 years, our ownership group has relied hugely on Tommy's advice and insights and (has) reveled in his hundreds of stories about Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, and how the Celtics became a dynasty. He will be remembered forever."

Heinsohn was just the fourth person to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach. Heinsohn was also instrumental in the formation of the National Basketball Players Association in the 1960s.

Former Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas paid tribute to Heinsohn.