Cowens was selected by the Boston Celtics as the fourth overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Celtics, known for his tenacity, versatility, and ability to play both center and forward positions. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing around 228 pounds, Cowens was notable for his exceptional rebounding skills and high basketball IQ.
During his time with the Celtics, Cowens was instrumental in leading the team to two NBA championships in 1974 and 1976. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1973, a testament to his impact on the court. Cowens was selected to the NBA All-Star Game three times (1971, 1972, and 1973) and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1972 and the All-NBA Second Team in 1973 and 1974.
In addition to his scoring and rebounding prowess, Cowens was known for his leadership and work ethic, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His playing style was characterized by a relentless approach, often diving for loose balls and making hustle plays that energized his team.
After his successful stint with the Celtics, Cowens played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers before retiring from professional basketball in 1980. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for various teams, including the Celtics and the Charlotte Hornets. He later became the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 1996 to 1998.
Cowens' contributions to the game were recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
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