Counts was born in Portland, Oregon and attended Oregon State University, where he was a two-time All-American. He was selected by the Boston Celtics in the 1965 NBA draft and played for the team for three seasons. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played for two seasons. He was then traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he played for two seasons. He was then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the Phoenix Suns for two seasons before retiring in 1976.
During his 11-year NBA career, Counts averaged 14.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He was known for his strong post play and was one of the best rebounders in the league. He was also a great shot blocker and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1972.
Counts was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Oregon State University Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. He is remembered as one of the best players of his era and one of the best players in Oregon State University history.
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