Celtics Legend Dave Cowens Brings Heart and Humor to Red Smith Banquet Speech
Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Dave Cowens recently took center stage at the prestigious Red Smith Sports Awards Banquet, delivering a speech that was as passionate, honest, and spirited as the way he once played the game. For attendees, it was not just a chance to hear from a basketball icon—but to witness the energy and integrity that made Cowens one of the most respected figures in NBA history.
The Red Smith Banquet, an annual celebration of sports excellence and community impact, welcomed Cowens as its keynote speaker this year. Held in front of a packed room of athletes, coaches, journalists, and fans, the event honored achievements across multiple levels of sport. But it was Cowens, a former MVP, NBA champion, and relentless competitor, who stole the show with stories that spanned decades—from hardwood battles to locker room wisdom.
Standing tall at 6’9″, Cowens still carries the presence of a man used to dominating the paint. But on this night, it wasn’t rebounds or box scores that mattered—it was reflection, gratitude, and lessons learned. He opened his speech with humor, poking fun at his “bulldozer” playing style, and how he once fouled out of an NBA game in just 15 minutes. The crowd roared.
“Back then, if you weren’t bleeding, you weren’t playing,” Cowens joked, recalling the grittier, less glamorous days of 1970s basketball. “We didn’t flop. We fell hard and got back up harder.”
As Cowens dove deeper into his journey, the audience heard a mix of humility and conviction. Drafted fourth overall in 1970 by the Celtics, Cowens wasn’t expected to be the franchise’s next great big man. At 6’9”, many thought he was too short for a center. But what he lacked in height, he made up for with heart, hustle, and a motor that never quit. He would go on to win Rookie of the Year, two NBA titles, the 1973 MVP award, and earn seven All-Star selections.
But more than his accolades, Cowens focused on team culture and character. “Red Auerbach taught me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice,” he said. “It’s about showing up early, putting in the work, and treating everyone in the room—from rookies to custodians—with respect.”
He also praised his former teammates like John Havlicek, Jo Jo White, and Paul Silas for pushing him every day. “We held each other accountable,” Cowens said. “And if you didn’t give 100%, you didn’t last long in Boston.”
One of the more emotional moments of the night came when Cowens reflected on playing through adversity. He described the challenges of the 1970s NBA—racial tension, travel fatigue, low salaries compared to modern players—but emphasized how those experiences built unity. “We didn’t play for the money. We played for the love of the game and the pride of the jersey.”
Though best known for his playing days, Cowens has continued to impact the sport through coaching, mentoring, and community involvement. He briefly coached the Charlotte Hornets and later served as a mentor to young big men across the league. His message to athletes in the room was clear: be more than just stats—be a presence.
“You don’t need to be the most talented,” he said. “You just need to care the most. If you care more than the guy across from you, you’ve already won.”
Beyond basketball, Cowens also touched on education, family, and responsibility. He urged younger athletes to stay grounded, reminding them that sports are a vehicle—not the destination. “Take care of your people, stay curious, and never stop learning,” he told them. “Basketball ends, but who you are doesn’t.”
The banquet concluded with a standing ovation as Cowens exited the stage. Many attendees lingered, hoping to shake the hand of a man who embodied everything the Red Smith Banquet stands for: excellence, humility, and heart.
In a world increasingly focused on flashy headlines and self-promotion, Dave Cowens reminded everyone in the room what true greatness looks like. It’s not just about winning championships—it’s about lifting up the people around you while doing it. At the Red Smith Banquet, Cowens did just that, one word at a time.
Leave a Reply