American · Middleton, Tennessee · Born 20 January 1937American basketball forward who starred in the NBA from 1959-1971, winning two championships with the Boston Celtics and earning six All-Star selections.
Bailey E. Howell was born in Middleton, Tennessee in 1937 and attended Mississippi State University. Detroit Pistons selected him tenth overall in the 1959 NBA Draft. His 12-season career produced 18.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game along with six All-Star appearances. He was traded to the Boston Celtics in 1966 and won two NBA championships (1968, 1969) as a key contributor alongside Bill Russell. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team. He averaged 20.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game across his four seasons with Detroit — among the finest production figures in franchise history at the time. His combination of scoring, rebounding and physical toughness made him one of the most reliable power forwards of the late 1950s and 1960s. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997. His career production — nearly 19 points and 10 rebounds per game across 12 seasons — was consistently excellent even if he never played on the dominant teams that would have elevated his public profile. His two championships with Boston in the final years of the Russell dynasty represent the pinnacle of his career.
Consistent scoring and rebounding forward who won two NBA championships with the Boston Celtics
How They Played
Versatile forward with solid fundamentals, excellent mid-range shooting, and strong rebounding ability
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame forward known for his reliable inside-outside game and leadership during Celtics championship runs
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 2x (1968, 1969)
- All-Star 6x
- All-NBA Second Team
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Pistons | 1959–1964 | 375 |
| Boston Celtics | 1966–1970 | 324 |
| Baltimore Bullets | 1964–1966 | 160 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 1970–1971 | 82 |
American Athletes