Jim Loscutoff

James "Jim" Loscutoff, Jr. ( born February 2, 1930 in San Francisco ) is a former basketball player for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. Known as a defensive specialist, was the " Loscy " said Loscutoff regular in that Celtics team that won the 1957-1964 seven of eight possible NBA championships.

Career

Loscutoff was drafted in 1955 by Celtics coach Red Auerbach and played the role of the little winger ( small forward ). As for the points rather the impact resistant structure Player Bill Sharman, Bob Cousy and Sam Jones and great winger ( power forward ) Tom Heinsohn were responsible, formed Loscutoff with the strong defensive center Bill Russell the defensive backbone of the team. Because of its tough defense to Loscutoff soon acquired the nickname " Jungle Jim ".

Loscutoff was in 1957 and 1959 to 1964 seven NBA champions. In addition to his strong defense Loscutoff was also the designated "protector" of the filigree playmaker Cousy, the opponents wanted to take hard fouls from the concept. He was also known for his symbiotic relationship with his replacement Frank Vernon Ramsey, whose strengths lay in the offensive as soon as Loscutoff had defended misconduct crumbly, joined Coach Auerbach Ramsey one that is often made ​​against the counterparty no longer fresh simple points.

Although in Loscutoff his career rather unremarkable worth 6.2 points and 4.2 rebound ( rebounds ) scored per game, he is considered one of the greatest Celtics player of all time: when he finished his career, the Celtics offered him, his number 18 never to be allocated to another Celtic ( jersey retirement ). But Loscutoff refused to do so because he wanted to honor "his" 18 by other players wore on. In fact, later Celtics superstar Dave Cowens wore the 18er jersey, which was sent for Cowen in pension. But the Celtics honor Loscutoff by having a hung with the inscription " LOSCY " in the Celtics arena next to all the never awarded jerseys with the respective retracted numbers (eg, Cowen and his 18).

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