The 1956 NBA draft was the tenth annual draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The draft was held on April 30, 1956, before the 1956–57 season. In this draft, eight NBA teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players. In each round, the teams select in reverse order of their win–loss record in the previous season, except for the defending champion and runner-up, who were assigned the last two picks on each round. The draft consisted of 10 rounds comprising 92 players selected.
Tom Heinsohn was selected as the Boston Celtics' territorial pick.
Bill Russell was selected 2nd overall by the St. Louis Hawks (traded to the Boston Celtics.
Willie Naulls was selected 9th overall by the St. Louis Hawks.
K. C. Jones was selected 13th overall by the Boston Celtics.
Thomas William Heinsohn was an American professional basketball player, coach, and broadcaster. He was associated with the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) for six decades as a player, coach and broadcaster. He played for the Celtics from 1956 to 1965, and also coached the team from 1969 to 1978. He spent over 30 years as the color commentator for the Celtics' local broadcasts alongside play-by-play commentator Mike Gorman. He is regarded as one of the most iconic Celtics figures in the franchise's history, known during his lifetime for his charisma and loyalty to the team and its traditions. From this, he earned the nickname "Mr. Celtic".
Heinsohn in 1970
Heinsohn during a game against the Philadelphia Warriors, circa 1962
Heinsohn as Celtics' head coach in 1975
Heinsohn at the 2008 Celtics championship parade