Henry G. Dehnert enshrined as a player in 1969

Henry G. Dehnert

Enshrined 1969
Born: April 5, 1898
New York, NY
Died: April 20, 1979

As a member of the Original Celtics, "Dutch" Dehnert is credited with perfecting the pivot play. First used by Dehnert against a strong local club in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this simple, yet revolutionary maneuver became the focus of Dehnert's and the Celtics' offensive attack. At 6-foot-1 and a rock-solid 210 pounds, Dehnert was one of the first big men in the game whose offensive and defensive skills were equally effective. Dehnert's combined speed, skillful ball handling, and bruising defense helped the Celtics compile more than 1,900 victories. The Celtics joined the American Basketball League in 1926, and with Dehnert's deft execution of the pivot play, they captured two consecutive championships in 1927 and 1928. When the team temporarily dissolved in 1928, Dehnert joined the Cleveland Rosenblums and captured two more ABL championships in 1929 and 1930.