Henry G. "Dutch" Dehnert
As a member of the Original Celtics, Henry “Dutch” Dehnert is credited with conceiving and 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 Original Celtics offensive attack. At 6-foot-1 and a rock-solid 210 pounds, Dehnert was one of the first big men in the game that matched his defensive skills to his offensive repertoire. He was equally effective on both ends of the floor. 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.
Enshrined
1969Born
April 05, 1898 New York, NYDied
April 20, 1979Professional Career
Original Celtics Cleveland Rosenblums Trenton Tigers Utica Utes Sheboygan Red Skins Bridgeport Blue Ribbons Jersey City Skeeters Nanticoke Nans North Philadelphia Phillies Norwalk Company K Philadelphia DeNeri Scranton Miners Thompsonville Big Harts Wilkes-Barre Barons Brooklyn Celtics Chattanooga Majors Harrisburg Senators Jersey City Skeeters New Britian Jackaways Saratoga Indians Toledo Red Men Tobaccos Danbury HattersCareer Stats
AS COACH
