The First Sixth Man

Frank Ramsey (center) didn’t start many games for the Celtics during his nine years in Boston. However, he created a niche for himself as the first player off the bench, or the “sixth man,” a position still in use today. After missing the 1955-56 season to complete military service, Ramsey returned the following year for the team’s first NBA World Championship title. He contributed 11.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game during the championship campaign.