Bob Cousy Net Worth

Overview

Robert Joseph “Bob” Cousy (born August 9, 1928) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He played point guard for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963, and briefly with the Cincinnati Royals during the 1969–70 season. A 13-time NBA All-Star and 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), Cousy was a core piece during the early half of the Celtics dynasty, winning six NBA championships during his 13-year tenure with the Celtics. Nicknamed “The Houdini of the Hardwood”, Cousy was the NBA assists leader for eight consecutive seasons, introducing a new blend of ball-handling and passing skills to the NBA. Cousy also coached at Boston College (1963–69), and later coached the Cincinnati Royals. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 and was named to the NBA’s 25th, 35th, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, making him one of only four players selected to each of those teams. On August 22, 2019, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

What Is Bob Cousy’s Net Worth?

Bob Cousy, the legendary American former professional basketball player and coach, has an estimated net worth of $3 million as of 2025. This figure reflects his successful career in the NBA, endorsements, and subsequent ventures.

Early Career and Salary Details

Cousy’s professional basketball journey began when he was drafted #3 overall by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in the 1950 NBA Draft. However, Cousy was not keen on relocating. He was trying to establish a driving school in Worcester, Massachusetts. As compensation for having to give up his driving school, Cousy demanded a salary of $10,000 from Blackhawks owner Ben Kerner, but when Kerner offered him only $6,000, Cousy refused to report. Subsequently, he landed with the Boston Celtics, where he truly made his mark. His initial salary with the Celtics was reportedly $9,000 after some negotiations. Cousy was the highest-paid player in the league, making $25,000 annually from 1956 to 1959. In 2023-24, Cousy’s $25,000 salary would be worth $294,323.79.

Key Milestones and Accomplishments

Throughout his illustrious career, Bob Cousy achieved numerous milestones that contributed to his financial standing and legacy. He won six NBA championships with the Boston Celtics (1957, 1959-1963) . In the 1956–57 NBA season, Cousy averaged 20.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and a league-leading 7.5 assists, earning his first NBA Most Valuable Player Award; he also won his second NBA All-Star Game MVP award. He was a 13-time NBA All-Star (1951–1963) and two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (1954, 1957). He was selected to the All-NBA First Team 10 times (1952–1961) and led the league in assists eight times (1953–1960). Cousy’s #14 was retired by the Celtics, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame. In 1954, Cousy organized the first NBA Player’s Association which provided players with health benefits, a pension plan, and an average salary that exceeded the previous average of $8,000.

Post-Playing Career and Coaching Ventures

After retiring as a player, Bob Cousy transitioned to coaching, further adding to his income and influence. He coached the Boston Celtics from 1963 to 1969 and the Cincinnati Royals from 1969 to 1973. Cousy also served as the first president of the National Basketball Players Association. In 1969-1970 season, Cousy reactivated himself onto the Royals roster. He then returned to the NBA as coach of the Cincinnati Royals but stepped down early in the 1973-74 season with a 141 to 209 record.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

Bob Cousy’s net worth also benefited from endorsements and business ventures. In 1958, Bob Cousy signed the NBA’s first-ever shoe endorsement with P.F. Flyers. Cousy’s career also extended into acting, with a role in the 1994 film “Blue Chips”. These activities, combined with his basketball income, contributed to his $3 million net worth.