Art Spector
1st Player Signed by Boston Celtics | Boston Celtics Player & Assistant Coach
Art Spector was born on October 17, 1918, in Camden, New Jersey. He played college basketball at Villanova University before joining the Boston Celtics for their first season in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946.
Spector became the first player ever signed by the Boston Celtics and spent his entire 4-year BAA/NBA playing career with the franchise. He appeared in 169 games with Boston, averaging 5.0 points and 0.8 assists per game.
During the 1949-1950 season, Spector served as an assistant coach for the Celtics under head coach Alvin “Doggie” Julian while also finishing his playing career. The Celtics finished the season with a 22-46 record and missed the playoffs.
Coach Spector passed away on June 18, 1987, at the age of 68.
- Overall Coaching Record: Assistant Coach (No NBA Head Coaching Record)
Coaching Career
Art Spector served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics under head coach Alvin “Doggie” Julian during the 1949-1950 NBA season. Spector was still a member of the Celtics roster during the season, appearing in 7 games as a player while also serving on the coaching staff.
The Celtics finished with a 22-46 record, placing sixth in the Eastern Division and missing the playoffs. It was Julian’s final season as head coach of the Celtics before Red Auerbach took over the team the following season.
The 1949-1950 season became Spector’s only documented season as an NBA assistant coach and also marked the end of his 4-year playing career with Boston.
Notable Players Coached
- George Kaftan
- 1947 NCAA Champion
- 1947 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
- 2× Consensus Second-Team All-American (1947, 1948)
- Tony Lavelli
- 1949 Consensus First-Team All-American
- 1949 NCAA Scoring Champion
- 1949 BAA First-Round Draft Pick
- Joe Mullaney
- 1947 NCAA Champion as a player with Holy Cross
- Future Los Angeles Lakers and Buffalo Braves NBA Head Coach
- Future Kentucky Colonels, Utah Stars, Memphis Sounds and Spirits of St. Louis ABA Head Coach
- 1974 ABA Coach of the Year