Andy Phillip
A pioneering playmaker whose no-look passes and relentless defense helped define the early NBA and fueled the Celtics' first dynasty.
1922–2001 (age 79)·American basketball player and coach·Birthday: March 7·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Andy Phillip arrived in professional basketball when it was a gritty, fast-breaking affair, and he became one of its first true floor generals. After a stellar college career at Illinois, where he was a two-time All-American, the 6'2" guard brought a versatile, physical game to the pro ranks. He wasn't a high-volume scorer; his genius was in his vision and his hands. Phillip led the league in assists three consecutive seasons, threading passes with a flair that delighted crowds. His defensive tenacity was equally formidable. After stints with the Chicago Stags and Fort Wayne Pistons, he joined the Boston Celtics in 1956, providing the veteran savvy and ball distribution that complemented the star power of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy. Coming off the bench, he was a crucial piece in securing the Celtics' first two NBA championships, cementing his legacy as a winner and an architect of unselfish play.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Andy was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Andy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Died at 79
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
Key Achievements
- Led the NBA in assists for three consecutive seasons (1951, 1952, 1953) while playing for the Fort Wayne Pistons.
- Won two NBA championships as a key reserve with the Boston Celtics in 1957 and 1958.
- Was a five-time NBA All-Star (1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955).
- Had his #4 jersey retired by the University of Illinois, where he was a two-time consensus All-American.
Did You Know?
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, which interrupted his college basketball career.
He was part of the University of Illinois' 'Whiz Kids' team that won the 1943 Big Ten championship.
Phillip, Bob Cousy, and Dick McGuire were the only three players to surpass 2,000 career assists in the NBA's first decade.
After retiring, he served as head coach of the Chicago Packers (now Washington Wizards) for one season.
“A good pass that leads to a basket is better than scoring yourself.”
