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Where in the world is Hank Finkel?

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 The late Celtics play-by-play man, Johnny Most, called him "High Henry". Hank Finkel had the "distinction" of being Boston's primary center in the lone season (1969-70) between the departure of Bill Russell and the arrival of the effervescent Dave Cowens.


The 7-foot Finkel was not generally a starter for Boston. That task went to 6'7" Rich Johnson, primarily for the purpose of winning the center tap. And 6'8" Jim Barnes took center stage when The Green needed some muscle in the middle.

But Hank's first season in Boston was his best. He averaged 23 minutes per game, 9.7 PPG and 7.7 RPG. He lasted six seasons with Boston and became a backup for Cowens - and also a crowd favorite. 

Henry's first season with the Celtics was tough on him. He often heard the crowd noise - "He's no Bill Russell". But of course, the Boston fans were right. Hank was tall but he was not quick or athletic. And frankly, he often looked awkward out there on the court.

But he did win a Title as Cowen's backup in the 1973-74 season, and one year later he was released by the Celtics - which ended his NBA career.

So where is "High Henry" now? Still alive and kicking at age 82, ironically, he lives in the town of Lynnfield, Massachusetts - very close to the town of Reading, the former hometown of Bill Russell and myself.

Despite the verbal abuse Hank endured during his first season in Beantown, Boston fans finally came to terms with the fact that Finkel was not Bill Russell on the court, and they embraced him - as they should have.

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  1. AnonymousNovember 25, 2025 at 8:41 AM

    Wonderful update on Hank, or Big Henny as I used to call him growing up. Henny grew up in Union City NJ & played @ Holy Family HS. His coach, Matty Sabello was later my high school coach in the mid-70's @ North Bergen HS. My dad & his buddies had a fan club for Henny - they made a few trips to watch him play @ the University of Dayton, where Henny was 2nd team All-American as a senior - Dad took me to see Henny play @ Madison Square Garden, 1966 or 1967 vs Elvin Hayes & the University of Houston. Once Henny got to the NBA he would always stop by @ Sabello's Tavern on 70th Street in Guttenberg when his teams were in town to play the Knicks. During his years with the Celtics, he often left tickets for my Dad to bring me to games @ MSG. When I got to see Henny @ Sabello's he was always so friendly & he was just such a great guy who loved to come back home & be around friends

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