Jim Loscutoff

Who is Jim Loscutoff?

James Loscutoff Jr. is a former professional basketball player for the NBA's Boston Celtics. A forward, Loscutoff played on seven Celtics championship teams between 1956 and 1964.

Born in San Francisco, California, Jim grew up as one the four children of James and Nellie Loscutoff. He starred in basketball at Palo Alto High School, graduating in 1948. Loscutoff then attended Grant Technical College, a two-year college near Sacramento, California before proceeding to the University of Oregon.

Standing 6'5", Loscutoff was selected with the third non-territorial pick of the first round in the 1955 NBA Draft. In nine seasons from 1955 to 1964, he played forward and won seven championships as part of the legendary Celtics teams of the 1960s. He was originally drafted by coach Red Auerbach to provide some much-needed defensive nerve for the Celtics team, which had one of the worst defensive records in the league.

Loscutoff was described by one player as a hatchet-man, and his defense and strength were part of the defensive greatness of the 60s Celtics, alongside Hall-of-Famer Bill Russell.