Compared to George Mikan and the big and burly power players of the late 1940s and early 1950s, 6-foot-9, 210-pound Arnie Risen appeared to be at a physical disadvantage. But during the NBA's formative years, Risen was a big scorer, rugged rebounder, and all-around versatile competitor. Known as "Stilts," Risen played thirteen professional seasons - more than two with Indianapolis of the National Basketball League, over seven with Rochester of the NBL/BAA/NBA, and three with the NBA's Boston Celtics at the end of his Hall of Fame career. During Risen’s first two seasons with the Boston Celtics in 1955 and 1956 he supplemented the high-scoring trio of Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman and “Easy” Ed Macauley under the masterful tutelage of Red Auerbach. But while the run and gun Celts were usually a winning team and high up in the standings, they had never won an NBA title. Something was missing, and before the 1956-1957 season got underway coach Auerbach thought he had the answer. The man he wanted was Bill Russell, the six-foot, nine inch All-American center from the University of San Francisco. With Russell added to the lineup, the Celtics quickly became the class of the NBA. They finished the 1956-57 season with the best record in the league, and swept the Syracuse Nats in the playoffs. The NBA championship series against St. Louis looked to be a serious mismatch. But the Hawks pushed the Celtics to seven games, culminating in a double overtime thriller. Game seven, remembered as one of the greatest in history, was a gut wrenching battle that saw the Celtics prevail to win their first NBA championship. A dynasty was born. Offered here is the Championship ring from the historic 1956-57 season received by Arnie Risen. This ring features a diamond set atop a basketball, surrounded by the words “World Champions”. Both sides feature the year “1957” above a shamrock, with “Celtics” bannered at the bottom. Added to the inside band of the 10k gold ring is the inscription “A. Risen”. The ring shows only light wear and survives as the ultimate symbol of the dawn of the Celtics Dynasty. Size: 13.
Includes a letter of provenance from Arnie Risen himself.