The NBA didn't select a Finals MVP until 1969. But I think that Heinsohn should have been Finals MVP in 1957 and possibly in 1959, too.
However, Russell and Cousy both could have considered in 1957 and 1959, too. Basically, Heinsohn scored, Cousy passed, and Russell rebounded and played D. So all three were needed.
I agree with this article. You're right about the Celtics' fast pace. In 1963-64, for example, Wilt was #1 in FGA/MP, then it was three Celtics (Heinsohn, Havlicek, S. Jones) with Naulls (with Boston that year) at #7.
But FGAs are a little misleading for two reasons: 1) the context of the era, and 2) getting fouled on a shot doesn't count as a FGA. For #2, True shot attempts (TSA) are better because they include FGA and FTA. Heinsohn had a low free-throw rate, .284 (FTA/FGA), so his TSA/MP ranking was as high as his FGA/MP ranking.
But Tommy was a certainly a gunner. I've done some analysis, and it shows Heinsohn ranks in the top 30 all time in TSA/MP when adjusted for era. And he's the second highest in adjusted TSA/MP in his era, just behind Baylor (Pettit is third).
By the way, the all-time most TSA/MP adjusted for era are:
The NBA didn't select a Finals MVP until 1969. But I think that Heinsohn should have been Finals MVP in 1957 and possibly in 1959, too.
However, Russell and Cousy both could have considered in 1957 and 1959, too. Basically, Heinsohn scored, Cousy passed, and Russell rebounded and played D. So all three were needed.
I agree with this article. You're right about the Celtics' fast pace. In 1963-64, for example, Wilt was #1 in FGA/MP, then it was three Celtics (Heinsohn, Havlicek, S. Jones) with Naulls (with Boston that year) at #7.
But FGAs are a little misleading for two reasons: 1) the context of the era, and 2) getting fouled on a shot doesn't count as a FGA. For #2, True shot attempts (TSA) are better because they include FGA and FTA. Heinsohn had a low free-throw rate, .284 (FTA/FGA), so his TSA/MP ranking was as high as his FGA/MP ranking.
But Tommy was a certainly a gunner. I've done some analysis, and it shows Heinsohn ranks in the top 30 all time in TSA/MP when adjusted for era. And he's the second highest in adjusted TSA/MP in his era, just behind Baylor (Pettit is third).
By the way, the all-time most TSA/MP adjusted for era are:
Jordan
Iverson
Kobe
Westbrook
C. Anthony
Gervin
D. Wilkins
LeBron
Durant
Shaq
With Harden (12) and Lillard (16) rising up.