Last Updated on September 7, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a detailed profile of Mel Counts:

  • Full Name: Melvyn Neil Counts
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: 81 years old
  • Hometown: Coos Bay, Oregon, USA
  • Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
  • Weight: 230 lbs (104 kg)
  • Wingspan: Estimated around 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) based on height and position
  • Shoe Size: Size 15 (US)
  • Jersey Number: #21, #24, #27, #31
  • Position: Center / Power forward
  • High School: Marshfield High School (Coos Bay, OR)
  • College: Oregon State University
  • NBA Draft: 1964, 1st round (7th overall) by the Boston Celtics
  • Teams Played For:
    • Boston Celtics (1964–1966)
    • Baltimore Bullets (1966–1967)
    • Los Angeles Lakers (1966–1970, 1973–1974)
    • Phoenix Suns (1970)
    • Philadelphia 76ers (1970–1972)
    • New Orleans Jazz (1974)
  • Championship Rings: 2 (1965, 1966 with the Boston Celtics)
  • Personal Life:
  • Kids: Mel Counts has three children: son Brent Counts and two daughters, Julie Counts and Kristen Counts.
  • Siblings: Mel Counts has a younger brother, Jerry Counts.

Fun Facts

Mel Counts is remembered for being a solid backup center, especially during his time with the Celtics, contributing to their championship runs. He was known for his height and ability to shoot from long range, which was unusual for a center at the time. After his basketball career, he became a real estate agent in Oregon.