Leo Gottlieb


Leo "Ace" Gottlieb was an American professional basketball player.

Early and personal life

Gottlieb, who was Jewish, was born in New York City, New York. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in The Bronx, New York.
Gottlieb was the uncle of Ron Rothstein, first coach of the Miami Heat.

Basketball career

Gottlieb played guard. He played for the Philadelphia Sphas in the ABL in 1939–40, the New York Jewels in 1940–42, the New York Americans in 1943–44, and the New York Gothams in 1945–46.
He made his debut in the National Basketball Association on November 1, 1946. He played for the New York Knicks in the first game in NBA history, on November 1, 1946, scoring. He played for the Knicks from 1946–48.

BAA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs