Leo "Ace" Gottlieb (November 28, 1920 â August 16, 1972) was an American professional basketball player.
Gottlieb, who was German 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.
Gottlieb played guard. He played for the Philadelphia Sphas in the ABL in 1939âÂÂ40, the New York Jewels in 1940âÂÂ42, the New York Americans in 1943âÂÂ44, and the New York Gothams in 1945âÂÂ46.
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 (14 points). He played for the Knicks from 1946 to 1948.