The Boston Celtics were founded in 1946 and are among the most successful franchises in NBA history, boasting a record 18 NBA championships. They are known for their iconic green and white colors, and the team’s rich heritage has been shaped by Hall of Fame players and intense rivalries. Under current ownership led by Wyc Grousbeck, Boston remains a major contender in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Greats like Bill Russell and Larry Bird dominated the Celtics’ championship years. From Russell’s unmatched defense and rebounding dominance to Bird’s versatile scoring and playmaking wizardry, the franchise has consistently been home to legends. Here are the top 10 Boston Celtics players in NBA history.
10) Kevin Garnett
Kevin played six seasons in Boston (2007-2013). He led the Celtics to the 2008 championship and 2010 Finals, averaging 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. KG made five All-Star teams as a Celtic and earned four All-Defensive First Team selections with Boston. The 2008 Defensive Player of the Year brought an intensity that changed the franchise’s culture.
9) Sam Jones
Jones won 10 championships in his 12-year career (1957-1969) with Boston. He averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. The 5-time All-Star earned three All-NBA selections and was known as “Mr. Clutch” before Jerry West. Jones hit countless game-winners, including decisive Game 7 baskets in the 1962, 1965, and 1969 playoffs. Jones’ remarkable 9-0 record in Game 7s demonstrates his championship DNA.
Sam Jones hits the game-winner at the Boston Garden in the Boston Celtics Game 4 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1969 NBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/zc4vPosakh
— WiltStats (@WiltStats) June 12, 2024
8) Robert Parish
Robert Parish won three championships with Boston (1981, 1984, 1986) during his 14 seasons with the team (1980-1994). He averaged 16.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 55.2% from the field. Parish made nine All-Star appearances and earned two All-NBA selections as a Celtic.
7) Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce, also called “The Truth,” led Boston to its 17th championship in 2008 during his 1998-2017 career (15 seasons with the Celtics). Pierce averaged 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists as a Celtic, making 10 All-Star teams. His accolades include 2008 Finals MVP, four All-NBA selections, and ranking second on the franchise scoring list with 24,021 points.
6) Dave Cowens
Cowens led Boston to two championships (1974, 1976) during his 1970-1980 career. Despite being an undersized center at 6’9″, he averaged 17.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Cowens won MVP in 1973, earned Rookie of the Year in 1971, and made eight All-Star appearances. His seven All-NBA and three All-Defensive Team selections showcase his two-way impact.
5) Kevin McHale
McHale won three championships (1981, 1984, 1986) during his 13-year career (1980-1993) with Boston. He averaged 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 55.4% from the field. The 7-time All-Star made the All-NBA Team once and the All-Defensive Team six times. McHale twice won Sixth Man of the Year before becoming a starter. His post moves were so technically perfect that coaches still teach the “McHale moves” today.
On this day in 1985… 75th Anniversary Team member Kevin McHale scored a then-franchise record 56 PTS for the @celtics vs. Detroit! #NBAVault #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/doFAXNsRoy
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 3, 2022
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Point Guards in History
4) Bob Cousy
Bob Cousy led Boston to six championships (1957, 1959-1963) during his 1950-1963 career. Cousy averaged 18.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He won MVP in 1957 and made 13 All-Star teams. He led the NBA in assists for eight consecutive seasons, earning 12 All-NBA selections. Cousy’s behind-the-back dribbling and no-look passes transformed basketball’s offensive style.
3) John Havlicek
Havlicek won eight championships with Boston over his 16-year career (1962-1978). He averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, making 13 consecutive All-Star appearances. Also known as “Hondo”, he earned 11 All-NBA and 8 All-Defensive Team selections. He was Finals MVP in 1974 and ranks as the Celtics’ all-time leading scorer with 26,395 points. Havlicek’s remarkable endurance, two-way excellence, and clutch performances (including the famous “Havlicek stole the ball!” moment in 1965) established his legacy. His jersey #17 was retired immediately after his final game.
2) Larry Bird
Bird led the Celtics to three championships (1981, 1984, 1986) during his 1979-1992 career. He averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists while shooting 49.6% from the field and 37.6% from three. The 3-time consecutive MVP (1984-1986) was a 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and 3-time Three-Point Contest champion. Bird’s accolades include 1980 Rookie of the Year, Olympic gold with the Dream Team, and 2-time Finals MVP. His clutch shooting, passing vision, and basketball IQ made him one of the most complete forwards in NBA history.
Who is the greatest Boston Celtics Player in NBA history?
Bill Russell
Russell dominated the NBA from 1956-1969, winning 11 championships in 13 seasons. He averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over his career. He is a 5-time MVP, 12-time All-Star, and 11-time All-NBA selection. His career achievements include Olympic gold, 12 All-Defensive Team selections, and later becoming the NBA’s first Black head coach. Russell’s battles with Wilt Chamberlain remain legendary, showcasing his ability to face the greatest force of his era. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975, his impact on the Boston Celtics and the NBA remains memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many NBA championships have the Boston Celtics won?
The Boston Celtics have won an NBA record 18 championships.
Which Celtics player has won the most NBA MVP awards?
Bill Russell, the greatest defender in NBA history, won five NBA MVP awards with the Celtics, the most in franchise history.
Who was Finals MVP for the Boston Celtics’ 2024 championship win?
Jaylen Brown was named NBA Finals MVP in 2024, averaging 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals against the Dallas Mavericks.
What is the Celtics’ best regular season win percentage in recent years?
In the 2023-24 season, the Celtics posted a 64-18 record and a win percentage of .780, marking one of their best regular seasons ever before clinching the championship.
