Back in June, the Boston Celtics clinched their 18th NBA Championship, moving ahead of the Lakers to become the most successful team in the league’s history. The Celtics’ history is woven into the fabric of NBA history itself, with Championships, successes and failures, great players and coaches signposting each era of the NBA’s evolution.
While the 2024 Celtics still have a lot to prove, they have put down a marker as potentially being the dominant force as we move into the latter half of the 2020s. Indeed, they are favorites in the NBA odds to win Championship number 19 next year.
But, for now, at least, they remain on 18 NBA Championship wins. In light of that, we have picked out 18 players who built the NBA’s most successful team. Trailblazers and GOATs, as well as underrated stars who have been somewhat overlooked:
Bill Russell
The cornerstone of the Celtics’ dynasty, Russell won 11 championships in 13 seasons, revolutionizing the game with his defense and leadership. For many, he is considered the greatest team player in history.
Larry Bird
A three-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP, Bird was the heart of the Celtics in the 1980s, leading them to three championships. His rivalry with Magic Johnson was arguably the best thing about NBA in the 80s.
John Havlicek
Known as “Hondo,” Havlicek is the all-time leading scorer for the Celtics and an eight-time NBA champion. The first player to score 1,000 points in 16 consecutive seasons, Hondo is arguably overlooked when it comes to debating the all-time greats.
Paul Pierce
“The Truth” led the Celtics to their 17th championship in 2008 and was named Finals MVP. He was a key player of the Doc Rivers era as the Celtics quested to end their long (for them) championship drought in the late 90s and 00s.
Bob Cousy
A six-time champion and the original floor general, Cousy revolutionized the point guard position with his playmaking. Like Hondo, he probably doesn’t get the attention he deserves today.
Kevin McHale
One of the best low-post scorers in NBA history, McHale was a key player in the Celtics’ three championships in the 1980s. While overshadowed by Bird, his impact coming off the bench was extraordinary.
Tommy Heinsohn
Heinsohn won eight championships as a player and later coached the Celtics to two more titles. Known as “Mr Celtic”, he is idolized by those who follow Boston sports history. His No. 15 jersey was retired by the Celtics.
Sam Jones
An integral part of the Celtics’ 1960s dynasty, Jones was known for his clutch shooting and won 10 championships, which puts him behind Russell only. Jones was part of the inaugural class inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2019.
Dave Cowens
A two-time NBA champion and MVP in 1973, Cowens was known for his tenacity and versatility and is considered one of the greatest all-rounders in the game’s history. Today’s all-rounders, from James to Dokic, owe a lot to his innovation.
Robert Parish
The “Chief” was a model of consistency, helping the Celtics to three championships in the 1980s. Yes, he benefited from having the likes of Bird on his side, but he was the kind of stalwart that great teams need to succeed.
Kevin Garnett
Garnett was the defensive anchor and emotional leader of the 2008 championship team, earning Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. The “Big Ticket” had a big personality on and off the court, but he is simply one of the greatest power forwards of all time.
Bill Sharman
A key member of the Celtics’ early championships, Sharman was one of the league’s first great shooters. He was involved in 15 NBA championship-winning campaigns as a player, coach, and executive.
Ray Allen
One of the best shooters in NBA history, Allen hit crucial shots in the Celtics’ 2008 championship run. One of the greatest 3-point shooters, his career record only being surpassed by Steph Curry in 2021.
Jo Jo White
A two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP in 1976, White was a smooth-shooting guard and reliable scorer. Another player on this list who is hugely underrated.
Dennis Johnson
“DJ” was the steady hand and defensive force behind the Celtics’ 1984 and 1986 titles, earning Finals MVP in 1979. Bill Simmons is among the Boston sportswriters who believe DJ deserves to be placed in the pantheon of the greats.
Cedric Maxwell
“Cornbread” was the Finals MVP in 1981 and played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ success in the early 1980s. He was the star of a mediocre team before Larry Bird came along and transformed the Celtics into a winning machine again.
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Rajon Rondo
Rondo was the floor general for the Celtics’ 2008 championship team and is known for his exceptional playmaking and defense. He never really found a home after leaving the Celtics in 2014.
Jayson Tatum
Let’s finish with the present and future: already a multiple-time All-Star and the leader of the 2024 championship team, Tatum is solidifying his place among the Celtics’ all-time greats. Where will he stand when his career winds down?