Celtics Legends: 30 Greatest Players

Celtics Legends: 30 Greatest Players

I know a great franchise by the legends it produces. From pioneering pioneers to new blood writing their legacies, there has never been a franchise so legendary as the Celtics.

In the storied history of the NBA, few teams can rival the Boston Celtics for the sheer volume of iconic players. Russell, Bird, Havlicek, Pierce – these Celtics greats are more than names, they’re basketball royalty.

From fierce competitors like “The Truth” Paul Pierce to beloved fan favorites like “The Chief” Robert Parish, the stories of these Celtics greats intertwine to form a rich tapestry of basketball lore. These giants of the game exemplify athleticism, sportsmanship, and championship glory.

As we explore the fascinating histories behind each iconic player, it becomes clear why the Celtics evoke such passion amongst their devotees. Follow along on this journey through nearly a century of legendary basketball as I unravel the 30 Celtics legends.

1. Bill Russell

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As the cornerstone of the great Boston Celtics teams, Bill Russell stands as the preeminent defensive center in basketball history. Though blocked shots were not recorded in his era, Russell would undoubtedly have led the league.

Over his 13-year career, he averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. While just a 56% free throw shooter with 44% overall field goal accuracy, Russell excelled through sheer willpower.

He was named to 12 All-Star teams and won the 1963 All-Star MVP. An 11-time All-NBA selection, Russell was a 3-time first-teamer. His 5 MVP awards rank second all-time.

Considered the consummate team player, Russell led the Celtics to a remarkable 11 championships in 13 seasons. From 1957 to 1966, he powered them to an unparalleled 8 consecutive titles, defeating great Lakers teams featuring West and Baylor.

2. Larry Bird

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Larry Bird enjoyed an illustrious 13-year NBA career from 1979 to 1992 that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever.

A 12-time All-Star, Bird was the cornerstone of the 1980s Celtics dynasty, leading Boston to titles in 1981, 1984, and 1986, earning Finals MVP honors in the last two. Alongside legends Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, Bird astonishingly won three straight regular season MVP awards.

Renowned for elevating his play in crunch time, Bird was a quintessential clutch performer who thrived under pressure. He finished as MVP runner-up four times, further demonstrating his elite status.

Bird is considered one of the best white players in history, though he was just one of many talented white players to showcase their skills in the NBA over the decades.

3. Kevin Garnett

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Kevin Garnett cements his legacy as one of the most well-rounded big men ever, excelling in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense.

His career averages of 20.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, along with 49.4% field goal and 78.1% free throw shooting, demonstrate remarkable efficiency and versatility.

Garnett’s stature is further evidenced by his selection to 11 All-Star games, winning MVP of one, and 9 All-NBA teams, including 4 first-team nods.

His defensive prowess led to 9 All-Defensive team selections, including 7 first-team honors, as well as the 2007-2008 Defensive Player of the Year award. At age 32, Garnett won the 2003-2004 MVP and spearheaded the Boston Celtics 2007-2008 championship team, capping his legendary career.

4. Bob Cousy

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Bob Cousy was a groundbreaking point guard who played 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics from 1950-1963, helping propel them to 6 NBA titles. He also briefly played for Cincinnati in 1969-70.

Cousy was instrumental in establishing the Celtics dynasty in the 1950s and 60s. He was selected to a remarkable 13 NBA All-Star games and was named the 1957 NBA MVP.

Cousy led the league in assists for 8 straight seasons, pioneering creative passing and ball-handling that revolutionized point guard play in the NBA. Known for flair and innovation, Cousy established the template for exceptional point guards that influenced generations of players.

He helped transform the role and cement his legacy as one of the greatest point guards ever.

5. John Havlicek

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John Havlicek spent his entire illustrious 16-year career with the Boston Celtics, establishing himself as one of their all-time greats.

A versatile swingman, Havlicek was selected to 13 NBA All-Star games, 8 All-NBA teams, and 8 All-Defensive teams. Renowned for his tireless hustle and stamina, Havlicek helped lead the Celtics to 8 championships in the 60s and 70s.

He served as team captain from 1969-1978 and was named 1974 Finals MVP. Havlicek etched his name in history with his famous steal to clinch the 1965 Eastern Conference finals.

The Celtics retired his number 17 jersey after his 1978 retirement. Havlicek was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984, honoring his place among the legends of the game.

6. Robert Parish

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Robert Parish enjoyed an illustrious 21-year NBA career, primarily with the Boston Celtics, retiring with the 2nd most games played at 1,611. A formidable center, he was renowned for clutch rebounding, high-arching jumpers, and staunch defense.

Teaming with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale to form arguably the greatest frontcourt trio ever, Parish won 3 championships and reached 5 NBA Finals through the 1980s Celtics dynasty.

Extending his career with the Hornets and Bulls, Parish won another title with Chicago in 1997 at age 43, making him the oldest player to win a championship. Parish’s longevity, consistency, and championships cement his legacy as an all-time great center.

Alongside Bird and McHale, their combined skill and dominance made them legends who forever shaped the game.

7. Paul Pierce

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Paul Pierce enjoyed a legendary 19-year NBA career, predominantly with the Boston Celtics, cementing his legacy as one of their all-time greats.

Pierce was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 in recognition of his illustrious accomplishments. As Celtics’ captain, he earned 10 All-Star selections and 4 All-NBA honors.

In 2007, the Oakland native teamed up with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to form Boston’s ‘Big Three,’ leading the Celtics to two Finals and the 2008 championship, earning Pierce Finals MVP. In 2021, Pierce was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Along with Larry Bird and John Havlicek, Pierce is one of only three players to score over 20,000 points for the Celtics. Pierce’s clutch play and leadership guided the Celtics to Banner 17 and engraved his place among the franchise’s icons.

8. Kevin McHale

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Kevin McHale spent his entire 13-year career with the Boston Celtics, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest power forwards ever.

Alongside center Robert Parish and forward Larry Bird, McHale was part of the legendary Celtics frontcourt that powered three championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986 while reaching 5 NBA Finals. Initially a superb sixth man, winning 6th Man of the Year in 1984 and 1985, McHale became a starter in 1986, making 7 All-Star teams from 1984 to 1991.

Blessed with length and nimble footwork, McHale dazzled with an array of crafty low post moves, twice leading the league in field goal percentage. He was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1987 and the All-Defensive First or Second Team 6 times.

McHale’s versatility, efficiency, and championships solidified him as a dominant force who, alongside Bird and Parish, embodied the greatness of the 1980s Celtics.

9. Jayson Tatum

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At just 25 years old, Jayson Tatum has emerged as a rising superstar and focal point for the Boston Celtics as the 2024  season continues.

The versatile 6’8″ small forward is entering his 6th season with the team and has established himself as one of the NBA’s most talented scorers from all areas of the court.

In addition to his scoring prowess averaging over 27 points per game last season, Tatum contributes significantly in other areas like rebounding and playmaking. He posted impressive all-around numbers of 27.2 points, 8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in the previous season while shooting 35.3% from three and 45.3% overall.

Tatum’s outstanding play earned him All-NBA Second Team honors in 2022 and led the Celtics back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018. With his two-way skillset, Tatum is poised to be an instrumental centerpiece in guiding the Celtics’ success for years to come.

10. Dave Cowens

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David Cowens was a dominant center who played primarily for the Boston Celtics during his NBA career. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1971 and the league’s Most Valuable Player award just two years later in 1973.

Cowens was instrumental in leading the Celtics to NBA championships in 1974 and 1976. His tenacious rebounding, interior scoring, and overall physicality made him a force for Boston. He also played for Milwaukee Bucks‘

Cowens received the highest basketball honor with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing his stellar career achievements and contributions to the sport.

11. Sam Jones

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Samuel Jones was a dominant shooting guard for the historic Boston Celtics teams of the 1960s. A 5-time NBA All-Star, Jones was renowned for his quickness and clutch shots, especially in the playoffs.

Jones won 10 NBA championships in his career, the 2nd most ever behind teammate Bill Russell’s 11. He was one of only three Celtics, along with Russell and K.C. Jones, to be part of all 8 consecutive Celtics titles from 1959-1966 – a feat unmatched in NBA history.

The North Carolina-native  hit numerous memorable game-winners during Boston’s dynasty years. His scoring punch, playoff heroics, and championship pedigree cemented Jones’ legacy as a Celtics legend. With 10 rings in 12 seasons, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as one of the most decorated winners the game has seen.

12. Dennis Johnson

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Dennis “DJ” Johnson overcame early career struggles to become an elite two-way guard and key contributor on multiple championship teams. After being drafted in 1976 by Seattle, Johnson emerged as a star, leading the SuperSonics to their lone title in 1979 and winning Finals MVP.

He later joined the Boston Celtics where he won two more championships as their starting point guard. Johnson was a 5-time All-Star, 1-time All-NBA First Team, and 9-time All-Defensive Team selection. Apart from being a tenacious defender, Johnson was a clutch performer who hit iconic shots in the playoffs.

The Celtics retired his #3 jersey and he was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. Despite being underrated, Johnson is considered by many as one of the greatest guards of his era thanks to his defense, crunch-time ability, and championship pedigree.

13. Jo Jo White

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JoJo White was a stellar guard who had tremendous success playing for the Boston Celtics in the 1970s. After an illustrious college career at Kansas, White was drafted 9th overall by the Celtics in 1969.

He would go on to spend ten seasons with Boston, winning NBA titles in 1974 and 1976, earning Finals MVP honors in the latter. White was a 7-time NBA All-Star who set a Celtics record by playing in 488 consecutive games, exemplifying his durability.

His number 10 jersey was retired by the team in 1982 in recognition of his outstanding contributions.

White’s scoring ability, clutch performances, and championship resume cemented his place among the Celtics greats and led to his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

14. K. C. Jones

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K.C. Jones is one of the most decorated champions in NBA history through his deep association with the Boston Celtics dynasty. As a player, Jones won 8 NBA titles with the Celtics in the 1960s, tied for the 3rd most ever.

He went 8-0 in the Finals, a feat matched only by teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones. Jones later coached the Celtics to two more championships in 1984 and 1986.

His 12 total titles (8 as player, 4 as coach) are second only to Russell. Along with Russell, Jones is one of just two African-American coaches to win multiple NBA titles.

His enduring success and contributions to the Celtics dynasty, both on the court and sidelines, rightfully led to his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989.

15. Ray Allen

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Ray Allen is considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, renowned for his silky smooth three-point stroke.

Drafted in 1996, the California-native became an efficient scoring machine for Milwaukee and Seattle before joining Boston’s “Big Three” and winning a championship in 2008. Allen broke numerous three-point shooting records over his 18-season career and held the all-time mark for most three-pointers made until 2021.

His clutch, game-tying triple to force overtime in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals epitomized his reputation for delivering in big moments. A 10-time All-Star and 2-time champion, Allen was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

His shooting prowess, precision, and longevity cemented his legacy as one of the most prolific sharpshooters the game has ever seen.

16. Nate Archibald

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Nate “Tiny” Archibald was a lightning-quick point guard who starred in the NBA for 14 seasons, most notably with the Kansas City Kings and Boston Celtics.

Despite his small stature, Tiny excelled at driving past defenders and finishing at the rim using his blurring speed. He was also an adept passer and midrange shooter. Archibald’s quickness and offensive versatility were unmatched – in 1972-73 he remarkably led the NBA in both scoring and assists, a feat only matched once in history.

His revolutionary playmaking and scoring ability made him impossible to contain in the open floor. Archibald’s unique skillset for his era solidified his legacy as a transformative point guard, reflected by his enshrinement in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.

17. Tom Heinsohn

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Thomas Heinsohn was one of the most iconic figures in Boston Celtics history, contributing to the franchise for over 60 years as a player, coach, and broadcaster.

Nicknamed “Mr. Celtic”, Heinsohn played nine seasons with Boston from 1956-1965, helping the team win eight championships. He later coached the Celtics to two more titles in the 1970s.

For over 30 years, Heinsohn served as the beloved color commentator on Celtics’ broadcasts. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach for his extraordinary accomplishments.

Heinsohn was the only person involved in all 17 Celtics championships and their first 21 Finals appearances, cementing his legacy as one of the integral faces of the franchise’s storied tradition and success.

18. Bill Walton

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Bill Walton was one of the most accomplished centers in basketball history, achieving great success in college at UCLA and the NBA with Portland and Boston. Walton led UCLA to two national titles under John Wooden before being drafted #1 overall in 1974.

He was NBA MVP and champion with Portland in 1977 but foot injuries derailed his career. It was revived in Boston where Walton embraced a sixth man role and won another title in 1986, earning Sixth Man of the Year.

Walton overcame stuttering after retiring to become an Emmy-winning broadcaster known for his enthusiasm and love of the Grateful Dead. His college dominance, NBA accomplishments, and engaging personality made Walton a beloved legend inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

19. Al Horford

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Al Horford is a five-time NBA All-Star center from the Dominican Republic who currently plays for the Boston Celtics. Horford had a standout college career at Florida, winning back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.

He was drafted 3rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2007 where he played 9 seasons before joining the Celtics as a free agent in 2016. Horford spent 3 years in Boston, helping lead the team to playoff success, before signing with Philadelphia in 2019.

After one season with the 76ers, he was traded to Oklahoma City before being dealt back to the Celtics before the 2021 season.

Horford’s size, defense, and veteran leadership have made him a key contributor on multiple playoff squads. As the highest-paid Latin American player, he’s emerged as an influential figure both on and off the court.

20. Jaylen Brown

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Jaylen Brown is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Boston Celtics. After a successful freshman season at the University of California, Brown was drafted 3rd overall by the Celtics in 2016.

Since entering the NBA, Brown has established himself as a versatile wing player capable of playing both shooting guard and small forward.

Now in his 7th season, the 26-year-old Brown is a 3-time NBA All-Star and has been instrumental in leading the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals as well as 5 conference finals appearances. Brown continues to be a key piece for a Boston team with championship aspirations.

21. Danny Ainge

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Danny Ainge is a former professional basketball and baseball player who most recently served as President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics from 2003-2021.

As an executive, Ainge was known for bold moves that helped rebuild the Celtics into a championship contender. This included trading away veteran stars to clear cap space and tanking seasons to get high draft picks. His strategy paid off with the Celtics’ 2008 NBA title.

Ainge drafted players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart who led the team back to the Finals in 2022. After 18 years running the Celtics front office, Ainge retired in 2021 and was succeeded by head coach Brad Stevens.

As a player, Ainge had a 14-year NBA career mostly with the Celtics, making the All-Star team in 1988. He also played professional baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays while in college at BYU, where he won the Wooden Award for National Player of the Year in basketball.

22. Rajon Rondo

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Rajon Rondo is a former professional basketball player who spent the first 8+ seasons of his career with the Boston Celtics. As the starting point guard, Rondo helped lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals twice, winning a championship in 2008.

A gifted passer and defender, Rondo was a 4-time All-Star with Boston, 4-time All-Defensive Team selection, and led the NBA in assists 3 times. Known for filling up stat sheets, Rondo ranks among the NBA’s all-time leaders in regular season and playoff triple-doubles.

After leaving Boston in a 2014 trade, Rondo bounced around the league with 8 different teams, including winning another title with the Lakers in 2020. Overall, the versatile Rondo leaves behind a legacy as a champion and one of the best passers and defenders among point guards of his era.

23. Reggie Lewis

Reginald Lewis was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire NBA career with the Boston Celtics from 1987 to 1993. Lewis died suddenly at the young age of 27 while still an active player on the Celtics roster.

In his honor, the Celtics retired Lewis’ jersey number, an unprecedented move for such a young player. Though his career was tragically cut short, Lewis made his mark on the storied Celtics franchise in his short time with the team.

24. Cedric Maxwell

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Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell is a retired American professional basketball player from North Carolina who was a key part of two NBA championship teams with the Boston Celtics.

After leading UNC Charlotte to the 1977 Final Four, Maxwell was drafted by the Celtics. He came off the bench his rookie year before becoming a starter in 1979. The next season, Larry Bird joined the team and together with Maxwell, Robert Parish, and rookie Kevin McHale, the Celtics won the 1981 NBA title with Maxwell named Finals MVP.

Maxwell and McHale battled for the starting forward spot over the next few years before Maxwell was traded in 1985, ending his 11-year playing career with over 10,000 points.

His number 31 was retired by the Celtics in 2003. Since retiring, Maxwell has worked as a radio broadcaster, serving as the color commentator for Celtics games since 2001.

25. Isaiah Thomas

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Isaiah Thomas is a 5’9″ point guard who played in the NBA from 2011-2022, most notably with the Boston Celtics from 2015-2017.

With Boston, Thomas became a two-time All-Star and second-team All-NBA selection, leading the Celtics to the #1 seed in the East in 2017 while finishing 5th in MVP voting.

However, a hip injury during his All-NBA season affected the rest of his career. After being traded to Cleveland in 2017, the injury severely hampered his play over the next several seasons as he bounced around the league with 8 different teams.

Though his time in Boston was brief, Thomas emerged as an electrifying fan favorite who defied the odds with his diminutive stature. His peak years leading the Celtics marked the most productive stretch of Thomas’s journeyman 11-year NBA career.

26. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player currently with the Dallas Mavericks. He was the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he won Rookie of the Year.

An 8-time All-Star and 3-time All-NBA player, Irving is considered one of the greatest ball-handlers ever and won a championship with Cleveland in 2016. After requesting a trade, he was dealt to the Boston Celtics in 2017 where he played for 2 seasons.

Irving then signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent in 2019 before once again asking for a trade to Dallas in 2023. His refusal to get vaccinated for COVID-19 caused him to miss most of the 2021-22 season.

In addition to his NBA career, Irving has won Olympic and FIBA World Cup gold medals playing for USA Basketball.

27. Bill Sharman

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William “Bill” Sharman was an American basketball player and coach best known for his time with the Boston Celtics in the 1950s.

Teamed with Bob Cousy, Sharman formed one of the greatest backcourts in NBA history and helped the Celtics win four championships.

As a coach, Sharman led the Lakers to an NBA-record 33-game win streak and the 1972 title, becoming the first North American sports figure to win titles as a player, coach, and executive.

Sharman won 15 NBA titles overall (4 as a Celtics player, 1 as a Lakers coach, 10 as a Lakers executive). He is a two-time Naismith Hall of Famer as both a player (1976) and coach (2004) – an honor only shared by John Wooden, Lenny Wilkens, Tommy Heinsohn, and Bill Russell.

Sharman helped pioneer the morning shootaround and his legendary playing and coaching career cemented his legacy in the sport.

28. Marcus Smart

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Marcus Smart is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. Drafted 6th overall in 2014 by the Boston Celtics, Smart initially came off the bench before earning a starting role in 2018.

A standout defender, Smart was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year for 2021-22, only the 6th guard ever to win it. He’s a 3-time All-Defensive First Team selection and 3-time Hustle Award winner.

Smart helped lead the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals before being traded to Memphis in 2023. Known for his intensity and scrappy play, Smart established himself as a key two-way contributor during his 8+ seasons in Boston.

29. Pete Maravich

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Born to a basketball coach father, Maravich starred at LSU where he remains the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, averaging 44.2 points per game before the 3-point line. He was one of the NBA’s youngest Hall of Fame inductees after a 10-year pro career with the Hawks, Jazz, and Celtics until injuries cut it short in 1980.

Even without the benefit of modern rules, Maravich dazzled crowds with an ahead-of-his-time open-court flair. With his flashy style of play, Pistol Pete is regarded as one of the most creative offensive and best ball-handling players ever.

Though injuries hampered his NBA tenure, his legacy as a basketball virtuoso is cemented.

30. Paul Silas

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Paul Silas was an American professional basketball player and head coach. As a player, he was a two-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-Defensive Team selection, winning three championships with the Celtics and SuperSonics.

He led the Suns in career rebounds per game. After being named California Mr. Basketball in high school and a college All-American at Creighton, Silas played 16 NBA seasons after being drafted in 1964.

He then coached for 12 seasons following his playing career. Known for his rebounding and defense, Silas was an accomplished champion and leader both as a player and coach over his decades of NBA service.

I am starstruck by the constellation of talent that has passed through Boston, leaving indelible marks on the game and Celtics lore. While statistics and records only tell part of their stories, the full picture of who they were and their lasting impact is perhaps less tangible.

Behind the public glory lies nuanced personal trials and triumphs. But one truth shines through – to wear the Green is to carry on a storied legacy of athletic excellence.

Few teams have nurtured so many beloved legends who fans will continue cheering decades after they hang up their high tops. The Celtics brand remains in good hands if its future stars live up to the championship standard of these 30 icons.