The Boston Celtics are one of the most iconic NBA teams of all time. Founded in 1946, the team has a long and storied history of success, with 17 NBA championships to their name. In this article, we will explore the history of the Celtics, their greatest players and coaches, and their impact on the NBA.
The Early Years of the Celtics
The Celtics were founded in 1946 as one of the original teams in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later became the NBA. In their early years, the team struggled to find success, finishing with losing records in each of their first four seasons. However, things began to turn around in the late 1940s, when the team acquired Bob Cousy, a future Hall of Fame point guard.
The Red Auerbach Era
In 1950, the Celtics hired Red Auerbach as their head coach and general manager. Auerbach quickly transformed the team into a contender, leading them to their first NBA championship in 1957. Over the next decade, the Celtics would go on to win a total of 11 championships, including eight in a row from 1959 to 1966.
The Larry Bird Era
In the late 1970s, the Celtics were struggling once again. However, in 1978, they drafted Larry Bird, a future Hall of Fame forward. Bird quickly became the face of the franchise and led the team to three championships in the 1980s, cementing his place as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
The Modern Celtics
After a down period in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Celtics returned to prominence in the mid-2000s with the acquisitions of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. The trio led the team to an NBA championship in 2008, the team’s first in over 20 years. Since then, the Celtics have remained competitive, but have yet to win another championship.
The Greatest Celtics Players of All Time
The Celtics have had many great players over the years, but a few stand out as the best of the best. Here are some of the greatest Celtics players of all time:
Bill Russell
Bill Russell is perhaps the greatest Celtic of all time. During his 13-year career with the team, he won 11 NBA championships and was named the NBA Finals MVP five times. He is widely considered one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history.
Larry Bird
Larry Bird is another legendary Celtic. During his 13-year career with the team, he won three NBA championships and was named the league MVP three times. He was known for his shooting and passing abilities, as well as his fierce competitiveness.
Bob Cousy
Bob Cousy was one of the first great Celtics players. He played for the team from 1950 to 1963 and was a 13-time All-Star. He was known for his ball-handling and passing abilities, and was instrumental in the team’s early success.
The Greatest Celtics Coaches of All Time
The Celtics have also had many great coaches over the years. Here are a few of the best:
Red Auerbach
Red Auerbach is the most successful coach in Celtics history, leading the team to 16 NBA championships as head coach and general manager. He is also credited with revolutionizing the game of basketball through his use of the fast break and his emphasis on team play.
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