Greatest Celtics of All Time

Bill Russell

The ultimate winner in American sports history, Russell anchored 11 championships in 13 seasons, including eight straight titles, while pioneering defense as an art form. He later became the NBA's first Black head coach, still with the Celtics, cementing a legacy that transcends

Celtics Championships: 11Years with Celtics: 1956-1969Points Per Game: 15.1All-Star Selections: 12Legacy Rating: 10/10

added by IJRin 10 rankings

Larry Bird

Bird's trash-talking brilliance and clutch shooting revived the Celtics in the 1980s, delivering three championships and an epic rivalry with Magic Johnson that saved the NBA. His 1986 season is often called the greatest ever played, and his Boston Garden heroics remain legendary

Celtics Championships: 3Years with Celtics: 1979-1992Points Per Game: 24.3All-Star Selections: 12Legacy Rating: 9.8/10

added by IJRin 10 rankings

John Havlicek

Havlicek's steal against Philadelphia in 1965 became the stuff of Celtics folklore, and his relentless motor across 16 seasons made him the ultimate glue guy on eight title teams. He redefined the sixth man role before becoming a franchise cornerstone.

Celtics Championships: 8Years with Celtics: 1962-1978Points Per Game: 20.8All-Star Selections: 13Legacy Rating: 9.3/10

added by IJRin 2 rankingsJohn Havlicek

Bob Cousy

The original Celtics superstar, Cousy's flashy ballhandling and vision built the foundation for Boston's dynasty before Russell arrived. Six championships and a Hall of Fame résumé made him the face of the franchise's first golden era.

Celtics Championships: 6Years with Celtics: 1950-1963Points Per Game: 18.4All-Star Selections: 13Legacy Rating: 9.1/10

added by IJRin 3 rankingsBob Cousy

Paul Pierce

'The Truth' survived a near-fatal stabbing early in his career to become the emotional and scoring heart of the 2008 championship Celtics, teaming with Garnett and Allen to end a 22-year title drought. His clutch gene and Boston loyalty over 15 seasons made him a franchise icon.

Celtics Championships: 1Years with Celtics: 1998-2013Points Per Game: 21.8All-Star Selections: 10Legacy Rating: 9/10

added by IJRin 2 rankings

Kevin McHale

McHale's unstoppable post moves and array of fakes made him arguably the best low-post scorer of his era, forming a devastating frontcourt with Bird and Parish. Three rings and a reputation as the game's best sixth man turned rookie of the year proved his versatility.

Celtics Championships: 3Years with Celtics: 1980-1993Points Per Game: 17.9All-Star Selections: 7Legacy Rating: 8.7/10

added by IJRin 2 rankings

Robert Parish

The steady, durable center of the Bird-era Celtics, Parish's longevity and consistency across 14 seasons in Boston anchored three championship teams. His quiet professionalism and reliable rebounding made him the unsung backbone of a golden dynasty.

Celtics Championships: 3Years with Celtics: 1980-1994Points Per Game: 16.4All-Star Selections: 9Legacy Rating: 8.5/10

added by IJRin 2 rankingsRobert Parish

Sam Jones

A sharpshooting guard famous for his bank shots, Jones won an astonishing 10 championships alongside Russell and Havlicek, often delivering in the clutch when Boston needed it most. His scoring punch off screens made him one of the most efficient winners in NBA history.

Celtics Championships: 10Years with Celtics: 1957-1969Points Per Game: 17.7All-Star Selections: 5Legacy Rating: 8.6/10

added by IJR

Kevin Garnett

Garnett's arrival in 2007 via blockbuster trade instantly transformed the Celtics into champions, his fierce intensity and defensive anchor role delivering the 2008 title. Though his Boston tenure was shorter than most legends, his impact on the franchise's revival was seismic.

Celtics Championships: 1Years with Celtics: 2007-2013Points Per Game: 15.7All-Star Selections: 4Legacy Rating: 8.4/10

added by IJRin 4 rankingsKevin Garnett

Bill Sharman

A deadly outside shooter and free-throw specialist, Sharman was Cousy's backcourt partner on four championship teams in the 1950s. His shooting precision was ahead of its time and helped establish the Celtics as an offensive juggernaut.

Celtics Championships: 4Years with Celtics: 1951-1961Points Per Game: 17.8All-Star Selections: 8Legacy Rating: 7.8/10

added by IJRin 2 rankingsBill Sharman

Dave Cowens

An undersized center who played with relentless energy, Cowens won MVP in 1973 and led Boston to titles in 1974 and 1976 through sheer hustle and versatility. His all-around game and fiery leadership carried the Celtics through a transitional era.

Celtics Championships: 2Years with Celtics: 1970-1980Points Per Game: 17.6All-Star Selections: 8Legacy Rating: 8/10

added by IJRDave Cowens

Jayson Tatum

The current face of the franchise, Tatum has grown from a promising rookie into a perennial All-NBA scorer, delivering the 2024 championship that ended a long title drought. His clutch playoff performances and scoring versatility suggest his Celtics legacy is still being written.

Celtics Championships: 1Years with Celtics: 2017-presentPoints Per Game: 24.9All-Star Selections: 6Legacy Rating: 8.3/10

added by IJRin 2 rankingsJayson Tatum

Jaylen Brown

Brown's explosive athleticism and improved shooting made him the Finals MVP of the 2024 championship run, forming one of the league's best young duos with Tatum. His growth from raw prospect to franchise cornerstone has been a defining story of Boston's recent era.

Celtics Championships: 1Years with Celtics: 2016-presentPoints Per Game: 20.6All-Star Selections: 3Legacy Rating: 7.6/10

added by IJR

Tom Heinsohn

A key scorer and rebounder on eight championship teams in the 1950s and 60s, Heinsohn later returned to coach the Celtics to two more titles, making him a rare double-legacy figure. His combination of playing and coaching success is nearly unmatched in franchise history.

Celtics Championships: 8Years with Celtics: 1956-1965Points Per Game: 18.6All-Star Selections: 6Legacy Rating: 7.9/10

added by IJRTom Heinsohn

Cedric Maxwell

Maxwell's Finals MVP performance in the 1981 championship, including his famous 'just give me the ball' bravado, made him a beloved Celtics folk hero. His scrappy scoring and clutch play were vital pieces of Boston's early-80s title teams.

Celtics Championships: 2Years with Celtics: 1977-1985Points Per Game: 16.6All-Star Selections: 1Legacy Rating: 7.2/10

added by IJRCedric Maxwell

Jo Jo White

A smooth scoring guard who never missed games, White was the steady offensive force behind the 1974 and 1976 championship teams. His durability and clutch shooting made him one of the most respected players of the Cowens era.

Celtics Championships: 2Years with Celtics: 1969-1979Points Per Game: 18.1All-Star Selections: 7Legacy Rating: 7.3/10

added by IJRJo Jo White

Rajon Rondo

Rondo's elite court vision and defensive tenacity made him the engine of the 2008 championship team and one of the league's premier point guards for a stretch. His triple-double explosions and fearless demeanor defined an era of Celtics basketball.

Celtics Championships: 1Years with Celtics: 2006-2014Points Per Game: 11.9All-Star Selections: 4Legacy Rating: 7/10

added by IJRRajon Rondo

Nate 'Tiny' Archibald

A dazzling scoring point guard who once led the league in both points and assists in the same season, Archibald brought a different flavor to Boston's backcourt in the late 1970s and early 80s, capping his career with the 1981 championship. His playmaking pedigree added a Hall of

Celtics Championships: 1Years with Celtics: 1978-1983Points Per Game: 14All-Star Selections: 2Legacy Rating: 6.8/10

added by IJR

Danny Ainge

Ainge's sharpshooting and toughness made him a key contributor to two championships in the 1980s before he later reshaped the franchise as an executive, drafting Tatum and Brown. His dual legacy as player and architect gives him a unique place in Celtics lore.

Celtics Championships: 2Years with Celtics: 1981-1989Points Per Game: 14.1All-Star Selections: 2Legacy Rating: 6.9/10

added by IJRin 3 rankingsDanny Ainge

Bill Walton

Though his Celtics stint was brief, Walton's selfless passing and defensive presence off the bench were instrumental in the 1986 championship, often cited as the greatest Celtics team ever assembled. His Sixth Man of the Year award that season showed his impact despite injury-sho

Celtics Championships: 1Years with Celtics: 1985-1987Points Per Game: 7.6All-Star Selections: 0Legacy Rating: 6.5/10

added by IJRin 2 rankings