- Bill Russell revolutionized the way defense is played.
- Russell has the most rings of any player in NBA history.
- John Havlicek has the most points in Celtics history.
The Boston Celtics have done a lot of winning in their franchise history, as they have the most NBA championships with 17, making them a constant favourite in NBA betting.
A lot of players who suited up for the C’s have changed the way basketball is played. Let’s take a look at their impacts.
Best Boston Celtics Players of All Time
| Rank | Player | Position | Celtics Years |
| 1 | Bill Russell | Center | 1956-1969 |
| 2 | Larry Bird | Small Forward/Power Forward | 1979-1992 |
| 3 | John Havlicek | Small Forward/Shooting Guard | 1962-1978 |
| 4 | Paul Pierce | Small Forward/Shooting Guard | 1998-2013 |
| 5 | Bob Cousy | Point Guard | 1950-1963 |
| 6 | Kevin McHale | Power Forward | 1980-1993 |
| 7 | Dave Cowens | Center | 1970-1980 |
1. Bill Russell
Bill Russell provided a revolutionary defence to a Celtics team renowned for its high-powered offence, leading them to 11 championships in 13 seasons. Russell has the most rings of any player in NBA history.
Appreciation: Bill Russell – The cornerstone of the @Celtics' dynasty; an uncanny shotblocker who revolutionized @NBA defensive concepts. pic.twitter.com/xOmaUEV1EC
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 18, 2017
Even though blocks weren’t a recorded stat back then, the five-time MVP blocked shots with a purpose, either tipping the ball to himself or a teammate, sometimes effectively serving as outlet passes.
The 11-time All-NBA and Hall of Fame center has the most rebounds, sixth-most assists, and eighth-most points in franchise history.
The NBA retired Russell’s No. 6 league-wide following his death in 2022, crediting his success on the court and his civil rights activism.
2. Larry Bird
Larry Bird had limitless range, but he was also a crafty scorer who often took advantage of smaller defenders and mesmerized all types of defenders with his ball fakes, also enabling him to distribute the basketball through angles that would open up.
Larry Bird = Pure Hooper 🤦🏽♂️🔥 (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/TXJ48PuKQ0
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) June 21, 2019
The 10-time All-NBA and Hall of Fame forward earned three MVP Awards, three championships, two Finals MVP Awards, and three All-Defensive Team selections throughout his career.
“Larry Legend” has the second-most steals, third-most points, assists, and blocks, and fourth-most rebounds in franchise history.
3. John Havlicek
John Havlicek won eight championships with the Celtics, earning Finals MVP honours in 1974.
“Hondo” was known for his shooting, lockdown defence, ball-handling, reckless abandon, and ability to run the fast break.
The 11-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive, and Hall of Fame forward/guard has the most points, second-most assists, and fifth-most rebounds in franchise history.
4. Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce was a lethal shooter from distance but his ability to create off the dribble, footwork, and strength opened up easy scoring opportunities in the mid-range and at the rim, especially during clutch situations.
The 10th overall pick of the 1998 @NBA Draft; @NBA champ (2008) Finals MVP (2008) 26,397 Points; Paul Pierce: Top 34 Plays Of His Career pic.twitter.com/zpMNZA34Et
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 2, 2017
“The Truth” led the Celtics to a championship in 2008, earning Finals MVP honours.
The four-time All-NBA and Hall of Fame forward/guard has the most 3-pointers, steals, second-most points, fourth-most blocks, and fifth-most assists in franchise history.
5. Bob Cousy
With the ability to run the fast break, create easy looks for his teammates, and handle the basketball, Bob Cousy proved how important a point guard is to a team’s success.
The 12-time All-NBA and Hall of Fame floor general won six championships and an MVP Award.
Cousy has the most assists and sixth-most points in franchise history.
6. Kevin McHale
Gifted with great footwork, post moves, physicality, and shot-blocking skills, Kevin McHale was tough to handle down low, as he helped the Celtics win three rings.
The one-time All-NBA forward also was named to six All-Defensive Teams and Sixth Man of the Year twice.
McHale has the second-most blocks, fifth-most points, and sixth-most rebounds in franchise history.
7. Dave Cowens
As a high-energy player, Dave Cowens was known as a defensive specialist and rebounder, but he also proved to be a solid scorer and passer.
“Dave the Rave” won an MVP Award, two championships, and was named to three All-NBA and three All-Defensive Teams.
The Hall of Famer has the third-most rebounds in franchise history.
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