The Boston Celtics are one of the most iconic and historic franchises not just in the NBA but in all of professional sports. Unsurprisingly many all-time greats of donned the green and white. With the Celtics recently winning a record-breaking 18th championship it’s time to examine some of the team’s illustrious history. Let’s dive into the Celtics all-time starting lineup.
Boston Celtics All-Time Starting 5
Point Guard: Bob Cousy
Bob Cousy is a clear choice for the best Celtics point guard of all time. The 1956-57 MVP was one of the league’s first superstars. Cousy won six championships between 1957 and 1963. Additionally, the 6-foot-1 floor general was named to 13 All-Star teams, and 12 All-NBA teams and was an eight-time assist champ. Cousy posted career averages of 18.4, 5.2, and 7.5 assists. While many great point guards have come since Cousy remains the first star point guard and one of the best passers of all time.
Shooting Guard: John Havlicek
John Havlicek is a no-brainer selection for the Celtics all-time starting five. In his 16-year career, Havlicek won an absurd eight NBA championships and was the 1974 Finals MVP. Hondo’s eight championships are tied for the third most in NBA history. Furthermore, Havlicek was an 11-time All-NBA selection and an eight-time All-Defensive team member. Havlieck posted career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Impressively, Havlicek remains the Celtics’ all-time leading scorer. The famous “Havlieck stole the ball play” will always be an important part of Celtics history. In his stellar 16-year career Havlicek proved he can be both a reliable number two or a clear-cut number one option on a championship team.
Small Forward: Paul Pierce
The Truth gets Boston’s starting small forward spot. Paul Pierce spent 15 seasons out of his 19-year career with the Celtics. Pierce stayed with the Celtics through the highs and lows of the 2000s. In 2002 a young Pierce led the Celtics to a 49-win season and a conference finals appearance. After four consecutive playoff appearances, the Celtics would miss the playoffs in 2006 and 2007 with brutal 33 and 24-win seasons. However, in the 2007 offseason, the Celtics formed a big three by trading for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. With a 66-16 record the 2007-08 Celtics had a 42-win jump and went on to win an NBA title over Kobe Bryant’s Lakers. Pierce was named Finals MVP averaging 21 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
The big three era Celtics had one other Finals appearance in this era however they lost in a Finals rematch with Kobe’s Lakers. Pierce and the Celtics were also one of the biggest threats to LeBron James and the Miami Heat big three in the early 2010s. Pierce’s longevity and importance to the franchise give him the edge over Jayson Tatum. While Tatum is on track to surpass Pierce’s career it’s tough to compare seven seasons to 15. In Pierce’s 15-year tenure with the Celtics, he made 10 All-Star teams, and four All-NBA teams while posting averages of 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
Power Forward: Larry Bird
Larry Bird is a top 10 player of all time and one of the most iconic Celtics in history. Bird dominated the 1980s winning three NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986. The 1986 Celtics won 67 games and dominated en route to an NBA title. They are the greatest team in franchise history and a top-five team in NBA history. Alongside Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Bill Walton off the bench formed the greatest frontcourt of all-time. Notably, Bird also won three straight MVPs from 1984 to 1986. Larry Legend remains the last player to accomplish this feat. The 6-foot-9 forward had an all-around skill set with elite shooting, passing, and rebounding. This skill set would have made Bird a perfect fit in the modern game.
In his 13-year career Bird made 12 All-Star teams, and 10 All-NBA teams while posting averages of 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. While Bird was an obvious choice for this list he is playing power forward compared to his traditional small forward position to make room for Pierce. Nevertheless, Bird played his first five seasons as a power forward which included a championship and his first MVP. As mentioned before Tatum was considered for a starting position in place of Pierce. Kevin Garnett and Kevin McHale were also considered next to Bird for more frontcourt size. Regardless, the Bird and Pierce forward combination was too much to pass up on.
Center: Bill Russell
Not only is Bill Russell one of the greatest players in league history but he is the greatest winner in team sports. In his 13-year career, Russell won an incredible league record 11 rings. This includes two championships as a player-coach. Russell also won five MVPs which is tied with Michael Jordan for the most of all-time. Notably, Russell posted career averages of 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Russell’s exceptional rebounding averages stand out and he is one of the greatest rebounders of all-time.
Due to the era, there aren’t any stats or awards to back this up but Russell was one of the best defenders in league history. Russell was known for his superb shot-blocking. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Russell had the ideal combination of athleticism and mobility. In addition to being one of the first true superstars, he paved the way for future generations with important civil rights work. Today Russell’s iconic No. 6 is retired by all franchises.
