History of the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are the most successful franchise in NBA history, holding a record 18 NBA championships as of the conclusion of the 2024–25 season. Since joining the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946, the Celtics have become synonymous with winning, teamwork, defense, and championship basketball. Over nearly eight decades, the franchise has featured some of the greatest players and coaches in basketball history, including Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown.

From the dynasty of the 1950s and 1960s to the Larry Bird era of the 1980s and the modern championship teams of the 21st century, the Celtics have set the standard for excellence in professional basketball.

The Birth of the Celtics (1946)

The Boston Celtics were founded in 1946 by Walter A. Brown, owner of the Boston Garden.

Brown chose the name "Celtics" to honor Boston's Irish-American heritage while paying tribute to the Original Celtics, one of basketball's greatest early professional teams.

Boston was one of the original eleven franchises in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to create today's NBA.

The Celtics struggled during their first few seasons and failed to establish themselves as contenders.

Red Auerbach Changes Everything

Everything changed in 1950 when the Celtics hired Arnold "Red" Auerbach as head coach.

Auerbach emphasized:

• Fast-break offense
• Team-first basketball
• Aggressive defense
• Unselfish passing

His philosophy became the foundation of one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

Bob Cousy Revolutionizes the Point Guard Position

Boston acquired Bob Cousy before the 1950–51 season through a dispersal draft.

Nicknamed the "Houdini of the Hardwood," Cousy dazzled fans with his incredible ball handling and creative passing.

His accomplishments included:

• 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player
• 13-time NBA All-Star
• Eight-time NBA assists leader

Bill Russell Arrives

The defining moment in Celtics history came during the 1956 NBA Draft.

Red Auerbach engineered a trade with the St. Louis Hawks to acquire center Bill Russell after Russell's outstanding collegiate career at the University of San Francisco.

Russell immediately transformed Boston into the league's best defensive team through his elite shot blocking, rebounding, leadership, and commitment to team defense.

The Greatest Dynasty in Professional Sports

Between 1957 and 1969, the Celtics won 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, including an unprecedented eight consecutive championships from 1959 through 1966.

Key players during the dynasty included:

• Bill Russell
• Bob Cousy
• Bill Sharman
• Tom Heinsohn
• Sam Jones
• K.C. Jones
• John Havlicek
• Frank Ramsey
• Satch Sanders

Red Auerbach coached the first nine championship teams before becoming the club's general manager.

Bill Russell Makes History

In 1966, Bill Russell became the NBA's first African-American head coach.

Serving as player-coach, Russell guided the Celtics to NBA championships in 1968 and 1969, breaking barriers while continuing Boston's championship tradition.

John Havlicek Leads a New Generation

Following Russell's retirement, John Havlicek became the franchise's leader.

One of the most versatile players in NBA history, Havlicek led Boston to championships in:

• 1974
• 1976

His famous steal against Philadelphia in the 1965 Eastern Division Finals remains one of basketball's most iconic plays.

The Larry Bird Era

Boston returned to championship prominence after selecting Larry Bird with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft.

Joining the Celtics in 1979, Bird quickly transformed the franchise.

Alongside:

• Kevin McHale
• Robert Parish
• Dennis Johnson

Bird helped create one of the greatest teams in NBA history while battling rivals including Magic Johnson's Lakers, Julius Erving's 76ers, and Isiah Thomas' Pistons.

Championships of the 1980s

The Celtics captured NBA championships in:

• 1981
• 1984
• 1986

The 1985–86 Celtics are widely considered one of the greatest teams ever assembled after posting a 67–15 regular-season record and a remarkable 40–1 home record.

Larry Bird won three consecutive NBA MVP Awards from 1984 through 1986.

Years of Transition

Following Bird's retirement in 1992, Boston entered a rebuilding period.

The tragic deaths of Len Bias in 1986 and Reggie Lewis in 1993 dramatically altered the franchise's future.

Despite stars such as Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce, another championship remained elusive.

The Big Three

In 2007, General Manager Danny Ainge assembled a new championship core consisting of:

• Paul Pierce
• Kevin Garnett
• Ray Allen

Coached by Doc Rivers, Boston defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to win the 2008 NBA Championship.

The Jayson Tatum Era

Boston rebuilt through the NBA Draft by selecting:

• Jaylen Brown
• Jayson Tatum

The organization added key veterans including:

• Derrick White
• Jrue Holiday
• Kristaps Porziņģis
• Al Horford

The Celtics reached the NBA Finals in 2022 before returning in 2024.

Championship No. 18

The 2023–24 Celtics finished with the NBA's best regular-season record before defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games to win the 2024 NBA Championship.

Jaylen Brown earned NBA Finals MVP honors.

The victory gave Boston its record-breaking 18th NBA championship.

Celtics Legends

• Bill Russell
• Bob Cousy
• John Havlicek
• Sam Jones
• Tom Heinsohn
• Bill Sharman
• Larry Bird
• Kevin McHale
• Robert Parish
• Dennis Johnson
• Paul Pierce
• Kevin Garnett
• Ray Allen
• Rajon Rondo
• Jayson Tatum
• Jaylen Brown

Hall of Fame Coaches

• Red Auerbach
• Bill Russell
• Tom Heinsohn
• K.C. Jones
• Doc Rivers

NBA Championships

Legacy

The Boston Celtics have defined excellence throughout NBA history. Their tradition of teamwork, defense, and winning has made them one of the world's most respected sports organizations.

From Red Auerbach and Bill Russell to Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and today's stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, every era of Celtics basketball has produced unforgettable moments.

With a record 18 NBA championships, dozens of Hall of Famers, and one of the greatest rivalries in sports with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics remain one of the most influential and successful franchises in the history of professional basketball.