Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a list of Boston Celtics Legends, highlighting some of the most iconic players and contributors to one of the most successful franchises in NBA history:

Bill Russell

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 1956–1969
  • Achievements:
    • 11× NBA Champion (1957, 1959–1966, 1968, 1969)
    • 5× NBA MVP (1958, 1961–1963, 1965)
    • 12× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1975)
    • Finals MVP trophy is named in his honor.
  • Known as the ultimate winner, Russell was a defensive and rebounding genius who anchored the Celtics’ dynasty.

Larry Bird

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years Played: 1979–1992
  • Achievements:
    • 3× NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
    • 3× NBA MVP (1984–1986)
    • 2× NBA Finals MVP
    • 12× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)
  • Bird was a legendary scorer, passer, and leader who brought the Celtics back to dominance in the 1980s.

Paul Pierce

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years Played: 1998–2013
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (2008)
    • NBA Finals MVP (2008)
    • 10× NBA All-Star
    • Celtics’ all-time leader in three-point field goals.
  • Pierce was the heart of the Celtics during the 2000s and led them to their 17th championship.

John Havlicek

  • Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 1962–1978
  • Achievements:
    • 8× NBA Champion (1963–1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976)
    • NBA Finals MVP (1974)
    • 13× NBA All-Star
    • Celtics’ all-time leading scorer
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1984)
  • Havlicek was known for his versatility, scoring, and clutch performances.

Bob Cousy

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1950–1963
  • Achievements:
    • 6× NBA Champion (1957, 1959–1963)
    • NBA MVP (1957)
    • 13× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1971)
  • Cousy was one of the game’s first great playmakers and a pioneer of modern point guard play.

Kevin Garnett

  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • Years Played: 2007–2013
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (2008)
    • NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008)
    • 15× NBA All-Star (6× with Celtics)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2020)
  • Garnett brought a defensive edge and passion that led to the Celtics’ resurgence in 2008.

Sam Jones

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 1957–1969
  • Achievements:
    • 10× NBA Champion (1959–1966, 1968, 1969)
    • 5× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1984)
  • Known for his clutch shooting, Jones was a cornerstone of the Celtics’ dynasty.

Robert Parish

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 1980–1994
  • Achievements:
    • 3× NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
    • 9× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2003)
  • Parish, known as “The Chief,” was a durable and consistent presence in the paint.

Kevin McHale

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years Played: 1980–1993
  • Achievements:
    • 3× NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
    • 7× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1999)
  • McHale was one of the best low-post scorers in NBA history and a key member of the 1980s Celtics.

Ray Allen

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 2007–2012
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (2008)
    • NBA All-Star (10×, 3× with Celtics)
    • Celtics’ all-time leader in three-pointers until surpassed by Paul Pierce.
  • Allen was the sharpshooting piece of the Celtics’ “Big Three” in the late 2000s.

Bill Sharman

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 1951–1961
  • Achievements:
    • 4× NBA Champion (1957, 1959–1961)
    • 8× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1976)
  • Sharman was one of the best shooters of his era and a critical part of the early Celtics dynasty.

Dave Cowens

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 1970–1980
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA Champion (1974, 1976)
    • NBA MVP (1973)
    • 8× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1991)
  • Cowens was a dominant rebounder and a fiery leader during the 1970s.

Other Notable Celtics Legends:

  • Tom Heinsohn: 8× NBA Champion as a player, Hall of Fame coach, and beloved broadcaster.
  • Dennis Johnson: 2× NBA Champion with Celtics (1984, 1986), Hall of Fame inductee.
  • Jo Jo White: NBA Finals MVP (1976), 2× NBA Champion.
  • Cedric Maxwell (“Cornbread”): 2× NBA Champion, 1981 Finals MVP.
  • Rajon Rondo: 2× NBA Champion (2008, 2020), one of the best playmakers in Celtics history.
  • Satch Sanders: 8× NBA Champion, Hall of Fame inductee.

These players and contributors have built the Celtics’ reputation as one of the most storied franchises in sports history.