The Celtics have hung more banners and jerseys than most teams could dream of. From tall trees like Bill Russell to offensive weapons like Paul Pierce, the Celtics have drafted and developed basketball talent successfully over the decades.
Winning 17 championships might seem like a lot, but when you’ve had rosters stacked with all-time greats, what else are you supposed to do?
Best Ever Boston Celtics Players
Here’s a look at our top ten players who made the Boston Celtics one of the greatest NBA dynasties on more than one occasion.
1. Bill Russell
Celtics Games: 963
Titles Won: 11
MVPs: 5 Regular Season
Career Stats: PPG: 15.1 | RPG: 22.5 | APG: 4.3
Jersey Retired: #6
With 11 rings in 13 seasons, Russell’s place in the Celtics’ dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s is unmatched. His domination of the rebounding game and ability to alter shots made him the backbone of the Celtics’ dynasty for over a decade.
Russell’s main rivalry was with Wilt Chamberlain, with big Bill often coming out on top when it mattered. Russell’s legacy made its way off the stats sheets as well, becoming the NBA’s first black head coach.
His #6 jersey was not only retired by the Celtics but also across the NBA to honor his legacy.
2. Larry Bird
Celtics Games: 897
Titles Won: 3
MVPs: 3 Regular Season, 2 Finals
Career Stats: PPG: 24.3 | RPG: 10.0 | APG: 6.3
Jersey Retired: #33
Known mainly for his shooting and basketball IQ helped rebuild the Celtics’ glory days with three rings.
His rivalry with Magic Johnson defined an era and brought excitement to the NBA’s Celtics-Lakers rivalry. Bird’s ability to excel in every facet of the game—whether as a scorer, rebounder, or passer—made him a true all-around player.
Bird’s #33 is retired in the TD Garden rafters.
3. John Havlicek
Celtics Games: 1,270
Titles Won: 8
Career Stats: PPG: 20.8 | RPG: 6.3 | APG: 4.8
Jersey Retired: #17
Havlicek was a true all-rounder.
As huge part of the Celtics’ 1960s dynasty and into the 1970s, his ability to switch roles from one of the best NBA sixth men of all-time to a full-time starter was incredible.
Known for his energy, he made one of the most famous plays in NBA history: the steal that secured the Celtics’ win in Game 7 of the 1965 East Finals. Havlicek often faced off against legends like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor.
His #17 jersey is hung from the rafters in TD Garden.
4. Paul Pierce
Celtics Games: 1,102
Titles Won: 1
Finals MVPs: 1
Career Stats: PPG: 21.8 | RPG: 6.0 | APG: 3.9
Jersey Retired: #34
“The Truth” carried the Celtics through a period of transition in the late 1990s and 2000s.
His loyalty to the club and elite scoring made him one of the Celtics’ most beloved players. Pierce’s crowning moment came in 2008 when he led the team alongside Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to an NBA Championship, taking home NBA Finals MVP honors.
His rivalries with LeBron, Kobe, and Vince Carter were must-watch television.
Pierce’s #34 was retired by the Celtics.
5. Kevin McHale
Celtics Games: 971
Titles Won: 3
Career Stats: PPG: 17.9 | RPG: 7.3 | BPG: 1.7
Jersey Retired: #32
Kevin McHale was one of the best to ever do it in the low-post.
His footwork and bag of tricks in the paint made him a nightmare for defenders. A key figure during the Celtics’ 1980s run.
His ability to score efficiently and play elite defense was a massive part in their three championships. McHale often found himself battling great forwards like Charles Barkley and Karl Malone.
6. Robert Parish
Celtics Games: 1,106
Titles Won: 3
Career Stats: PPG: 16.5 | RPG: 10.0 | BPG: 1.5
Jersey Retired: #00
“The Chief” was a quiet but deadly force for the Celtics during the 1980s.
With his imposing 7-foot frame and durability, Parish became one of the most consistent centers of his era. He teamed up with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale to form one of the greatest frontcourts in NBA history.
Parish often matched up against Hall of Fame centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Hakeem Olajuwon, and he played a vital role in bringing three championships to Boston.
7. Sam Jones
Celtics Games: 871
Titles Won: 10
Career Stats: PPG: 17.7 | RPG: 4.9 | APG: 2.5
Jersey Retired: #24
Sam Jones was probably best known for his clutch reel, earning the nickname “Mr. Clutch” for his performances in the playoffs.
His lethal bank shot was one of the most reliable weapons in the Celtics’ offensive arsenal. With 10 rings on his fingers, Jones was a huge reason the Celtics’ owned the 1960s. He often went toe-to-toe with stars like Jerry West and Oscar Robertson.
His #24 is hung in the rafters.
8. Bob Cousy
Celtics Games: 917
Titles Won: 6
MVPs: 1 Regular Season
Career Stats: PPG: 18.4 | RPG: 5.2 | APG: 7.5
Jersey Retired: #14
Bob Cousy changed the point guard position with his flashy ball-handling.
Known as “The Houdini of the Hardwood,” Cousy was the engine behind the Celtics’ offense during the 1950s and early 1960s.
His rivalry with the St. Louis Hawks and Bob Pettit often featured intense battles. Cousy’s influence on the game extended beyond his playing days, as he became a key figure in the NBA’s early success.
9. Tom Heinsohn
Celtics Games: 654
Titles Won: 8
Career Stats: PPG: 18.6 | RPG: 8.8 | APG: 2.0
Jersey Retired: #15
Tom Heinsohn made his mark on the Celtics both as a player and coach.
On the court his aggressive style and scoring helped lead the Celtics to eight championships during the 1950s and 1960s.
Off the court, Heinsohn’s coaching tenure in the 1970s added two more championships to the franchise’s tally. Heinsohn’s rivalry with players like Dolph Schayes defined an era of Celtics basketball. His #15 is honored in the rafters, cementing his dual contribution to the Celtics’.
10. Dave Cowens
Celtics Games: 718
Titles Won: 2
MVPs: 1 Regular Season
Career Stats: PPG: 18.2 | RPG: 14.0 | APG: 3.8
Jersey Retired: #18
Dave Cowens brought energy, intensity, and the ability to play on both ends of the court to the Celtics during the 1970s.
Known for his heart and hustle on both ends of the floor, Cowens was a key part of two Celtics championships and earned a league MVP award in 1973.
His battles with fellow big men like Willis Reed and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became iconic. Cowens’ #18 jersey reflects his indelible impact on the Celtics’ legacy.
Boston Celtics All-Time Starting Lineup
Given all of the above, let’s now take at a look at our all-time Boston Celtics starting 5 lineup.
| Pos | Player | PPG | RPG | APG | Games | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Bill Russell | 15.1 | 22.5 | 4.3 | 963 | 11 |
| SF | Larry Bird | 24.3 | 10.0 | 6.3 | 897 | 3 |
| SF/SG | John Havlicek | 20.8 | 6.3 | 4.8 | 1,270 | 8 |
| SF | Paul Pierce | 21.8 | 6.0 | 3.9 | 1,102 | 1 |
| PG | Bob Cousy | 18.4 | 5.2 | 7.5 | 917 | 6 |
These legends not only shaped the history of the Boston Celtics but also left an enduring legacy in the NBA as some of the greatest basketball players ever to step on the court.
Love this stuff – check out our best ever Chicago Bulls players and our New York Knicks best ever players.
