History of the Boston Celtics

50s - Creating a Dynasty

The Celtics were always a top team in the league under star, Bob Cousy. But it wasn’t until they drafted Bill Russell until they became an absolute powerhouse. His first year in the league, Russell led the team to their first championship. With him, Bob Cousy, and Sam Jones in charge, it was hard to see another team taking their place at the top.

60s - Glory Days

This decade was as close to perfection as it gets in the NBA. From 1957 to 1969 the franchise won 11 out of 13 championships. For the most part the roster didn’t change from year to year which was the same for the other 7 teams in the league. Red Auerbach was the head coach for most of these years but Russell took over as a player coach for the last two championships.

70s - Steady Contenders

With the main core of the 60s dynasty retired, the team was now in the hands of wing player John Havlicek and center Dave Cowens. The duo led the team to two championships in the mid 50s beating the Suns and an Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led Bucks. In 1979 they drafted Larry Bird who helped the team win 61 games in his rookie year after they won 29 the year before.

80s - Lakers Rivalry

Once they drafted Bird the same year the Lakers drafted Magic, a rivalry began to brew. The two teams went back and forth winning championships with the Celtics winning in ‘81 ‘84 and ‘86. However towards the end of the 80s Bird, McHale, and Bill Walton were dealing with injuries, ending their championship hopes.

90s - Playoff Drought

With the main stars retiring, the Celtics had many years of trouble making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Their high draft picks wouldn’t pan out including Antoine Walker taken 6th overall and they traded Chauncey Billups after drafting him 3rd overall for players who didn’t do much in the league.

00s - Finding the Next Star

This decade the Celtics were desperate for their next superstar. Paul Pierce was looking like a promising young player but they were never a threat for a championship. This was until they traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the same off season. In their first year together, they won a championship along with second year player Rajon Rondo.

10s - The Next Generation

Eventually this star-studded team was dismantled as they aged. GM Danny Ainge traded Garnett, Pierce, and Jason Terry to the Nets for draft picks who would turn into young stars Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown. Twice this decade they would lose in the conference finals.