Boston Celtics: The 50 Greatest Players of All Time

rn[caption id="attachment_51822" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51822" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9264378-nba-playoffs-atlanta-hawks-at-boston-celtics-850x560.jpeg" alt="Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics fans react as they take on the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 111-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics fans react as they take on the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 111-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn The Boston Celtics have been the home to numerous NBA stars. This list features the 50 best in the team's history through 2017. rnTheir numbers hang from the rafters, their names are uttered across Boston and inside TD Garden every day. The Boston Celtics have a rich history and a never-ending list of talented players. Bill Russell is the ultimate Celtic, but others have joined the race for the top five. Current players have the chance to improve their spots on the list, while others have cemented their Boston legacy.rnrnCurrent players have the chance to improve their spots on the list, while others have cemented their Boston legacy.rnrn Isaiah Thomas is the highest rated current member of the team, but there will be others listed. Fan favorites and those that brought championship trophies to the fans both have their places on the list. We all have our own opinions, so in the comments let us know who was snubbed, ranked too high, or ranked too low!rnrn[nextslide teaser="I Love Scal!" slider="true"/]rn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51794" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51794" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9808056-nba-boston-celtics-at-atlanta-hawks-850x560.jpeg" alt="Jan 13, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) passes out of the defense of Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Jan 13, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) passes out of the defense of Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 50. Brian Scalabrine rnScal! Fans of the Boston Celtics in the 2000's loved Brian Scalabrine . He spent just five seasons in Boston from 2005 through 2010, but was a clear fan favorite. Anytime White Mamba entered the game at home in TD Garden, the place went crazy. Scal played just 13.1 minutes per game, averaging 2.7 points per game. He was a member of the 2008 NBA Championship team and makes this list as a teammate in the locker room not based on his individual numbers.rn 49. Al Horford rn Al Horford has yet to complete a season as a member of the Celtics, but he seems to have it all figured out. So far in 2017, he is averaging 14.6 points a game with 6.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Horford has allowed the C's to spread the floor, with the ability to knock down the occasional three-pointer. Horford will have the chance to improve his Boston stock as he remains a Celtic and hopefully brings a title to the city.rn 48. M.L. Carr rn M.L. Carr was a member of the Boston Celtics for six years in the 1980's. He played an average 16 minutes per game while averaging 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and nearly a steal per game. Carr helped bring two titles to Boston in 1981 and 1984.rn 47. Bailey Howell rnA four-year Celtic, Hall of Famer Bailey Howell averaged 18 points for the green. Howell shot 48% from the field from 1966 through 1971. Howell was a key member of the Celtics 1968 and 1969 NBA Finals runs. Howell was a Piston, Bullet and 76er as well.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Of Past and Present" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51795" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51795" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9877121-nba-boston-celtics-at-sacramento-kings-850x560.jpeg" alt="Feb 8, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Celtics 108-92. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Feb 8, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Celtics 108-92. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 46. Artis Gilmore rn Artis Gilmore is an 11-time NBA All Star as well as a Hall of Famer. Gilmore played just 47 games for the Celtics in 1988 and averaged just over 11 minutes played. His veteran presence was added to help Boston make another NBA title run, but the team ultimately fell to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals.rn 45. Evan Turner rnCurrent Trail Blazer Evan Turner spent the 2016 and 2016 seasons with the Celtics. Over those two years, he averaged an even 10.0 points per game with 5.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds. Turner was at times a game changer, and was regularly reliable. He won't see his number hanging from the Garden rafters, but his contributions were recognized and appreciated by fans during the teams rebuilding process.rn 44. Marcus Smart rnAnother current Boston Celtics member makes the list. Marcus Smart is in just his third year in the NBA and he is coming into his own. Smart has improved each season with the C's. In his rookie season he averaged 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists. This year he has improved to 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists. With the high number of injuries the team has had to deal with, Smart has done superb filling in as a starter. Smart has the ability to become a Celtics legend along with Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford if they become the next core to deliver a championship to Boston.rn 43. Ed Maccauley rnHall of Famer Ed Maccauley spent the 1951 through 1956 seasons in Boston. He earned All Star status in each of those years. The C/PF averaged 18.9 points and 8.1 total rebounds per game. Maccauley never won a title with Boston, but later did with the St. Louis Hawks.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Jaesus 99" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51796" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51796" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9823990-nba-boston-celtics-at-toronto-raptors-850x560.jpeg" alt="Jan 10, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Celtics 114-106. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Jan 10, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Celtics 114-106. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rnrn[recentposts align="right" thiscategory="yes"/]rn 42. Larry Siegfried rn Larry Siegfried spent seven seasons as the point guard for the Celtics in the 1960's. Averaging 24.5 minutes a game, Siegfried put up 11.6 points with 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He won NBA titles with the Boston Celtics in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969.rn 41. Jae Crowder rnCurrent small forward Jae Crowder cracks the list at 41. In his third season in Boston, Crowder has averaged 12.6 points per game. He rarely turns the ball over, and plays tremendous defense. Crowder averages over one steal a game, while hauling in 5.0 rebounds. He is another current team member with a chance to improve his Celtics legacy.rn 40. Jeff Green rnFormer Celtic Jeff Green spent a total of three seasons playing for Boston. He was acquired from Oklahoma City in 2011 and became a quick fan favorite. Sadly Green missed the 2011-12 season with a heart condition. He did however return and was ultimately traded to Memphis in 2015. With the Celtics Green averaged 14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.rn 39. Nate Robinson rn5'9" journeyman point guard Nate Robinson spent parts of two seasons with the Celtics. He averaged over 16 minutes while scoring 6.9 points. Robinson was a spark off the bench, aiding Boston in their run to the NBA Finals in 2010.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Slick Rick" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51797" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51797" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9759038-nba-indiana-pacers-at-new-york-knicks-850x560.jpeg" alt="Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Indiana Pacers center Al Jefferson (7) drives to the basket past New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (9) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Indiana Pacers center Al Jefferson (7) drives to the basket past New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (9) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 38. Rick Fox rn Rick Fox was a member of the Celtics for six seasons before joining the rival Los Angeles Lakers. Over those years the small forward averaged 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. In total, he scored 4,759 points for Boston. Fox later won three NBA titles with the Lakers.rn 37. Pete Maravich rn Pistol Pete Maravich spent 26 games with the Celtics in 1980, the final season of his career. The Hall of Famer played 17 minutes a game, scoring 11.5 points in each contest. Though only a Celtic for a short time, Maravich is one of the greatest NBA players of the 1970's.rnrn[relatedstory url="https://chowderandchampions.com/2017/02/17/boston-celtics-bright-future/" teaser="Shiny Bright Future for Celtics"/]rn 36. Al Jefferson rnJourneyman center Al Jefferson began his career with the Boston Celtics in 2004. Through three seasons, the gritty defender added 10.3 points per game. He averaged a block and 0.5 steals per game. Hustle was a huge point in Jefferson's game and the fans certainly recognized it!rn 35. Bob McAdoo rn Bob McAdoo , another member of the Hall of Fame, spent just 20 games with Boston in 1979. McAdoo averaged a tremendous 20.6 points per game with 7.1 rebounds and 2 assists.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Perk Happens" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51825" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51825" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/8832215-nba-new-orleans-pelicans-media-day-850x560.jpeg" alt="Sep 28, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins (5) poses for a portrait during Media Day at the Pelicans Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Sep 28, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins (5) poses for a portrait during Media Day at the Pelicans Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 34. Dominique Wilkins rnThe 6'7" Hall of Fame small forward Dominique Wilkins spent the 1995 season with the Boston Celtics. The legendary Atlanta Hawk played 31.5 minutes per game and put up 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Wilkins legacy was not made with Boston, but he added to his numbers while with the team.rn 33. Kendrick Perkins rnBig man Kendrick Perkins began his NBA career with the Boston Celtics. He worked his way into the starting center spot, and played superb defense. In the post, Perk averaged 1.6 blocks per game. His hustle was often the focus of his game, and he was crucial to the Celtics 2008 NBA Championship team. In 2010, he was sorely missed down the stretch as the Lakers defeated Boston in the Finals.rn 32. Frank Ramsey rn Frank Ramsey was a career member of the Boston Celtics from 1954 to 1964. The shooting guard missed one year due to military service, but otherwise averaged 13.4 points with 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He was also a career 80% free throw shooter. Of course Ramsey was a member of the 1957, 1959, 190, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964 Celtics championship teams. He's also a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.rn 31. Paul Silas rn Paul Silas was a Boston Celtics power forward from 1972 through 1976. He averaged 11.5 points per game, along with 12.3 rebounds. Silas was a force on the glass and he won two NBA titles in Boston.rnrn[nextslide teaser="The Big Shamrock" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51799" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51799" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9530063-basketball-hall-of-fame-enshrinement-850x560.jpeg" alt="Sep 09, 2016; Springfield, MA, USA; Shaquille O’Neal speaks at the Springfield Symphony Hall during the 2016 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Sep 09, 2016; Springfield, MA, USA; Shaquille O’Neal speaks at the Springfield Symphony Hall during the 2016 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 30. Avery Bradley rnCurrent Celtics shooting guard Avery Bradley begins our top 30. He's spent his entire seven years in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, and has steadily improved year after year. Bradley joined the team as a stout, shutdown defender but in recent years he's made it a focus to improve his offense. His points per game average has risen each year, from just 1.7, to 7.6, to 14.9 and now at 17.7. He also now averages nearly seven total rebounds per game and 1.7 assists. Bradley should be a starter for the Celtics for many more years, so he will likely see his place on this list spike.rn 29. Tony Allen rn Tony Allen began his career with Boston before the Memphis Grizzlies in 2010. Allen was another shut down defender, playing with heart and hustle. On offense, he put in 7.2 points per game. Allen was a key bench and role player for the Celtics 2008 championship season.rn 28. Dee Brown rnThe original "Brown" in jersey #7 was Dee Brown before Jaylen came along. Dee played in Boston from 1990 into 1998. Brown averaged over 11 points, 4 rebounds and 1.4 steals. He's known also for his iconic no- look All Star Weekend Dunk Contest slam.rn 27. Shaquille O'Neal rn Shaquille O'Neal came to Boston in the twilight of his career, but he quickly grew into a fan favorite. In his final season, 2010-11, Shaq became the Big Shamrock. He played just 20 minutes a night averaging 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and a block. Shaq's present was felt more in the locker room and through the media than on the court.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Rondoooooooo" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51800" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51800" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9837473-nba-atlanta-hawks-at-chicago-bulls-850x560.jpeg" alt="Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during a timeout in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during a timeout in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 26. Satch Sanders rn Tom "Satch" Sanders was a career member of the Boston Celtics. He is a Hall of Famer and 8-time NBA Champion. Sanders was a key member of the 60's teams as both a power and small forward. Over his career he played in 916 games, averaging 9.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Sanders is a truly legendary Celtic, who would rank much higher on any other franchises list.rn 25. Rajon Rondo rnCurrent Bull and former Celtic Rajon Rondo begins the top 25 countdown. He began his NBA career in Boston, spending nine seasons here. Rondo became the fourth man on a team that featured the Big Three. The youngest of the group, Rondo was the facilitator. He ensured the shooters and scorers got the ball in the best possible situations. Rondo himself averaged 11 points per game. His impact was felt in 8.5 assists per game average. Those numbers are skewed by his lack of minutes to begin his career, but in three separate seasons Rondo averaged over 11 assists per game.rn 24. Reggie Lewis rn Reggie Lewis played for the Celtics for six seasons in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Lewis was drafted to inject some youth into the lineup as the original Big Three were drawing towards the ends of their careers. The shooting guard averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Tragically, Lewis suffered sudden cardiac arrest on the court during an offseason workout in 1993. After Lewis' death, the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center was opened in Roxbury, just down the street from my high school, the John D. O'Bryant School of Math and Science. Lewis also had his #35 retired by the Boston Celtics in 1995.rn 23. Don Nelson rnHall of Fame and 5-time champion forward Don Nelson spent 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics. Over 872 Boston games, Nelson scored 9,968 points for a 11.4 per game average. He also averaged over 5 rebounds per game, while shooting at a 48% clip. Each of his five championship rings came from his time with the Celtics. Nelson went on to have a lengthy coaching career with the Bucks, Warriors, Knicks and Mavericks, winning 1,335 games.rnrn[nextslide teaser="The King in the Fourth" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51338" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Feb 1, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 22. Antoine Walker rn Antoine Walker was a star in Boston. He spent seven full seasons with the Celtics, and later made another appearance on the team in 2005 for 24 games. Over parts of eight seasons, Walker averaged 20.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals. With Paul Pierce by his side, Walker helped lead Boston to the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals. Walker's legacy has taken a hit recently, but his contributions to the Celtics in the 90's and early 2000's cannot be overlooked.rnrn[relatedstory url="https://chowderandchampions.com/2017/02/24/boston-celtics-status-quo-can-good-thing/" teaser="Celtics and the Status Quo"/]rn 21. Isaiah Thomas rnThe highest rated current member of the Boston Celtics is Isaiah Thomas . In his third Boston season, Thomas is taking the league by storm. His 2016-17 numbers offensively are off the charts as he is averaging 29.9 points and 6.3 assists. Thomas has almost single-handedly turned the Celtics into a championship contender, and if he's able to deliver rings, he will surely move into the top 20, possibly the top 10 of all Celtics ever.rn 20. Cedric Maxwell rn6'8" small forward Cedric Maxwell spent eight seasons with the Celtics. He averaged 13.7 points and 3.1 rebounds while winning two championship rings with Boston. Now, Maxwell is the voice of Celtics radio on WBZ.rn 19. Bill Sharman rnHall of Fame guard Bill Sharman helped lead the Celtics to four NBA titles in the 1950's and 60's. Sharman averaged 18.1 points and 3.0 assits per game over 10 seasons.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Tiny" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51801" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51801" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9038230-ncaa-basketball-marquette-at-providence-850x560.jpeg" alt="Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 18. Bill Walton rn Bill Walton played for the Boston Celtics for just two seasons. As a veteran bench player, Walton scored 7.0 points, had 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in 18.4 minutes played. He helped the Celtics raise another championship banner in 1986.rn 17. Danny Ainge rnComing in at number 17 is current President of Basketball Operations, seeking Banner 18, Danny Ainge . As a player, Ainge won two NBA titles in the starting shooting guard role. Over eight seasons in Boston, Ainge scored 11.3 points per game, with 4.4 assists and steal. He was a member of the 1984 and 1986 NBA Champion lineups. Of course, Ainge continues his Celtics legacy on the executive side. His moves to acquire players and manage basketball operations led to the Celtics raising Banner 17 in 2008.rn 16. K.C. Jones rnHall of Famer K.C. Jones was a lifetime Celtic. Over his nine year point guard career, Jones averaged 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Jones aided the Celtics in winning eight NBA titles in his first eight seasons in the NBA. After his playing career, Jones moved into the coaching world. He coached the Washington Bullets, before joining Boston as an assistant and then eventually as the head coach. He went 410-308 over five seasons as Boston's head man, winning two NBA titles.rn 15. Nate Archibald rn Nate "Tiny" Archibald spent five seasons with the Boston Celtics from 1978 through 1983. The point guard averaged 12.5 points and 7.1 assists per game. He won the 1981 NBA title with the Celtics, en route to the Hall of Fame.rnrn[nextslide teaser="The Tommy Award Goes To..." slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51802" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51802" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/8794028-basketball-hall-of-fame-enshrinement-850x560.jpeg" alt="Sep 11, 2015; Springfield, MA, USA; Tom Heinsohn speaks during the 2015 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Sep 11, 2015; Springfield, MA, USA; Tom Heinsohn speaks during the 2015 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 14. Jo Jo White rn Jo Jo White played for the Celtics from 1969 to 1979. Over ten seasons, White put up tremendous numbers, with 18.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. With the Celtics, he won two trophies in the NBA Finals, over the Bucks and Suns. White is another member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.rn 13. Dennis Johnson rn Dennis Johnson , yet another Hall of Famer, played in Boston from 1983 through 1990. As the starting point guard, DJ put up 12.6 points and 6.4 assists per game. Johnson is another member of the 1984 and 1986 Boston Celtics NBA Championship teams.rn 12. Tom Heinsohn rnNew age Celtics fans know Tom Heinsohn as the voice of Celtics basketball on the sidelines, handing out Tommy Awards and calling players out for their hustle, or lack thereof. As a player, Tommy was fantastic. the 6'7" power forward spent his entire NBA career, nine seasons, with the Celtics. He is a Hall of Famer, 6-time All Star, 4-time All NBA, and won the 1957 Rookie of the Year Award. He also won eight NBA titles with Boston in the 1950's and 1960's. Tommy is a true Celtic, in every possible way.rn 11. Dave Cowens rnWhat do you know, another Hall of Famer on the list. Dave Cowens spent the 1970's as the Boston Celtics starting center. He put up 18.2 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He also nearly averaged a block per game. Cowens won two NBA titles with the Celtics, and won Rookie of the Year and was the 1973 league MVP.rnrn[nextslide teaser="The First of the Newest Big Three" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51803" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Jun 25, 2015; Cromwell, CT, USA; NBA player Ray Allen walks the course in the first round at TPC River Highlands. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 10. Ray Allen rn Ray Allen came to the Celtics and helped form the Big Three along with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett . Allen was the shooter of the bunch, the three point threat. In five seasons with the Celtics, Allen averaged 16.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. In his 30's, he went to the All Star game three times, while knocking down clutch 3's en route to the 2008 NBA title.rn 9. Robert Parish rnHall of Famer Robert Parish spent 14 seasons as Boston's center. Parish averaged 16.5 points and 10 rebounds per game. He wont the 1981, 1984 and 1986 championships with the Boston Celtics, and later added one with the MJ led Chicago Bulls.rn 8. Sam Jones rnOver his 12 year NBA career, all with the Celtics, Sam Jones played both guard spots and small forward. With 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, Jones was a force to be reckoned with. He was a pillar on Red Auerbach's championship teams in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968 and 1969. In the playoffs he turned it up, averaging over 18 points per game. The 10-time league champion is of course a member of the Hall of Fame.rn 7. Bob Cousy rnMany will argue that Bob Cousy should be higher on this list. I believe this is the perfect spot though. The Hall of Fame point guard spent 13 years with the Boston Celtics, winning six NBA titles while averaging 18.5 points, 7.6 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game. Cooz also went on to coach the Cincinnati Royals and Kansas City-Omaha Kings, with 348 career wins.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Anything is Possible!" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51804" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51804" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9032464-nba-milwaukee-bucks-at-minnesota-timberwolves-850x560.jpeg" alt="Jan 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) reacts to a shot in warmups before the game with the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Jan 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) reacts to a shot in warmups before the game with the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 6. Kevin Garnett rnKevin Garnett came to the Boston Celtics, delivered an NBA title, and became a quick fan favorite. The Big Ticket was a member of the Celtics for just six seasons, but few had a better Boston career. As part of the Big Three, Garnett averaged 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He also became the heart of Boston's culture shift, to become a defensive oriented team. His intensity and passion was second to none, and KG left it all on the floor each and every night for the green.rnrn[relatedstory url="https://chowderandchampions.com/2017/02/25/boston-celtics-predictions-team-will-land-star-this-summer/" teaser="Who's Headed to Boston?"/]rn 5. Kevin McHale rnThe man who traded Garnett to Boston, Kevin McHale , was a oustanding Celtics player himself. The 13 year Boston power forward won three NBA titles as part of Boston's original Big Three. En route to the Hall of Fame, McHale averaged 17.9 points, and 7.3 rebounds per game.rn 4. John Havlicek rn#17 John Havlicek is a legend. All Celtics fans have seen and heard the "Havlicek stole the ball!" highlight. He's more than just one play though. Over a 16 year career with Boston, Hondo put up 20.8 points per game to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists. The Hall of Famer won eight NBA titles in his Celtics career.rnrn[nextslide teaser="The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51805" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51805" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9860751-nba-los-angeles-clippers-at-boston-celtics-850x560.jpeg" alt="Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) kisses the parquet floor one last time during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) kisses the parquet floor one last time during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 3. Paul Pierce rnThe Truth opens up our top three Boston Celtics of all time. Paul Pierce spent 15 seasons as a shooting guard and small forward for Boston. He averaged 21.8 points per game, with 6 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Pierce was able to lead the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals early in his career, but a championship seemed to always elude him.rnrnIn 2008 Pierce was the founding member of Boston's Big Three, and the championship that he longed for was finally his in Boston. Pierce was electric is the playoffs in the late 2000's, going toe to toe with LeBron James and others en route to the title. In 2010, he helped lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals yet again.rnrnPaul Pierce is a sure-fire Basketball Hall of Fame player, and his #34 will likely be raised to the TD Garden rafters when he retires from the NBA. For a generation of Celtics fans, Paul Pierce was, and in some ways still is, Mr. Celtics.rnrn[nextslide teaser="The Hick from French Lick" slider="true"/]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51806" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51806" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/8832198-nba-indiana-pacers-media-day-850x560.jpeg" alt="Sep 28, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird answers questions and talks to the media during media day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Sep 28, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird answers questions and talks to the media during media day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 2. Larry Bird rnLarry Legend, the Hick from French Lick, WAS the Celtics in the 1980's. Larry Bird won three NBA titles in his Boston career. Over 13 NBA seasons, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists.rnrnThe 12-time NBA All Star was also a 3-time NBA MVP. Bird played toe to toe with the Los Angeles Lakers' Magic Johnson, in some of the greatest NBA Finals matchups of all time. The Celtics-Lakers matchup was the pinnacle of basketball in the 80's. Clashes with the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference also provided Larry Bird with the chances to grow his legacy.rnrnA Hall of Famer, Bird's jersey remains among the most popular around Boston on game night. There will never be another player of the magnitude of Larry Bird in the city of Boston.rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_51807" align="aligncenter" width="590"] <img class="size-large wp-image-51807" src="https://chowderandchampions.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/7746108-nba-all-star-game-legends-brunch-850x560.jpeg" alt="Feb 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA legend Bill Russell speaks during a special tribute to him during the 2014 NBA All-Star Game Legends Brunch at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports" width="590" height="389" /> Feb 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA legend Bill Russell speaks during a special tribute to him during the 2014 NBA All-Star Game Legends Brunch at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn 1. Bill Russell rn Bill Russell is without question the best Boston Celtics player of all time. Russell averaged 15.1 points and an outrageous 22.5 rebounds per game in his 13 year Boston Celtics career. Russell was the NBA leading rebounder for five seasons, while he dipped below a 20 per game average in just the final two seasons of his career.rnrnBill Russell has a ring for each finger, and then another. His 11 NBA titles are an NBA record, and the league's Finals MVP trophy is now named for him.rnrnRussell was a 12-time All Star, 11-time ALL NBA player, and 5-time league MVP. There will never be another Bill Russell, on any team, in the NBA.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Greatest Boston Red Sox of All Time" url="https://chowderandchampions.com/2017/02/16/50-greatest-red-sox-all-time/"/]rnrn[fs_video id="5054348168001" source="fansided"]rnrn rnrnThe Boston Celtics have the richest history of any NBA team, let us know where you think we got the rankings wrong below!rnrn

Chowder and Champions

Boston Celtics: The 50 Greatest Players of All Time

The Boston Celtics have been the home to numerous NBA stars. This list features the 50 best in the team’s history through 2017.

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