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The 5 greatest Boston Celtics forwards of all time

By Dylan Woods

BOSTON - JUNE 17: A Boston Celtics flag is on the court after the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOSTON - JUNE 17: A Boston Celtics flag is on the court after the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Honorable mentions

With a franchise as dominant and successful as the Boston Celtics, there are a lot more than five great forwards.

When I determined who were truly the greatest Celtics forwards of all-time I looked at five main categories for their resumes: time spent in Boston, playoff performance, post-career involvement, memorable moments/traits, and raw stats/awards.

Each player was scaled out of 20 for each category and given an overall grade at the end. Quickly, here are the honorable mentions who were significantly lacking in at least one category.

9. Don Nelson

Time spent with Celtics: 11 seasons.

Playoffs: 134 games, 11.1 PTS, 4.8 REB, 1.4 AST, 50 FG%, 5 rings.

Post-Career: No.19 retired by Celtics.

Memorable moments: 1969 NBA Finals shot against the Lakers, one-handed free throw.

Raw stats: 872 games, 11.4 PTS, 5.2 REB, 1.6 AST, 48 FG%, if it existed at least a few Sixth Man of the Year Awards.

Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics /

Boston Celtics

8. Tom Sanders

Time spent with Celtics: 13 seasons.

Playoffs: 130 games, 8.8 PTS, 5.8 REB, 1.0 AST, 44 FG%, 8 rings.

Post-Career: No.16 retired by Celtics, brief coaching stint.

Memorable moments: Unsung hero of the 60’s Celtics, beloved by teammates and fans.

Raw stats: 916 games, 9.6 PTS, 6.3 REB, 1.1 AST, 43 FG%, 1 All-Defensive 2nd Team.

7. Cedric Maxwell

Time spent with Celtics: 8 seasons.

Playoffs: 88 games, 12.0 PTS, 5.9 REB, 2.0 AST, 55 FG%, 2 rings, 1981 Finals MVP.

Post-Career: Celtics radio broadcaster, involved in Boston media, No.31 retired by Celtics.

Memorable moments: has the nickname “Cornbread“, 1981 Finals Game 5, “Climb on my back, boys” 1984 NBA Finals Game 7.

Raw stats: 607 games, 13.7 PTS, 6.6 REB, 2.3 AST, 56 FG%.

6. Kevin Garnett

Time spent with Celtics: 6 seasons.

Playoffs: 84 games, 17.5 PTS, 9.9 REB, 2.6 AST, 1.3 STL, 1.1 BLK, 49 FG%, 1 ring.

Post-Career: TBD on jersey retirement, fans still love him and consider him their favorite Celtic.

Memorable moments: “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE“, pounding his chest, banging head against the stanchion, falling down and-one in 2008 Finals Game 6, best energy in basketball, lockdown defense at all times.

Raw stats: 396 games, 15.7 PTS, 8.3 REB, 2.7 AST, 1.2 STL, 1.0 BLK, 52 FG%, 2007-08 Defensive Player of the Year, 5-time All-Star, 3 1st Team All-Defense’s, 1 2nd Team All-Defense, 1 1st Team All-NBA, 3rd in 2008 MVP voting.

Next: Boston Celtics: The 50 Greatest Players of All Time

Don Nelson isn’t memorable enough. Tom Sanders didn’t stand out on one of the best teams ever. Cedric Maxwell picked his spots. Kevin Garnett got here too late. All of them were great Celtics, but they don’t deserve a spot on the top 5. Here are the guys that do.

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