The Boston Celtics stand as one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, boasting 18 championships—the most in league history—just ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, who have 17. Known as the cornerstone of the Eastern Conference, the Celtics’ rich tradition features an array of basketball legends. In 2022, Celtics icon Paul Pierce shared his list of the five greatest Boston Celtics players ever, focusing on the best Boston Celtics players history, yet notably leaving out current star Jayson Tatum.

Throughout decades, the Celtics have showcased the game’s elite talent, from the 1950s dynasty to the fierce 1980s rivalry with Los Angeles, and the competitive superteams of the 2000s. Given the franchise’s depth of excellence, narrowing down the all-time top five has long been a challenge—a challenge Pierce faced while intentionally excluding himself and several other Celtics greats.

Bill Russell: The Heart and Soul of Boston’s Championship Dynasty

At the top of Pierce’s list is Bill Russell, whose legacy as the architect of Boston’s dominant run remains unmatched. From 1957 to 1969, Russell led the Celtics to 11 NBA championships in just 13 seasons, a feat that remains unparalleled in American sports history. His leadership and all-around impact on the court made him the cornerstone of those iconic Celtics teams, greatly contributing to Boston’s emergence as a basketball powerhouse.

Russell’s career stats include averages of 15.1 points, a staggering 22.5 rebounds—which ranks second all-time—and 4.3 assists per game. Though blocks were not officially recorded during his era, many regard him as one of the greatest defenders ever. His postseason numbers rose even higher, with 16.2 points, 24.9 rebounds (a league record), and 4.7 assists, highlighting his ability to elevate performance when it mattered most.

In addition to his on-court dominance, Russell’s influence extended off the floor as a vocal leader and social advocate, enhancing his standing as an ambassador for both basketball and the Celtics franchise. His five league MVP awards and consistent presence among top players over 13 seasons cemented his rightful place as the greatest Celtic ever.

Bob Cousy: The Innovative Playmaker and Celtics’ Original Point Guard

Alongside Russell’s reign, Bob Cousy ranks as the next essential figure, recognized by Pierce as a vital contributor to the Celtics’ early success. Cousy played primarily from 1951 to 1963 and remains the oldest living NBA Hall of Famer at 96 years old. As one of the game’s first flashy point guards, Cousy’s creative style and playmaking helped shape modern basketball, even if his approach might be less appreciated by contemporary audiences.

His career averages for the Celtics stood at 18.5 points and 7.6 assists per game, with his playoff numbers slightly higher at 18.5 points and 8.5 assists. Cousy led Boston through seven consecutive playoff appearances from 1957 to 1963, securing six championships alongside Russell. His achievements include 13 All-Star selections, 12 All-NBA honors, and the 1957 MVP award, making him not only a Celtics pioneer but also a foundational figure in the NBA’s early history.

Larry Bird: The Iconic Rival and Post-Russell Era Leader

Larry Bird represents the Celtics’ dominant force in the 1980s and beyond, earning his spot as a legend not only in Boston but across the basketball world. Known for his fierce rivalry with Magic Johnson, Bird helped revitalize the NBA during a challenging period and led the 1986 Celtics team to one of the most dominant seasons in history.

Bird’s accolades include three NBA titles, two Finals MVP awards, 12 All-Star appearances, 10 All-NBA honors, and three consecutive league MVP trophies—a feat matched only by Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. With career averages of 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on efficient shooting splits, Bird was one of the era’s most productive and durable stars, maintaining near-identical performance in the playoffs.

More than numbers, Bird’s competitive spirit, strategic passing, sharp shooting, and trash-talking flair made him an electrifying player and a perfect contrast to the showtime style of the Lakers. His toughness and skill remain defining aspects of Celtics basketball in the post-Russell era.

John Havlicek: The Versatile Bridge Between Celtics Dynasties

John Havlicek is perhaps the most debated pick on Pierce’s list, edging out other notable Celtics legends like Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and Jayson Tatum. Havlicek was a key figure in Boston’s 1960s dynasty, contributing to six championships in that decade before leading the team to two more titles in the 1970s, including earning Finals MVP honors in 1974.

Spending his entire 16-year NBA career with Boston, Havlicek was a 13-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA member, and eight-time All-Defense selection. His career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists showcase his all-around versatility. As a swingman, Havlicek effectively connected the gap between the Celtics’ earlier championship squads and the Larry Bird era, symbolizing continuity and adaptability.

Kevin Garnett: The Defensive Anchor and 2000s Celtics Leader

Rounding out the list is Kevin Garnett, a player closely linked with Pierce both on and off the court, as the two currently co-host a podcast. Garnett’s six seasons in Boston are among the most impactful, despite the fact that he spent the majority of his 21-year career elsewhere. He was the emotional and defensive cornerstone of the Celtics’ 2008 championship team, one of the first superteams of the 2000s that also featured Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.

Garnett’s Celtics stats, averaging 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, were somewhat diminished by injuries late in his career. However, his true value went beyond scoring, as he was pivotal in anchoring Boston’s defense and providing fierce, relentless competition. His commitment to shutting down opponents and protecting the rim made him a perfect fit for Boston’s blue-collar sports culture and earned him a lasting place in franchise history.

Impact and Legacy of Paul Pierce’s Celtics All-Time Best List

Paul Pierce’s selections emphasize players who defined various eras of the Boston Celtics and helped build the franchise’s unparalleled success. By naming Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, John Havlicek, and Kevin Garnett as the five greatest Celtics, Pierce highlights a blend of dynasty builders, innovative pioneers, and modern champions. The absence of Jayson Tatum serves as a reminder that, despite current stardom, legacy recognition often requires a full career and championship pedigree.

This list reflects a profound respect for both individual achievements and broader contributions to team identity, underscoring the Celtics’ reputation as a franchise built on leadership, versatility, and competitive excellence. Looking ahead, players like Tatum could eventually join this elite company as they further shape the best Boston Celtics players history.