For current information on this topic, see 2007-08 Boston Celtics season

Boston Celtics
Conference	Eastern
Division	Atlantic
Founded	1946
History	Boston Celtics (1946–present)
Arena	TD Banknorth Garden
City	Boston, Massachusetts
Team colors	Green, White, Black and Gold
Owner	Wycliffe “Wyc” Grousbeck
General manager	Danny Ainge
Head coach	Glenn "Doc" Rivers
D-League affiliate	Utah Flash
Championships	16 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986)
Conference titles	20 (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 2008)
Division titles	26 (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 2005, 2008)
Official website	celtics.com

The Boston Celtics are an American professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams and organized in three divisions of five teams each The Atlantic Division is a division in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. TD Banknorth Garden is a sports Arena in Boston Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Green is a Color, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a Wavelength of roughly 520–570- nm. White is a Color, the perception which is evoked by Light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive Cone cells in the Human eye Black is the Color of objects that do not emit or Reflect Light in any part of the Visible spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of Gold, also called golden, is a Yellowish orange Color which is a representation of the color of the element Wycliffe "Wyc" Grousbeck is co-owner of the National Basketball Association Basketball team the Boston Celtics. Daniel (Danny Ray Ainge (born March 17, 1959 in Eugene Oregon, U Glenn Anton Rivers (born October 13 1961 in Chicago, Illinois) commonly referred to as Doc Rivers, is a retired American The NBA Development League, or D-League, is the National Basketball Association 's officially sponsored and operated developmental Basketball organization The Utah Flash are a team of the NBA Development League that began playing in 2007. The 1957 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1956-57 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1957 NBA Playoffs. The 1959 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1958-59 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1959 NBA Playoffs. The 1960 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1959-60 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1960 NBA Playoffs. The 1961 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1960-61 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1961 NBA Playoffs. The 1962 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1961-62 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1962 NBA Playoffs. The 1963 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1962-63 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1963 NBA Playoffs. The 1964 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1963-64 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1964 NBA Playoffs. The 1965 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1964-65 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1965 NBA Playoffs. Series Summary This was the iconic Boston Celtics ' 8th consecutive NBA Championship --no other team in any sport has won eight consecutive league titles in American The 1968 NBA Finals pitted the Boston Celtics from the East against the Los Angeles Lakers from the West for the sixth time in ten years The 1969 NBA World Championship Series to determine the champion of the 1968-69 NBA season was played between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, Series Summary Game 1 Before the series started Bucks point guard Lucius Allen would be lost for the series with a knee injury The 1976 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round for the 1975-76 NBA season. The 1981 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1980-81 NBA season, pitting the Boston Celtics The 1984 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1983-84 NBA season. The 1986 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1985-86 NBA season. The 1956–57 NBA season was the 11th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1957–58 NBA Season was the 12th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1958–59 NBA Season was the 13th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1959–60 NBA season was the 14th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1960–61 NBA season was the 15th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1961–62 NBA season was the 16th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1962–63 NBA season was the 17th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1963–64 NBA season was the 18th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1964–65 NBA Season was the 19th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1965–66 NBA Season was the 20th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1967–68 NBA Season was the 22nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1968–69 NBA season was the 23rd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1973–74 NBA season was the 28th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1975–76 NBA season was the 30th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1980–81 NBA season was the 35th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1983–84 NBA season was the 38th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1984–85 NBA season was the 39th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1985–86 NBA season was the 40th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1986–87 NBA season was the 41st season of the National Basketball Association. The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1956–57 NBA season was the 11th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1957–58 NBA Season was the 12th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1958–59 NBA Season was the 13th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1959–60 NBA season was the 14th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1960–61 NBA season was the 15th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1961–62 NBA season was the 16th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1962–63 NBA season was the 17th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1963–64 NBA season was the 18th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1964–65 NBA Season was the 19th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1971–72 NBA season was the 26th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1972–73 NBA season was the 27th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1973–74 NBA season was the 28th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1974–75 NBA season was the 29th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1975–76 NBA season was the 30th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1979–80 NBA season was the 34th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1980–81 NBA season was the 35th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1981–82 NBA Season was the 36th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1983–84 NBA season was the 38th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1984–85 NBA season was the 39th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1985–86 NBA season was the 40th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1986–87 NBA season was the 41st season of the National Basketball Association. The 1987–88 NBA season was the 42nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1990–91 NBA season was the 45th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1991–92 NBA season was the 46th season of the National Basketball Association. The 2004–05 NBA season was the 59th season of the National Basketball Association (NBA The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The Atlantic Division is a division in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams and organized in three divisions of five teams each The team is owned by Wycliffe Grousbeck and coached by Doc Rivers, with Danny Ainge as the general manager. Wycliffe "Wyc" Grousbeck is co-owner of the National Basketball Association Basketball team the Boston Celtics. Glenn Anton Rivers (born October 13 1961 in Chicago, Illinois) commonly referred to as Doc Rivers, is a retired American Daniel (Danny Ray Ainge (born March 17, 1959 in Eugene Oregon, U Founded in 1946, their 16 NBA Championships are the most for any NBA franchise, while the 1959-to-1966 domination of the NBA Championship, with eight straight titles, is the longest consecutive championship winning streak of any North American professional sports team to date. The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June They currently play their home games in the TD Banknorth Garden. TD Banknorth Garden is a sports Arena in Boston Massachusetts.

The Celtics either dominated the league or played a large part in the playoffs in the late 1950s through the mid 1980s. The NBA Playoffs is a best-of-seven elimination tournament between sixteen teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference (called Divisions After the death of their top draft pick Len Bias, just two days after the 1986 NBA Draft, the team fell into a steady decline, only making the playoffs four times from 1996 to 2007. Leonard Kevin Bias ( November 18, 1963 &ndash June 19, 1986) was an American College basketball player who suffered a fatal The 1986 NBA Draft was held on June 17 1986 This particular draft was uncommonly disappointing because of drug problems involving various prospective players The franchise has recently returned to dominance with the acquisition of power forward Kevin Garnett and shooting guard Ray Allen during the 2007 off-season. Power forward is a position in the sport of Basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF" Kevin Maurice Garnett (born May 19, 1976 in Mauldin, South Carolina) is an American professional Basketball player The Shooting guard ( SG) also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a Basketball team Walter Ray Allen (born July 20 1975 in Merced, California) commonly referred to as Ray Allen, is an American professional Basketball player

Franchise history

For details, see: History of the Boston Celtics

1946–1956: The building of a dynasty

The Celtics were formed in 1946 as a team in the Basketball Association of America, and became part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) after the merger of the BAA and the National Basketball League to form the NBA in the fall of 1949. This is a history of the Boston Celtics. The Boston Celtics are an American Basketball team currently playing in the Atlantic Division of the ^[1] In 1950, the Celtics became the first franchise to draft an African American player, signing Chuck Cooper. African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa Charles Harrison Cooper ( September 29, 1926 - February 5, 1984) better known as Chuck Cooper, was one of three players with legitimate ^[2]

The Celtics had struggled during their early years, until the hiring of Coach Red Auerbach. Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach (September 20 1917 &ndash October 28 2006 was a Basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks One of the first major players to join the Celtics was Bob Cousy, whom Auerbach initially refused to draft. Robert Joseph "Bob" Cousy (born August 9 1928 in New York City) is a former French - American professional Basketball player ^[3] Cousy eventually became the property of the Chicago Stags. The Chicago Stags were a National Basketball Association team based in Chicago, Illinois, U ^[4] When that franchise went bankrupt, Cousy was acquired by the Celtics in a dispersal draft. Bankruptcy is a legally declared inability or impairment of ability of an individual or organization to pay their Creditors Creditors may file a bankruptcy petition against After the 1955–56 season, Auerbach made a stunning trade. The 1955–56 NBA season was the 10th season of the National Basketball Association. He sent perennial All-Star Ed Macauley to the St. Louis Hawks along with the draft rights to Cliff Hagan in exchange for the Hawks' first round draft pick, the second overall. Charles Edward "Ed" Macauley (born March 22 1928 in St The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional Basketball team based in Atlanta Georgia. Clifford Oldham Hagan (born December 9 1931, in Owensboro Kentucky) is an American former professional Basketball player ^[5] After negotiating with the Rochester Royals, Auerbach used the pick to select University of San Francisco center Bill Russell. The Sacramento Kings are a professional Basketball team based in Sacramento California. University of San Francisco ( USF) is a private Jesuit Roman Catholic University in San Francisco California. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game William Felton "Bill" Russell (born February 12 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana) is a retired American professional Basketball ^[6] Auerbach also acquired Holy Cross standout, and 1957 NBA Rookie of the Year, Tommy Heinsohn. Thomas William Heinsohn (born August 26 1934 in Jersey City, New Jersey) is a former professional basketball player known for his time as a player on the ^[7] Russell and Heinsohn worked extraordinarily well with Cousy, and they were the players around whom Auerbach would build the Celtics for more than a decade. Russell, who joined mid-season in order to play for the US olympic team, had an immediate impact during 1957.

1957–1969: The dynasty

Celtics center Bill Russell (#6) led the Celtics to 11 NBA Championships during his 13-year career. William Felton "Bill" Russell (born February 12 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana) is a retired American professional Basketball The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June

Russell joined the Celtics in December of 1956^[7] and went on to play most every game during which the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals and defeated the St. Louis Hawks in seven games, giving the Celtics the first of their record 16 NBA Championships. The 1957 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1956-57 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1957 NBA Playoffs. The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional Basketball team based in Atlanta Georgia. ^[8] In 1958, the Celtics again advanced to the NBA Finals, this time losing to the Hawks in 6 games. The 1958 NBA Finals pitted the Western Champion St Louis Hawks against the Eastern Champion Boston Celtics. ^[9] However, with the acquisition of K.C. Jones that year, the Celtics began a dynasty that would last for more than a decade. ^[10] In 1959, with Cousy at point guard, Russell at center and Heinsohn at forward, the Celtics won the NBA Championship after sweeping the Minneapolis Lakers. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. ^[11] Still coached by Auerbach, the Celtics won seven more consecutive championships, extending their streak to eight in a row. ^[12] During that time, the Celtics met the Lakers in the Finals six times, starting an intense and often bitter rivalry. The Celtics would eventually meet the Lakers a total of 10 times in the NBA Finals. In 1964, Auerbach made the Celtics the first team to have an all African American starting lineup. African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa ^[13]

After the 1966 championship, Auerbach retired as coach and Russell took over as player-coach. ^[14] With his appointment, Russell also became the first African American coach in the NBA. ^[15] Auerbach would remain the General Manager, a position he would hold well into the 1980s. However, that year the Celtics' string of NBA titles was broken as they lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The aging team managed two more championships in 1968 and 1969, defeating the Lakers each time in the NBA Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. ^[16] Russell retired after the 1969 season, effectively ending a dominant Celtics dynasty that had garnered 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons. ^[17] The streak of 8 consecutive NBA championships is the longest streak of consecutive championships in U. S. professional sports history. ^[18]

1970–1978: Rebuilding the dynasty

The 1970 season was a rebuilding year, as the Celtics had their first losing record since the 1949–50 season, the year prior to Auerbach's arrival. The 1949–50 NBA season was officially the 4th season of the National Basketball Association. ^[19] However, with the acquisition of Dave Cowens, Paul Silas, and Jo Jo White, the Celtics soon became dominant again. David William Cowens (born October 25 1948 in Newport Kentucky) is a retired American professional Basketball player and NBA head coach Paul Theron Silas (born July 12 1943, in Prescott Arizona) is an American former professional Basketball player and coach currently living Joseph Henry "Jo Jo" White (born November 16 1946 in St ^[20] After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1972, the Celtics regrouped and came out determined in 1973 and posted an excellent 68–14 regular season record. But the season ended in disappointment, as they were upset in 7 games by the New York Knicks in the Conference Finals and became the team with the best record ever to have failed to make the Finals. ^[21] The Celtics returned to the playoffs the next year, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals in 1974 for their 12th NBA Championship. The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional Basketball team based in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Series Summary Game 1 Before the series started Bucks point guard Lucius Allen would be lost for the series with a knee injury The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June ^[22] The teams split the first four games, and after the Celtics won Game 5 in Milwaukee they headed back to Boston leading three games to two, with a chance to claim the title on their home court. However, the Bucks won Game 6 when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar nestled in a hook shot with three seconds left in the game's second overtime, and the series returned to Milwaukee. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr; April 16 1947 is an American athlete and retired professional Basketball player widely considered But Cowens was the hero in Game 7, scoring 28 points, as the Celtics brought the title back to Boston for the first time in five years. In 1976, the team won yet another championship, defeating the Phoenix Suns in 6 games. The Phoenix Suns are a professional Basketball team based in Phoenix Arizona. The Celtics advanced to the 1976 NBA Finals, which featured one of the greatest games in the history of the NBA. The 1976 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round for the 1975-76 NBA season. With the series tied at two games apiece, the Suns trailed early in the Boston Garden, but came back to force overtime. In double overtime, a Gar Heard turn-around jumper at the top of the key sent the game to an unprecedented third overtime, at which point the Celtics prevailed. Garfield (Gar Heard, (born May 3 1948 in Hogansville Georgia) is an American former professional Basketball player and coach ^[23] Tommy Heinsohn coached the team for those two championships. Thomas William Heinsohn (born August 26 1934 in Jersey City, New Jersey) is a former professional basketball player known for his time as a player on the After the 1976 championship and a playoff appearance in 1977, Boston went into another phase of rebuilding. The 1977 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1976-1977 season.

In the 1977 NBA Draft, the Celtics drafted a young forward from the UNC Charlotte named Cedric Maxwell. 1977 NBA Draft was the first draft to include four former ABA teams ( Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Nets and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (also known as UNC Charlotte or Charlotte) is a public coeducational research intensive university located in Cedric Bryan Maxwell (born November 21 1955, in Kinston, North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball ^[24] Maxwell did not contribute much in his rookie season, but he showed promise. Auerbach's job became even tougher following the 1977–78 in which they went 32–50 as John Havlicek, the Celtics All-Time leading scorer, retired after 16 seasons. The 1977–78 NBA season was the 32nd season of the National Basketball Association. John J Havlicek (born April 8 1940 in Martins Ferry Ohio) is a retired American professional Basketball player who competed for 16 seasons with the Boston ^[25]

1979–1992: The Bird years

Thanks to a trade and their poor record in 1977–78, the Celtics owned two of the top eight picks in the 1978 NBA Draft. The 1977–78 NBA season was the 32nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1978 NBA Draft was notable for the selection of Indiana State 's Larry Bird. ^[26] Since the Celtics had two draft choices, Auerbach took a risk and selected junior Larry Bird of Indiana State with the 6th pick, knowing that Bird would elect to remain in college for his senior year. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7 1956 is a retired American NBA Basketball player widely considered as one of the best players of all time and one of the top Indiana State University ( ISU) is a Public university that is located in Terre Haute Indiana, United States. The Celtics would retain his rights for one year, a rule that was later changed, and Auerbach believed that Bird's potential would make him worth the wait. Auerbach also felt that when the college season ended the Celtics would have a great chance to sign Bird. Auerbach was right and Bird signed soon after leading Indiana State to the NCAA Championship game, where they fell to a Michigan State University team that was led by Magic Johnson. Michigan State University ( MSU) is a co-educational public Research university in East Lansing, Michigan USA. ^[27]

The other important story of the Celtics' 1978–79 season was the ongoing dispute between Auerbach and new owner John Y. Brown. The 1978–79 NBA season was the 33rd season of the National Basketball Association. John Young Brown Jr (born December 28, 1933) is a US Democratic Party Politician, entrepreneur and businessman ^[28] The dispute nearly led Auerbach to resign as General Manager for a position with the New York Knicks. With public support strongly behind Auerbach, Brown elected to sell the team rather than face the wrath of the city for being the man who drove Red to a hated rival. During his short ownership, Brown orchestrated a trade for Bob McAdoo that Auerbach despised, and the team unraveled. Robert Allen 'Bob' McAdoo (born September 25 1951 in Greensboro, North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball player who spent a ^[29] The Celtics would struggle through the season, going 29–53 without Bird. ^[30] Newcomers Chris Ford, Rick Robey, Cedric Maxwell and Tiny Archibald failed to reverse the team's momentum. Christopher Joseph Ford (born January 11, 1949 in Atlantic City New Jersey, USA is a former professional Basketball player and Head Frederick Robert Robey (born January 30, 1956 in Coral Gables Florida) is an American former professional Basketball player Cedric Bryan Maxwell (born November 21 1955, in Kinston, North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball Nathaniel "Tiny" Archibald (born September 2 1948 New York City is a retired American professional Basketball player ^[31]

Bird would debut for the Celtics during the 1979–80 season, a year after his selection. The 1979–80 NBA season was the 34th season of the National Basketball Association. ^[32] With a new owner in place, Auerbach made a number of moves that would bring the team back to prominence. Auerbach traded the unhappy McAdoo, a former NBA scoring champion, to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for guard M. L. Carr, a defensive specialist, and two first-round picks in the 1980 NBA Draft. The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center Michael Leon Carr (born January 9 1951 in Wallace North Carolina) is an American former professional Basketball player in the The 1980 NBA Draft took place on June 10, 1980. It featured College and other players being selected for NBA teams ^[33] He also picked up point guard Gerald Henderson from the CBA. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Jerome McKinley "Gerald" Henderson (born January 16 1956) is a retired American Basketball player The Continental Basketball Association ( CBA) is a professional men's Basketball league in the United States. Carr, Archibald, Henderson and Ford would form a highly competent backcourt, with their unique skills blending in perfectly with the talented frontcourt of Cowens, Maxwell and Bird, who would go on to win NBA Rookie of the Year honors. The National Basketball Association's Rookie of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1952–53 NBA season, to the The Celtics improved by 32 games, which at the time was the best single-season turnaround in NBA history, going 61–21 and losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

After the season, Auerbach completed what may be the most lopsided trade in NBA history. Auerbach had always been a fan of stockpiling draft picks, so even after the success of 1979–80 the Celtics had both the 1st and 13th picks in the 1980 NBA Draft leftover from the M. L. Carr trade. The 1980 NBA Draft took place on June 10, 1980. It featured College and other players being selected for NBA teams Michael Leon Carr (born January 9 1951 in Wallace North Carolina) is an American former professional Basketball player in the Auerbach saw an opportunity to improve the team immediately, sending the two picks to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for center Robert Parish and the Warriors first round pick, the 3rd overall. The Golden State Warriors are an American professional Basketball team based in Oakland, California. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Robert Lee Parish (born in Shreveport Louisiana) is a retired American Basketball center. With the draft pick, Auerbach selected University of Minnesota power forward Kevin McHale. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities ( U of M or The U) is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system. Power forward is a position in the sport of Basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF" For other people of the same name see Kevin McHale (disambiguation Kevin Edward McHale (born December 19 1957 is an American former With these three future Hall of Famers on the team the Celtics had a core in place to become a dominant team in the NBA.

The Celtics went 62–20 under coach Bill Fitch in 1980–81, despite losing center Dave Cowens to retirement late in training camp. William Fitch (born May 19 1934 in Davenport Iowa) is an American former NBA coach who has been successful in making teams playoff The 1980–81 NBA season was the 35th season of the National Basketball Association. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game David William Cowens (born October 25 1948 in Newport Kentucky) is a retired American professional Basketball player and NBA head coach Once again the Celtics matched up with the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics fell behind 3 games to 1 before coming back to win a classic 7th game, 91–90. The Celtics went on to capture the 1981 NBA Championship over the Houston Rockets, just two years after Bird had been drafted. The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The Houston Rockets are an American professional Basketball team based in Houston Texas. Maxwell was named NBA Finals MVP. The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals.

In 1983–84 the Celtics would go 62–20 and finally get back to the NBA Finals after a three year hiatus. The 1983–84 NBA season was the 38th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1984 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1983-84 NBA season. In the final, the Celtics came back from a 2–1 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, winning their 15th championship. The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. Bird renewed his college rivalry with Lakers star Magic Johnson during this series. After the series the Celtics traded Henderson, whose dramatic steal in game 2 altered the course of the series and gave the Celtics a chance, to the Seattle Supersonics in exchange for their first round pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. The Seattle SuperSonics (also called the Seattle Sonics) were an American professional Basketball team based in Seattle Washington that played The 1986 NBA Draft was held on June 17 1986 This particular draft was uncommonly disappointing because of drug problems involving various prospective players

In 1985, the Lakers and Celtics would meet again, but this time the Lakers would take the championship. During the following offseason the Celtics acquired Bill Walton from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Cedric Maxwell. William Theodore "Bill" Walton III (born November 5 1952 is a retired American Basketball player and current Television Sportscaster Cedric Bryan Maxwell (born November 21 1955, in Kinston, North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball Walton was a big star with the Portland Trailblazers, but injuries had kept him from living up to expectations. The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, is an American professional Basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. He was also a lifelong Celtics fan and willing to come off the bench, deferring to the three big men already with the team. Walton would be a big part of the Celtics' success in 1986.

In 1985–86 the Celtics fielded one of the best teams in NBA history. The 1985–86 NBA season was the 40th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1986 Celtics won 67 games, going 40–1 at their home, the Boston Garden. The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. Bird won his third consecutive MVP award after having arguably his finest season, and Walton won the Sixth Man of the Year Award. The National Basketball Association's Sixth Man of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1982–83 NBA season to They would win their 16th and last championship to date, easily defeating the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals. The Houston Rockets are an American professional Basketball team based in Houston Texas. The 1986 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1985-86 NBA season.

Thanks to the 1984 trade of Gerald Henderson and the subsequent fall of the Seattle Supersonics, at the end of the 1985–86 the Celtics owned not only the best team in the NBA but also the second pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. Jerome McKinley "Gerald" Henderson (born January 16 1956) is a retired American Basketball player The Seattle SuperSonics (also called the Seattle Sonics) were an American professional Basketball team based in Seattle Washington that played The 1985–86 NBA season was the 40th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1986 NBA Draft was held on June 17 1986 This particular draft was uncommonly disappointing because of drug problems involving various prospective players The Celtics drafted Len Bias with the pick and had high hopes for the young University of Maryland star. Leonard Kevin Bias ( November 18, 1963 &ndash June 19, 1986) was an American College basketball player who suffered a fatal The University of Maryland College Park (often referred to as The University of Maryland UMD, UMCP or simply Maryland) is a public research Fans believed Bias had superstar potential, and that he would be the perfect complement to the aging, but still strong, Celtics. The hope was that his presence would ensure that the franchise would remain a powerhouse after Bird, McHale and Parish retired. Unfortunately, Bias died 48 hours after he was drafted, after using cocaine at a party and overdosing. It would be the first in a long string of bad luck for the Celtics, and many fans believe the Celtics have never recovered from the loss of Bias.

The tragic death of Len Bias is often considered a turning point in Celtics history. Leonard Kevin Bias ( November 18, 1963 &ndash June 19, 1986) was an American College basketball player who suffered a fatal

Despite the loss of Bias, the Celtics remained competitive in 1986–87, going 59–23 and again winning the Eastern Conference Championship. The 1986–87 NBA season was the 41st season of the National Basketball Association.

After the 1987–88 season, head coach K.C. Jones retired. Jones was replaced as head coach by assistant Jimmy Rodgers. Jimmy Rodgers is a former Basketball coach He coached the Boston Celtics for two seasons and the Minnesota Timberwolves for nearly a season and a half Rodgers faced immediate trouble in 1988–89 when, only 6 games into the season, Larry Bird decided to have surgery to remove bone spurs in both feet. The 1988–89 NBA season was the 43rd season of the National Basketball Association. The injury was to sideline Bird until well after the All-Star Break, although supposedly he would be able to return. However, despite his best attempts to return he was unable to make it back as the Celtics stumbled to a 42–40 record and a first round playoff defeat to the Detroit Pistons. The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area

Bird returned in 1989–90 to play in 75 games and lead the Celtics to a 52–30 record. The 1989–90 NBA season was the 44th season of the National Basketball Association. In the playoffs, after winning the first two games of a Best of 5 series against the New York Knicks, the Celtics collapsed, losing 3 straight, including the decisive 5th game at the Boston Garden. The 1990 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1989-1990 season. The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. In the wake of the embarrassing defeat, Rodgers was fired and replaced by assistant coach (and former Celtic player) Chris Ford. Christopher Joseph Ford (born January 11, 1949 in Atlantic City New Jersey, USA is a former professional Basketball player and Head

Under Ford's leadership the Celtics improved to 56–26 in 1990–91, recapturing the Atlantic Division title even though Bird missed 22 games with a variety of injuries. The 1990–91 NBA season was the 45th season of the National Basketball Association. In 1992, a late season rally allowed the Celtics to catch the New York Knicks and repeat as Atlantic Division champions. The team finished 51–31 and again matched up with the Indiana Pacers in the First Round, this time sweeping the series 3 games to 0. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals the Celtics lost a grueling 7 game series to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 4 games to 3. The Cleveland Cavaliers (also known as the Cavs) are a professional Basketball team based in Cleveland Ohio. Due to back problems, Larry Bird played in only 45 of the 82 regular season games, and only 4 of the 10 playoff games.

After thirteen seasons with the club and winning a gold medal in the Barcelona Olympics with the Dream Team, Bird retired in 1992 primarily due to his back injuries. Barcelona ( Catalan bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish baɾθeˈlona is the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Barcelona, The United States men's national basketball team is the representative for the United States of America in international men's Basketball.

1993–2001: Tragedy and decline

At the time of Bird's retirement former Celtics guard Chris Ford was the coach of the Celtics. The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center Christopher Joseph Ford (born January 11, 1949 in Atlantic City New Jersey, USA is a former professional Basketball player and Head 26-year old Reggie Lewis (out of Boston's Northeastern University) was seen as Bird's successor as the franchise player for the Celtics. Reggie Lewis ( November 21 1965 &ndash July 27 1993) was an American Basketball player for the NBA 's Boston Northeastern University, abbreviated NU or NEU, is a private University in Boston Massachusetts. Lewis, a small forward, fainted during a 1993 first round playoff matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. The small forward, or colloquially the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation Basketball game The 1993 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1992-1993 season. The New Orleans Hornets are a professional Basketball team based in New Orleans Louisiana, United States. It was later revealed that Lewis had heart problems, yet he was able to get doctors to clear him for a comeback. He died of a heart attack after participating in a pickup basketball game during the offseason. Myocardial infarction ( MI or AMI for acute myocardial infarction) also known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply The Celtics honored his memory during the following season by retiring his number 35.

In 1994, the Celtics hired former player M. L. Carr to be the team's new G. Michael Leon Carr (born January 9 1951 in Wallace North Carolina) is an American former professional Basketball player in the M. In his first draft in charge of the Celtics, he drafted University of North Carolina star Eric Montross with his first round draft pick. The 1994 NBA Draft tookplace on 29 June 1994 in Indianapolis Indiana. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ( UNC, North Carolina, or simply Carolina) is a public, Coeducational Research Eric Scott Montross (born September 23 1971 in Indianapolis Indiana) is a retired American professional Basketball player who played in the The Acie Earl era was already nearing an end, as Montross became the new heir apparent in the paint.

1994–95 was the Celtics' final season in the Boston Garden. The 1994–95 NBA season was the 49th season of the National Basketball Association. The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. The Celtics signed the aging Dominique Wilkins as a free agent, and he led the team in scoring with 17. Jacques Dominique Wilkins (born January 12 1960 is a retired American Professional Basketball player in the NBA and Basketball Hall 8 PPG. Second-year player Dino Radja, a power forward from Croatia, added an interior presence to the team that had been lacking in 1993–94. Dino Rađa, transcribed in English as Dino Radja (born April 24, 1967, in Split, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia Croatia (Hrvatska ˈxȓvatska officially the Republic of Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska) is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between The 1993–94 NBA season was the 48th season of the National Basketball Association. The Celtics made the playoffs, losing to the heavily favored Orlando Magic in 4 games. The Orlando Magic is a professional Basketball team based in Orlando Florida.

In 1995, the Celtics moved from the Boston Garden into the Fleet Center (renamed the TD Banknorth Garden in 2005). The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. TD Banknorth Garden is a sports Arena in Boston Massachusetts. Carr fired Chris Ford and took the coaching reins himself. Christopher Joseph Ford (born January 11, 1949 in Atlantic City New Jersey, USA is a former professional Basketball player and Head After drafting Providence College star Eric Williams, the Celtics struggled to a 33–49 record. This page refers to a college in Rhode Island. For the college in Manitoba, see Providence College and Theological Seminary. Eric Williams (born July 6 1978 in Brooklyn, New York) is a professional Basketball player formerly in the D-League. Things got worse in 1996–97 as the Celtics lost a franchise record 67 games, winning only 15 times despite the emergence of 1st-round draft pick Antoine Walker. The 1996–97 NBA season was the 51st season of the National Basketball Association. Antoine Devon Walker (born August 12 1976 in Chicago, Illinois, United States) is an American professional Basketball player with the

Carr stepped aside to another job in the organization when the Celtics convinced Rick Pitino to join the franchise as the team's president, front office manager, and head coach. Rick Pitino (born September 18, 1952) is the head Basketball coach at the University of Louisville. For the coaching strategy game see NFL Head Coach. A head coach is a professional who is responsible for the overall actions of Unfortunately for the franchise, Pitino was not the savior everyone expected him to be, although he acquired several talented young players during his tenure.

The Celtics received the third and sixth draft picks in the 1997 NBA Draft, and used the picks to select a brand new backcourt. The 1997 NBA Draft took place on 25 June 1997 in Charlotte North Carolina. They drafted Chauncey Billups and Ron Mercer and dismantled much of the young team that lost 67 games the year before. Chauncey Ray Billups (born September 25 1976 in Denver Colorado) is an American professional Basketball player Ronald (Ron Eugene Mercer (born May 18 1976 in Nashville Tennessee) is a former American Basketball player at the University of Kentucky David Wesley and Rick Fox were let go, and Williams was traded to the Denver Nuggets for a pair of second round draft picks. David Barakau Wesley (born November 14, 1970, in San Antonio Texas) is an American professional Basketball player in the National Basketball Ulrich Alexander "Rick" Fox (born July 24 1969 is a Canadian television actor and retired professional Basketball player The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado.

The following year the Celtics drafted Paul Pierce in the 1998 NBA Draft, a college star who had been expected to be drafted much higher than the Celtics' tenth overall pick. Paul Anthony Pierce (born October 13 1977 in Oakland, California) nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional Basketball player for the The 1998 NBA Draft took place on June 24, 1998 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Other notable players Pitino acquired were Walter McCarty and veteran Kenny Anderson, both for future Finals MVP Billups. Walter Lee McCarty (born February 1, 1974) is an American former Basketball player who has played for the NBA 's New York Knicks Kenneth (Kenny Anderson (born October 9, 1970 in Queens, New York) is an American Basketball player The 2004 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2003–04 National Basketball Association season. The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. Pitino failed to coach any successful teams and resigned in 2001.

2001–2006: Attempts to rebuild

Following the resignation of Rick Pitino, the Celtics improved greatly under coach Jim O'Brien. Paul Pierce matured into an NBA star and was ably complemented by Antoine Walker, along with the other role players acquired over the years. Paul Anthony Pierce (born October 13 1977 in Oakland, California) nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional Basketball player for the Antoine Devon Walker (born August 12 1976 in Chicago, Illinois, United States) is an American professional Basketball player with the The team finished the season going 24–24 under O'Brien (after going 12–22 before Pitino's resignation) and following the 2000–01 season O'Brien was given the job of head coach on a permanent basis. The 2000–01 NBA season was the 55th season of the National Basketball Association. As a result of numerous trades, the Celtics had three picks in the 2001 NBA Draft, a luxury that seemed to set the franchise up well for the long term. The 2001 NBA Draft took place on 27 June 2001 in New York City, New York. General Manager Chris Wallace used the picks on Joe Johnson, Joe Forte (a favorite of Red Auerbach) and Kedrick Brown. Joe Marcus Johnson (born June 29 1981) is a National Basketball Association player currently a member of the Atlanta Hawks of the Joseph Xavier "Joe" Forte (born March 23, 1981 in Atlanta Georgia) is an American professional Basketball player Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach (September 20 1917 &ndash October 28 2006 was a Basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks Albert Kedrick Brown (born March 18 1981 in Zachary Louisiana) is an American professional Basketball player currently playing for

The Celtics entered the 2001–02 season with low expectations. The 2001–02 NBA season was the 56th season of the National Basketball Association. The team's success in the latter stages of 2000–01 was largely forgotten, and critics were surprised when the team, along with the New Jersey Nets, surged to the top of the Atlantic Division ahead of teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, who were fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals. The New Jersey Nets are a professional Basketball team in the National Basketball Association that plays in the Eastern Conference 's Atlantic The Atlantic Division is a division in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The 2001 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2000-01 National Basketball Association season. The Celtics won a hard-fought five-game series with the 76ers in the first round, 3 games to 2. Pierce scored 46 points in the series-clinching blowout at the Fleet Center. TD Banknorth Garden is a sports Arena in Boston Massachusetts. In the Conference Semifinals, the Celtics defeated the favored Detroit Pistons 4 games to 1 in a series best remembered for the Celtics low-scoring Game 3 victory, which they won 66–64. The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area In their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 1988, the Celtics would jump out to a 2–1 series lead over the New Jersey Nets, after rallying from 21 points down in the fourth quarter to win Game 3, but would lose the next three games to fall 4 games to 2. The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams and organized in three divisions of five teams each The 1988 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1987-1988 season.

In 2003, the Celtics were sold by owner Paul Gaston to Boston Basketball Partners LLC, led by H. Irving Grousbeck, Wycliffe Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca, Robert Epstein, David Epstein, and John Svenson. The team made it back to the playoffs but were swept by the Nets in the second round, despite bringing Game 4 to double overtime. The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association 's 2002-03 NBA season. The New Jersey Nets are a professional Basketball team in the National Basketball Association that plays in the Eastern Conference 's Atlantic

Before their elimination, the team hired Danny Ainge to take over the front office, pushing Chris Wallace to another job in the organization. Daniel (Danny Ray Ainge (born March 17, 1959 in Eugene Oregon, U Ainge believed the team had reached its peak and promptly stunned the team by sending Antoine Walker to the Dallas Mavericks (along with Tony Delk). Antoine Devon Walker (born August 12 1976 in Chicago, Illinois, United States) is an American professional Basketball player with the The Dallas Mavericks (also known as the Mavs) are the professional Basketball team of the National Basketball Association based in Dallas Texas Tony Lorenzo Delk (born January 28 1974 in Covington Tennessee) is an American former professional Basketball player In return, the Celtics received the oft-injured Raef LaFrentz and a first-round draft pick in 2004. Raef Andrew LaFrentz (born May 29 1976 in Hampton Iowa) is an American professional Basketball player currently with the NBA 's Portland The 2004 NBA Draft was held on June 24, 2004 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York and was

The Celtics made the playoffs, only to be badly swept in the first round by the Indiana Pacers, losing all 4 games by blowout margins. The 2004 NBA Playoffs were the postseason of the National Basketball Association 's 2003-04 season.

The Celtics were a young team under new coach Doc Rivers, yet they seemed to have a core of good young players, led by rookie Al Jefferson, to go along with a selection of able veterans. Glenn Anton Rivers (born October 13 1961 in Chicago, Illinois) commonly referred to as Doc Rivers, is a retired American Al Jefferson (born January 4, 1985 in Monticello Mississippi) is an American professional Basketball player for the Minnesota The Celtics went 45–37 and won their first Atlantic Division title since 1991–92. The Atlantic Division is a division in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. The 1991–92 NBA season was the 46th season of the National Basketball Association. The Pacers defeated them in the first round yet again, with the series culminating in an embarrassing 27-point loss in Game 7 at the Fleet Center. TD Banknorth Garden is a sports Arena in Boston Massachusetts.

Celtics in a game versus the Miami Heat at the TD Banknorth Garden in April 2006

The Boston Celtics continued to rebuild on the night of the 2006 NBA Draft. The Miami Heat (often referred to simply as the Heat, including in some official team publications with HEAT in all capital letters are a professional Basketball TD Banknorth Garden is a sports Arena in Boston Massachusetts. The 2006 NBA Draft was held on June 28 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Danny Ainge traded the rights to seventh overall pick Randy Foye, Dan Dickau and Raef LaFrentz to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, and a future second-round pick. Randy Foye (born September 24, 1983 in Newark New Jersey) is an American professional Basketball player currently with the NBA 's Daniel (Dan David Dickau (born September 16, 1978 in Portland Oregon) is an American professional Basketball player for the Raef Andrew LaFrentz (born May 29 1976 in Hampton Iowa) is an American professional Basketball player currently with the NBA 's Portland The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, is an American professional Basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. Sebastian Telfair (born June 9 1985 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American professional Basketball player for the NBA Theophilus Curtis Ratliff (born April 17, 1973 in Demopolis Alabama) better known as Theo Ratliff, is an American professional A subsequent trade with the Philadelphia 76ers for Allen Iverson was reported as a potential move beneficial to each team, although such a trade never happened and Iverson was shipped to the Denver Nuggets in December. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Allen Ezail Iverson (born June 7 1975 in Hampton, Virginia) is an American professional Basketball player for the Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. Orien Greene was waived, and the Celtics replaced him by trading a first-round pick in the 2007 NBA Draft to the Phoenix Suns for rookie Rajon Rondo. The 2007 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2007 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and The Phoenix Suns are a professional Basketball team based in Phoenix Arizona. Rajon Pierre Rondo (born February 22, 1986 in Louisville, Kentucky) is an American professional Basketball player with In the second round the Celtics added Leon Powe to the team, and later signed Villanova star Allan Ray as an undrafted free agent. Leon Powe Jr (pronounced |ˈpou(-ə| (born January 22 1984 in Oakland, California) is an American professional Basketball Villanova University' is a private university located in Radnor Township, a suburb northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States Allan Ray (born June 17 1984 in The Bronx, New York) is an American professional Basketball player formerly with

The 2006–07 season was a gloomy one for the franchise. The 2006–07 NBA season was the 61st season of the National Basketball Association. The season began with the death of Red Auerbach at the age of 89. Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach (September 20 1917 &ndash October 28 2006 was a Basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks Auerbach was one of the few remaining people who had been a part of the NBA since its inception in 1946. The Celtics went 2–22 from late December 2006 through early February 2007 after losing Paul Pierce to injury, the result of a stress reaction in his left foot (he would later miss the latter part of March and all of April because of swelling in his left elbow). Paul Anthony Pierce (born October 13 1977 in Oakland, California) nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional Basketball player for the At first, the Celtics received a much needed boost from guard Tony Allen but he tore his ACL on a dunk attempt in a game vs. Tony Allen may refer to Tony Allen ( Rhythm & Blues singer - recorded the hit song "Night Owl" Tony Allen (basketball, basketball The anterior cruciate ligament (or ACL) is one of the four major Ligaments of the Knee. the Indiana Pacers on January 10, 2007. The Celtics recorded a record of 24–58, second-worst in the NBA, including a franchise record 18-game losing streak that lasted from January 5 to February 14. This is a list of the longest regular season losing streaks in National Basketball Association history As the streak grew, some suggested that Pierce sit out the rest of the season to the let the young players such as Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Rajon Rondo and Delonte West get more experience. Al Jefferson (born January 4, 1985 in Monticello Mississippi) is an American professional Basketball player for the Minnesota Gerald Green Jr (born January 26 1986 in Houston Texas) is an American professional Basketball player with the Dallas Mavericks Rajon Pierre Rondo (born February 22, 1986 in Louisville, Kentucky) is an American professional Basketball player with Delonte Maurice West (born July 26 1983, in Washington DC) is an American professional Basketball player in the guard positions

2007–present: Back to relevance

See: 2007-08 Boston Celtics season

Historical rivalries

Further information: Lakers-Celtics rivalry, Pistons-Celtics rivalry, and Celtics-Sixers rivalry

The Boston Celtics have a long-standing rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, which is widely regarded as the league's greatest rivalry, as these two teams have faced each other 10 times in the NBA Finals, with the 11th time in the 2008 NBA Finals. Lakers-Celtics Rivalry or Celtics-Lakers Rivalry is a rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, two of the most storied Basketball The Pistons-Celtics Rivalry or Celtics-Pistons rivalry refers to the rivalry between two teams in the National Basketball Association 's Eastern Conference The Celtics-Sixers rivalry is a rivalry between two teams of the National Basketball Association, the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The 2008 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2007–08 NBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. Both teams will have won a combined 31 NBA championships in the 62 NBA seasons, making both teams accountable for half of all NBA championships. This is a list of franchises that have won the championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA and Basketball Association of America (BAA (from 1946&ndash49 In the 1960s, the Celtics faced and defeated the Lakers six times in the NBA Finals, despite the efforts of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. Jerry Alan West (born May 28 1938 is a retired American Basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Elgin Gay Baylor (born September 16 1934 in Washington DC) is a retired American basketball player who played The rivalry was renewed in the 1980s, when the Lakers and Celtics won 8 of the 9 NBA Championships awarded from 1980–1988 (the Lakers won 5 while the Celtics won 3), and played each other in the NBA Finals on 3 occasions. The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The rivalry cooled off as the Celtics slipped into mediocrity in the mid- and late-'90s until they met in the 2008 Finals. The 2008 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2007–08 NBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs.

In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics long-standing rivals have been the Philadelphia 76ers,^[34] led by Wilt Chamberlain in the 1960s, and by Julius Erving and Moses Malone in the 1970s and 1980s. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain (August 21 1936&ndashOctober 12 1999 nicknamed Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, and Chairman of the Boards Julius Winfield Erving II (born February 22 1950 and raised in Roosevelt New York) commonly known by the nickname Dr Moses Eugene Malone (born March 23 1955 in Petersburg Virginia) is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA Basketball player who The Celtics-Sixers rivalry in the 1980s was marked by intense personal confrontations between Larry Bird and Julius Erving. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7 1956 is a retired American NBA Basketball player widely considered as one of the best players of all time and one of the top Their most recent playoff rivalry came in the '02 First Round, as then-Sixer Allen Iverson and Paul Pierce, both prolific scorers of their time, went head-to-head. The 2002 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 2001–02 season. Allen Ezail Iverson (born June 7 1975 in Hampton, Virginia) is an American professional Basketball player for the Denver Nuggets Paul Anthony Pierce (born October 13 1977 in Oakland, California) nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional Basketball player for the

Another fierce rivalry formed in the 1980s between the Celtics and the Detroit Pistons. The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area The two franchises met in the playoffs 5 times between 1985 and 1991, and more than once there was a physical confrontation between a Celtic and Detroit's Bill Laimbeer. William "Bill" Laimbeer Jr (born May 19 1957) is a retired National Basketball Association player for the Detroit Pistons. The rivalry, like their rivalry with the Lakers, cooled in the 1990s as the Celtics slid into a long decline, although there was a renewal of interest when the teams met in the 2002 East Semifinals, and later in the 2008 East Finals. The 2002 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 2001–02 season. The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association 's 2007-08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston

Boston's other fierce rivals included the Atlanta Hawks (dating back to the late 1950s, which resurfaced during the rivalry of Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins, and later in 2008), Milwaukee Bucks (during the mid-1980s), Indiana Pacers (1991–92 and 2003–05; both involved Larry Bird as a player and as an executive), New York Knicks (both were original NBA franchises, and have never moved to another city nor changed its nickname), and New Jersey Nets (2002 and 2003). The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional Basketball team based in Atlanta Georgia. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7 1956 is a retired American NBA Basketball player widely considered as one of the best players of all time and one of the top Jacques Dominique Wilkins (born January 12 1960 is a retired American Professional Basketball player in the NBA and Basketball Hall The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association 's 2007-08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional Basketball team based in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The New Jersey Nets are a professional Basketball team in the National Basketball Association that plays in the Eastern Conference 's Atlantic The 2002 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 2001–02 season. The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association 's 2002-03 NBA season. In addition, the San Antonio Spurs have provided a tough challenge for Boston, especially since adding Tim Duncan with the number one pick in the 1997 NBA Draft. The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional Basketball team based in San Antonio Texas. WikipediaPersondata --> Timothy "Tim" Theodore Duncan (born April 25 1976 in Christiansted, St The 1997 NBA Draft took place on 25 June 1997 in Charlotte North Carolina. Since then, the Spurs racked up 18 straight wins against Boston before the streak was broken on St. Patrick's Day 2007, concomitantly ending a 17-year, 15-game drought in San Antonio. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger ^[35]

Individually, Paul Pierce has been developing rivalries on the court with LeBron James and Ron Artest. Paul Anthony Pierce (born October 13 1977 in Oakland, California) nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional Basketball player for the LeBron Raymone James (born December 30 1984 in Akron Ohio) is an American professional Basketball player who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers of Ronald William Artest Jr (born November 13 1979) is an American professional Basketball player who currently plays with the Houston During games between the Celtics and the Cavaliers, Pierce and James often combine explosive scoring with defensive intensity. The Cleveland Cavaliers (also known as the Cavs) are a professional Basketball team based in Cleveland Ohio. ^[36]

Season-by-season records

See: Boston Celtics seasons

Records, retired numbers and awards

Main article: Boston Celtics accomplishments and records

Home arenas

• Boston Arena (1946), site of the first Celtics game and where the parquet floor was originally installed. This is a comprehensive list of the accomplishments and records of the Boston Celtics. Matthews Arena, located in Boston Massachusetts, is the oldest surviving indoor ice hockey arena in the world Served as a secondary venue during the franchise's early years. Now known as Northeastern University's Matthews Arena. Northeastern University, abbreviated NU or NEU, is a private University in Boston Massachusetts.
• Boston Garden (1946–1995)
• Hartford Civic Center (1975–1995), occasionally used for home games. The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is a sports and convention complex located in Hartford Connecticut, USA owned by the City of
• TD Banknorth Garden (1995–present), formerly known as Fleet Center (1995–2005). TD Banknorth Garden is a sports Arena in Boston Massachusetts.

Players

Current roster

Boston Celtics roster v • d • e
Players	Coaches
Pos. # Nat. Name Ht. Wt. From 2. 0 SG 20 USA Allen, Ray 77 6 ft 5 in (1. The Shooting guard ( SG) also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a Basketball team Walter Ray Allen (born July 20 1975 in Merced, California) commonly referred to as Ray Allen, is an American professional Basketball player 96 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Connecticut 2. The University of Connecticut ( Connecticut or UConn) is the State of Connecticut 's Land-grant university. 0 SG 42 USA Allen, Tony (FA) 76 6 ft 4 in (1. The Shooting guard ( SG) also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a Basketball team Anthony Allen (born January 11, 1982 in Chicago, Illinois) commonly referred to as Tony Allen, is an American professional 93 m) 213 lb (97 kg) Oklahoma State 5. 0 C 93 USA Brown, P.J. (FA) 83 6 ft 11 in (2. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game 11 m) 239 lb (108 kg) Louisiana Tech 1. Louisiana Tech University, located in Ruston Louisiana is a coeducational public institution of higher learning with an enrollment of 10950 students in the 08-09 year 0 PG 28 USA Cassell, Sam (FA) 75 6 ft 3 in (1. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Samuel James Cassell (born November 18, 1969 in Baltimore, Maryland) commonly referred to as Sam Cassell, is an American 91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Florida State 4. Florida State University (commonly referred to as Florida State or FSU) is a public Research University located in Tallahassee 0 PF 11 USA Davis, Glen 81 6 ft 9 in (2. Power forward is a position in the sport of Basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF" Ronald Glen Davis (born January 1, 1986 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) commonly referred to as Glen Davis and nicknamed Big 06 m) 289 lb (131 kg) Louisiana State 4. Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, generally known as Louisiana State University or LSU, is a public, Coeducational 0 PF 5 USA Garnett, Kevin 83 6 ft 11 in (2. Power forward is a position in the sport of Basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF" Kevin Maurice Garnett (born May 19, 1976 in Mauldin, South Carolina) is an American professional Basketball player 11 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Farragut Academy HS (IL) 1. Farragut Career Academy, part of the Chicago Public School system serves the Little Village and North Lawndale communities on west side of Chicago Illinois 0 PG 50 USA House, Eddie (FA) 73 6 ft 1 in (1. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Edward L House II (born May 14 1978 in Berkeley, California) commonly referred to as Eddie House, is an American professional 85 m) 175 lb (79 kg) Arizona State 5. Arizona State University ( ASU) is the largest public Research university in the United States under a single administration with total student 0 C 43 USA Perkins, Kendrick 82 6 ft 10 in (2. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Kendrick Perkins (born November 10 1984 in Nederland, Texas) is an American professional Basketball player for the 08 m) 264 lb (120 kg) Clifton J. Ozen HS (TX) 3. 0 SF 34 USA Pierce, Paul (C) 79 6 ft 7 in (2. The small forward, or colloquially the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation Basketball game Paul Anthony Pierce (born October 13 1977 in Oakland, California) nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional Basketball player for the 01 m) 235 lb (107 kg) Kansas 5. The University of Kansas (often referred to as KU or just Kansas) is a public research university with campuses located in Lawrence, Kansas City 0 C 66 USA Pollard, Scot  (FA) 83 6 ft 11 in (2. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Scot L Pollard (born February 12 1975 in Murray, Utah) is an American professional Basketball player in the National 11 m) 278 lb (126 kg) Kansas 3. The University of Kansas (often referred to as KU or just Kansas) is a public research university with campuses located in Lawrence, Kansas City 0 SF 41 USA Posey, James 80 6 ft 8 in (2. The small forward, or colloquially the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation Basketball game James Mikely Mantell Posey Jr (born January 13 1977 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American professional Basketball player 03 m) 217 lb (98 kg) Xavier 4. Xavier University is a private, Jesuit, co-educational University in the United States located in Cincinnati, Ohio. 0 PF 0 USA Powe, Leon 80 6 ft 8 in (2. Power forward is a position in the sport of Basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF" Leon Powe Jr (pronounced |ˈpou(-ə| (born January 22 1984 in Oakland, California) is an American professional Basketball 03 m) 240 lb (109 kg) California 1. The University of California Berkeley (also referred to as Cal, Berkeley and UC Berkeley) is a major research university located in Berkeley 0 PG 13 USA Pruitt, Gabe 76 6 ft 4 in (1. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Gabriel Michael Pruitt (born April 19, 1986 in Los Angeles, California) commonly referred to as Gabe Pruitt, is an American 93 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Southern California 1. The University of Southern California (commonly referred to as USC, SC, Southern California, and incorrectly 0 PG 9 USA Rondo, Rajon 73 6 ft 1 in (1. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Rajon Pierre Rondo (born February 22, 1986 in Louisville, Kentucky) is an American professional Basketball player with 85 m) 171 lb (78 kg) Kentucky 4. The University of Kentucky, also known as UK, is a public, Co-educational, University, and is also the state's land-grant university located 0 PF 44 USA Scalabrine, Brian 81 6 ft 9 in (2. Power forward is a position in the sport of Basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF" Brian David Scalabrine (born March 18 1978 in Long Beach, California) is an American professional Basketball player currently 06 m) 235 lb (107 kg) Southern California	Head coach Doc Rivers (Marquette) Assistant coach(es) Armond Hill (Princeton) Kevin Eastman (Richmond) Clifford Ray (Oklahoma) Tom Thibodeau (Salem State) Legend (C) Team captain (DP) Draft pick (FA) Free agent Injured Roster • Transactions Last change: 2008-06-26

Notable players

See: Boston Celtics all-time roster and Boston Celtics players

Coaches

Logos and uniforms

Logos

Current logo
(1995–present)

The Boston Celtics released a new logo for the 1995–96 season, although the depiction of a leprechaun spinning a basketball has been in use since the early 1950s. The 1995–96 NBA season was the 50th season of the National Basketball Association, although the league didn't celebrate this anniversary until the following season The 1995–96 NBA season was the 50th season of the National Basketball Association, although the league didn't celebrate this anniversary until the following season In Irish mythology, a leprechaun (leipreachán The logo was originally designed by Zang Auerbach, the brother of Celtics head coach Red Auerbach. Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach (September 20 1917 &ndash October 28 2006 was a Basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks The logo has received numerous tweaks over the years; the latest version decorated the leprechaun in a gold vest to celebrate the club's 50th anniversary. ^[37]

The classic one-colored logo
(1978–1995)

Alternate logo
(1998–present)

The most familiar version, however, is the one-colored logo used during the Larry Bird era, with the leprechaun traced in black and only green and white clothes, which is still used on some TV networks whenever the current Celtics logo is unavailable or in classic Celtics references. The 1978–79 NBA season was the 33rd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1994–95 NBA season was the 49th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1998–99 NBA season was the 53rd season of the National Basketball Association. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7 1956 is a retired American NBA Basketball player widely considered as one of the best players of all time and one of the top ^[38] The Celtics also have various alternative logos, with the most popular being a white cloverleaf with the letters "Celtics" above it, wrapped in a green circle, which has been used since the 1998–99 season. The 1998–99 NBA season was the 53rd season of the National Basketball Association.

Uniforms

The Celtics jerseys have always been green on away games and white on home games since their inception in 1946. Except for some minor modifications, most notably the serifed version of the uniforms during the Bill Russell era, the jerseys remained unchanged through the years. William Felton "Bill" Russell (born February 12 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana) is a retired American professional Basketball

Beginning in 2005–06, the Celtics began using alternate road jerseys which are green with black trim and the word "Boston" on the front side of the jersey. The 2005–06 NBA season was the 60th season of the National Basketball Association. The alternate road jersey was rarely seen with few appearances in its first 2 seasons, but in 2007–08 it has been used much more often, in more than half of the road games. The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association.

Also in 2005–06, the Celtics began a tradition of wearing their green jerseys with gold trim as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations the NBA puts into place every third week of March. The 2005–06 NBA season was the 60th season of the National Basketball Association. Saint Patrick's Day (Lá ’le Pádraig or Lá Fhéile Pádraig) colloquially St Except for the words "Boston" in front and the gold trim, the St. Patrick's Day jerseys resemble the regular road jerseys.

During the 2006–07 season, the Celtics wore a commemorative patch of a black shamrock with the nickname "Red" in green letters on the right top of the jersey in remembrance of Red Auerbach, who died shortly prior to the beginning of the season. The 2006–07 NBA season was the 61st season of the National Basketball Association. The shamrock, a symbol of Ireland and a registered trademark of the Republic of Ireland, is a three-leafed old white Clover, sometimes of Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach (September 20 1917 &ndash October 28 2006 was a Basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks ^[39]

During the NBA Europe Live Tour prior to the 2007–08 season, the Celtics used the alternate road jerseys in their game against the Toronto Raptors in Rome, except that the words "Boston" on the front side of the jersey and the shamrock on the shorts and on the reverse side of the jersey contained the green, white and red tricolors of the Italian flag. The 2007 NBA Europe Live Tour was a basketball exhibition tour featuring teams from the NBA and teams from Europe's top professional The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. The Toronto Raptors are a professional Basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario. Rome ( Roma ˈroma Roma is the capital city of Italy and Lazio, and is Italy's largest and most populous city with more than 2 A tricolour or tricolor (three colours is a Flag or Banner more-or-less equally divided (horizontally vertically or less frequently diagonally See also List of Italian flags The flag of Italy ( La bandiera d'Italia, often referred to in Italian as Il Tricolore) is a Tricolour In the second game in London, the regular road jerseys featured a patch containing the Union Jack. London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. The Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, is the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The team has honored deceased members of the Celtics family with a commemorative black band on the left shoulder strap of the jersey. It has been featured seven times in the history of the franchise: Walter Brown (1964–65), Bob Schmertz (1975–76), Joan Cohen (1989–90), Johnny Most (1993–94), Reggie Lewis (1993–94), Dorothy Auerbach (2000–01) and Dennis Johnson (2006–07). Walter A Brown ( February 10, 1905 – September 7, 1964) was the original owner of the Boston Celtics The 1964–65 NBA Season was the 19th season of the National Basketball Association. Robert Schmertz ( November 15, 1926 &ndash July 24 1975). He also owned the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association The 1975–76 NBA season was the 30th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1989–90 NBA season was the 44th season of the National Basketball Association. For the American poet John Most see here. John M Most ( June 15, 1923 – January 3, 1993) was an The 1993–94 NBA season was the 48th season of the National Basketball Association. Reggie Lewis ( November 21 1965 &ndash July 27 1993) was an American Basketball player for the NBA 's Boston The 1993–94 NBA season was the 48th season of the National Basketball Association. The 2000–01 NBA season was the 55th season of the National Basketball Association. WikipediaPersondata --> Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18 1954 &ndash February 22 2007 nicknamed "DJ" was an American professional Basketball The 2006–07 NBA season was the 61st season of the National Basketball Association. ^[39]

The team also had the tradition of wearing black sneakers through most of their history, except during the early 1980s when they wore green sneakers. Beginning with the 2003–04 season, the team began to wear white sneakers at home games. The 2003–04 NBA season was the 58th season of the National Basketball Association.

Home

Away

Alternate

St. Patrick's Alternate

Television and radio

Main article: List of Boston Celtics broadcasters

Ownership history

• Walter Brown, team founder and original owner (1946–64)
• Marjorie Brown, wife of team founder (1964–1965)
• Marvin Kratter/National Equities (1965–68)
• Ballantine Brewery (1968–69)
• E. Television 2000s 1990s 1980s 1970s 1960s Radio 2000s 1990s E. Erdman's Trans-National Communications (1969–71)
• Investors Funding Corporation (1971–72)
• Robert Schmertz-Leisure Technology (1972–74)
• Robert Schmertz and Irv Levin (1974–75)
• Irv Levin (1975–78)
• John Y. Brown, Jr. and Harry T. Robert Schmertz ( November 15, 1926 &ndash July 24 1975). He also owned the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association John Young Brown Jr (born December 28, 1933) is a US Democratic Party Politician, entrepreneur and businessman Mangurian, Jr. (1978)
• Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. (1979–83)
• Don Gaston, Alan Cohen, Paul Dupee (1983–92)
• Paul Gaston (1992–2002)
• Boston Basketball Partners LLC - consisting of Wycliffe Grousbeck, Stephen Pagliuca, and H. Harry T Mangurian Jr (born October 1, 1926 in Rochester New York) is a veteran of World War II, an American businessman a former owner of Wycliffe "Wyc" Grousbeck is co-owner of the National Basketball Association Basketball team the Boston Celtics. Irving Grousbeck (2002–present)

References

External links

• Official website
• NBA.com – The Ultimate Celtics Page
• Boston Celtics @ Basketball-Reference. com
• Boston Celtics @ Sportsecyclopedia. com
• History of the Boston Celtics
• 2007-08 Downloadable Media Guide