Established
1946
City
Boston
League History
1949 - Present / National Basketball Association
1946 - 1949 / Basketball Association of America
Team History
1946 - Present / Boston Celtics
Nickname
Celtics - The Boston Celtics are one of the most iconic teams in the NBA, and their nickname has a long and exciting history. The team was founded in 1946 by Walter Brown as part of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with another league to become what we now know as the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Boston Celtics Origin
At first, they were known as “the Boston basketball team,” but it wasn’t until 1950 that they adopted an official name. That year, Brown decided on “Celtics” after being inspired by his friend Bill Russell who had recently moved to Boston from St. Louis, where he played for an amateur basketball team called The Celtics. He thought it would be appropriate since many Irish immigrants lived in New England then, and this connection resonated with him due to his Irish heritage.
Since then, The Celtics have won 17 championships, including eight consecutive titles between 1959-1966, led by legendary players such as Bob Cousy and Bill Russell, among others – making them one of the professional sports' greatest dynasties! This success has cemented their place amongst some of the sport's most recognizable franchises worldwide. Hence, it's no wonder why fans continue flocking towards them today despite all these years later!
For any true sports fan out there looking for a great franchise worth cheering for - look no further than your hometown heroes: The Boston Celtics!
Championship
NBA Championships 18
2024, 2008, 1986, 1984, 1981, 1976, 1974, 1969, 1968, 1966, 1965, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1957
Arena
2010 - Present / TD Garden
2005 - 2009 / TD Banknorth Garden
1995 - 2005 / FleetCenter
1993 - 1995 / Shawmut Center (during construction)
1946 - 1995 / Boston Garden
Owner
2025 - Present / William Chisholm and Aditya Mittal
2002 - 2025 / Boston Basketball Partners L.L.C.
1993 - 2002 / Paul Gaston
1983 - 1993 / Don Gaston, Alan N. Cohen, Paul Dupee
1979 - 1983 / Harry T. Mangurian, Jr.
1978 - 1979 / John Y. Brown, Jr. and Harry T. Mangurian, Jr.
1975 - 1978 / Irv Levin and Harold Lipton
1975 / Robert Schmertz/Leisure Technology, Irv Levin, and Harold Lipton
1972 - 1975 / Robert Schmertz/Leisure Technology
1972 - 1972 / Irv Levin and Harold Lipton
1971 - 1972 / Ballantine Brewery
1969 - 1971 / Trans-National Communications
1968 - 1969 / Ballantine Brewery
1965 - 1968 / Marvin Kratter/Knickerbocker Brewing Company
1964 - 1965 / Lou Pieri and Marjorie Brown
1950 - 1964 / Walter A. Brown/Lou Pieri
1946 - 1950 / Boston Garden-Arena Corporation
- 1946
- 1957
- 1957 - 1960
- 1961 - 1963
- 1964 - 1966
- 1968 - 1974
- 1978
- 1981 - 1986
- 2008
- 2024
Boston Celtics Team Formation
The Boston Celtics were formed on June 6, 1946, by Boston Garden-Arena Corporation President Walter A. Brown as a team in the Basketball Association of America, and became part of the National Basketball Association after the absorption of the National Basketball League by the BAA in the fall of 1949. In 1950, the Celtics signed Chuck Cooper, becoming the first NBA ...
Trade for Bill Russell
After the 1955 – 1956 season, Auerbach made a stunning trade. He sent perennial All-Star Ed Macauley to the St. Louis Hawks along with the draft rights to Cliff Hagan in exchange for the second overall pick in the draft. After negotiating with the Rochester Royals a negotiation that included a promise that the Celtics owner would send the highly ...
NBA Finals Winners 57,’ 59′ – 60′
NBA Finals – 1957 The 1957 NBA World Championship Series was the championship series of the 1956 – 1957 National Basketball Association season and was the conclusion of the 1957 NBA Playoffs. The best-of-seven series was played between the Western Conference champion St. Louis Hawks and the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. This was Boston’s first trip to the NBA ...-
NBA Finals Winners 61′ – 63′
NBA Finals – 1961 The 1961 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1961 NBA Playoffs, which concluded the National Basketball Association 1960 – 1961 season. The best-of-seven series was played between the Western Conference champion St. Louis Hawks and the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. This was the Celtics’ 5th straight trip to the championship series, ... -
NBA Finals Winners 64′ – 66′
NBA Finals – 1964 The 1964 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1964 NBA Playoffs, which concluded the National Basketball Association 1963 – 1964 season. The best-of-seven series was played between the Western Conference champion San Francisco Warriors and the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. This was the Celtics’ 8th straight trip to the championship series, ... 
NBA Finals Winner 68′ – 69,’ 74,’ 76′
NBA Finals – 1968 The 1968 NBA World Championship Series pitted the Boston Celtics from the East, against the Los Angeles Lakers from the West, for the sixth time in ten years. The Celtics won their tenth NBA Championship in twelve seasons, by defeating the Lakers in six games. Significantly, Game 6 of the 1968 NBA Finals marked the first ...
Drafting Larry Bird
The Celtics owned two of the top eight picks in the 1978 NBA Draft. 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. The Celtics would retain his rights for one year a ...
NBA Finals Winner 81,’ 84,’ 86′
NBA Finals – 1981 The 1981 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament that followed National Basketball Association’s 1980 – 1981 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Cedric Maxwell was named NBA Finals MVP. NBA Finals – 1984 The 1984 NBA ...
NBA Final Winner 2008
NBA Finals – 2008 The 2008 NBA Finals were held June 5 through June 17 of 2008, to decide the winner of the 2007 – 2008 NBA season, and conclude the season’s playoffs. The Boston Celtics, top-seeded champions of the Eastern Conference, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, top-seeded champions of the Western Conference, four games to two in a best-of-seven ...-
Celtics Dominate Mavericks in 2024 Finals: Tatum and Brown Shine Bright
The 2024 NBA Finals was a dominant display by the Boston Celtics, who defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games to claim their 18th championship. The series was highlighted by the Celtics’ star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who consistently delivered big performances. Game 1: The Celtics started strong, commanding a 3-0 lead in the series. Tatum led ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Boston Celtics History
The Boston Celtics history is among the richest in all of professional sports. Founded in 1946, the franchise quickly became a powerhouse in Boston Celtics basketball and has maintained a legendary status within the Boston Celtics NBA world. With 17 championships and a legacy of iconic players, the team’s journey reflects perseverance, innovation, and unmatched dominance.
In the early years, the Celtics struggled to establish themselves. Their fortunes changed in 1950 when Red Auerbach became head coach. He introduced the fast break offense, full-court defense, and the “sixth man” strategy, revolutionizing the game. His focus on teamwork over individual play reshaped the franchise and laid the foundation for the golden era in Boston Celtics history.
Between 1957 and 1969, the Celtics built an NBA dynasty. Guided by Bill Russell, the team captured 11 championships in 13 years. Russell’s rebounding and defense changed the way basketball was played. Alongside him, legends like Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones left a permanent mark. These years cemented the Celtics as the most dominant franchise in Boston Celtics History records.
The 1980s brought another era of greatness. Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish formed one of the most feared trios in Boston Celtics basketball. Their battles with Magic Johnson’s Lakers defined the decade, producing unforgettable Finals matchups. The Celtics won three more championships in this era, further strengthening the Boston Celtics history of success.
Boston Celtics Achievements
In 2008, a new “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen revived the franchise, leading to another NBA championship. More recently, stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have carried the torch, keeping the Celtics in contention for the top spot in NBA team records. Their 2022 Finals appearance highlighted the team’s continued pursuit of greatness.
The franchise’s 17 championships place it among the most successful in NBA history, tied for the most titles in league history. From Bill Russell’s dominance to Larry Bird’s shooting and the modern-day brilliance of Tatum, the Boston Celtics history remains one of excellence, resilience, and championship spirit.
Jayson Tatum | Untold Stories and Career Highlights
It is an engaging video that offers a comprehensive look at the life and career of Jayson Tatum, the star forward for the Boston Celtics. This video takes viewers on a journey from Tatum's early basketball days in St. Louis, through his standout season at Duke University, to his rise as a critical player in the NBA. It showcases Tatum's impressive on-court performances, including his record-breaking rookie season and his significant role in Team USA's 2024 Paris Olympics campaign. The video also delves into Tatum's off-court life, highlighting his Christian faith, his efforts to boost home ownership in his hometown through his foundation, and his experiences as a father. With a blend of game highlights, interviews, and personal stories, this video provides a well-rounded portrait of Jayson Tatum's career and his impact on and off the court.
Larry Bird Career Secrets Unraveled: Journey to Greatness!
🌟Embark on an unforgettable journey into the legendary career of Larry Bird! From his humble beginnings to becoming one of basketball's most iconic figures, this video unveils the untold story of Bird's rise to greatness. Join us as we delve deep into his triumphs, struggles, and the legacy he leaves behind. Don't miss out on this exclusive insight into the life and career of a true hoops hero!
Are You Ready for the Most Dominant Boston Celtics Lineup Ever?
In the thrilling installment of our Mount Rushmore series, "Are You Ready for the Most Dominant Boston Celtics Lineup Ever?", we dive deep into the storied history of one of the NBA's most iconic franchises. This analysis spotlights the legendary players who donned the green and white, examining their contributions to the team's success and impact on the game. From the unparalleled skills of Bill Russell and Larry Bird to the modern-day prowess of stars like Jayson Tatum, we explore the dynamics that make this hypothetical lineup the most formidable in Celtics history.
Retired Number
00 / Robert Parish
1 / Walter A. Brown
2 / Red Auerbach
3 / Dennis Johnson
6 / Bill Russell
10 / Jo Jo White
14 / Bob Cousy
15 / Tom Heinsohn
16 / Tom "Satch" Sanders
17 / John Havlicek
18 / Dave Cowens
19 / Don Nelson
21 / Bill Sharman
22 / Ed Macauley
23 / Frank Ramsey
24 / Sam Jones
25 / K.C. Jones
31 / Cedric Maxwell
32 / Kevin McHale
33 / Larry Bird
34 / Paul Pierce
35 / Reggie Lewis
LOSCY / Jim Loscutoff
MIC / Johnny Most
*Blue is this team’s history