Original Celtics Hall of Fame NBA

The Original Celtics were one of the most dominant and influential teams in early professional basketball. Formed in New York in 1914 as the New York Celtics, the team was later re-formed by promoter James Furey as the Original Celtics following World War I. Playing extensively at Madison Square Garden and across the country, the Celtics helped bring professional basketball to a national audience. Their legendary roster included future Hall of Famers Nat Holman, Dutch Dehnert, John Beckman, and Joe Lapchick.

During a 205-game national barnstorming schedule, the team posted an extraordinary 193–11–1 record. The Celtics later joined the American Basketball League and won back-to-back championships in 1927 and 1928. They were also pioneers of several techniques that became fundamental to modern basketball, including post play, zone defense, and switching man-to-man defense. The Original Celtics were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959 as a Team.

Celtics Team's Awards and Honors

• 2× American Basketball League Champion — 1927, 1928
• 193–11–1 record during a 205-game national tour
• First professional team to sign exclusive player contracts
• Credited with pioneering post play
• Credited with developing zone defense
• Credited with advancing switching man-to-man defense
• Were among the first teams inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame

Team Stats

Founded:
1914
Primary Home Venue:
Madison Square Garden
National Barnstorming Record:
193–11–1
ABL Championships:
2
ABL Titles:
1927, 1928