Boston Celtics NBA Profile: Five things you need to know

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basketball.com.au

18 Championships Spanning Seven Decades

18 NBA Championships - most in league history
11 titles in 13 seasons from 1957-1969
Home to Legendary players Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Paul Pierce and Jason Tatum

The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied and successful franchises in NBA history, with a legacy of championship teams spanning multiple eras.

The Boston Celtics have been the NBA's most dominant franchise, winning a record 18 championships across seven decades. Their dynasty began in the 1950s and reached its peak in the 1960s, when the team led by Bill Russell and coach Red Auerbach won an unprecedented 11 titles in 13 seasons. The Celtics continued their success in later decades behind stars such as Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and, now, Jason Tatum.

Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics posts up James Worthy the Los Angeles Lakers at the Forum in Inglewood, California in 1988. Photo: Rick Stewart /Allsport

The Celtics set the standard for sustained excellence in the NBA. Their dynasties in different eras demonstrated the franchise's ability to rebuild and remain competitive across generations. The Celtics-Lakers rivalry of the 1980s helped propel the NBA to new heights of popularity. Boston's emphasis on team play and defense influenced basketball strategy league-wide.

Few teams in any sport can match the Celtics' combination of championships, legendary players and coaches, and cultural impact. Their 11 titles in 13 years remains one of the most impressive dynastic runs in sports history. The Celtics have featured some of basketball's greatest players and innovators, from Bill Russell revolutionising defensive play to Larry Bird's all-around brilliance.

Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics dunks on Kurt Thomas #40 of the New York Knicks on March 9, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Photo: Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Australians who have played for the Boston Celtics

Aron Baynes: A key defensive presence, Baynes played for the Celtics from 2017 to 2019. He contributed significantly to the team's interior defense and rebounding efforts.

Five Fast Facts

The Celtics' 18 championships are the most of any NBA franchise
Boston won 8 consecutive NBA titles from 1959 to 1966
Bill Russell won 11 championships in his 13-year career with the Celtics
The Celtics have retired 22 jersey numbers, the most in the NBA
Larry Bird won 3 consecutive MVP awards from 1984 to 1986

Team Highlights Timeline

1957: Win first NBA championship, defeating St. Louis Hawks
1959: Begin record streak of 8 consecutive NBA titles
1966: Red Auerbach retires as coach after 9th championship
1969: Bill Russell retires after winning 11th title in 13 years
1981: Larry Bird leads Celtics to first championship of 1980s
1986: Celtics win 16th title with arguably greatest team ever
2008: "Big Three" of Pierce, Garnett and Allen win 17th championship
2024: Celtics defeat Dallas Mavericks to win 18th NBA title

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots a three-pointer against Jaden Ivy #23 of the Detroit Pistons in the fourth quarter of a game at Little Caesars Arena on October 26, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

The Boston Celtics' nearly unparalleled success across multiple eras cements their status as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. From the Russell dynasty of the 1960s to the Bird era of the 1980s to the Pierce-Garnett years and beyond, the Celtics have consistently fielded championship-caliber teams for over 60 years. Their 18 titles, legendary players and coaches, and lasting impact on basketball strategy and culture make them a franchise against which all others are measured.