Sports History

Born May 25, 1926, in Abilene, Texas, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard, Bill Sharman. Bill in in the Hall of Fame twice! Once as a coach and once as a player. Sharman played most of his pro hoops career as a member of the the Boston Celtics in the 1950s, partnering with Bob Cousy in what was then considered the greatest backcourts of all-time. He was the first North American sports figure to win a championship as a player, coach, and executive and was a 10-time NBA champion in these combined capacities.

Born September 2, 1941, in Washington, D.C., was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame legendary center and Coach John Thompson. This legend may be best known as the great runs his Georgetown Hoyas Basketball program had in the 1980s and 90s. His Hoyas team with Sleepy Flloyd and Patrick Ewing won the NCAA Championship in 1984. He later became a broadcaster. As a player Thompson was part of the NBA Championship winning Boston Celtics of 1965, 66.

Born August 9, 1928, in Manhattan, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Point Guard, Bob Cousy. Cousy played for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963, and briefly with the Cincinnati Royals during the 1969–70 season. Number 14 was a 13-time NBA All-Star and 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player, as he was a core piece during the early half of the Celtics dynasty winning six NBA championships. NBA Jersey Number 14

Born September 2, 1948, in New York, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Point Guard Tiny Archibald. Nate Archibald was a six-time NBA All-Star and was selected as All-NBA five times. His accolades include being the 1972-73 League scoring champion and winning an NBA Championship in 1981. The southpaw shooter played for the Cincinnati Royals, Kansas City-Omaha Kings, New York Nets, Boston Celtics, and the Milwaukee Bucks.

For over 75 years, the Boston Celtics have been synonymous with excellence in the NBA. From the iconic green and white jerseys to the passionate fan base known as "Celtics Nation," the franchise boasts a rich history filled with legendary players, thrilling victories, and a relentless pursuit of championship glory.

This series delves into the heart of Celtics Country, taking you on a journey through the team's illustrious past. We'll explore the early days of the franchise, witnessing the rise of its first dynasty led by the likes of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy. We'll relive the iconic battles against the Los Angeles Lakers, the leadership of Larry Bird, and the recent resurgence under young stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

But beyond the wins and titles, we'll also delve into the personalities that shaped the Celtics' identity. We'll meet the passionate coaches, the clutch performers, and the loyal fans who have contributed to the team's enduring legacy.

Whether you're a lifelong Celtics diehard or a newcomer to the world of basketball, this series will offer something for everyone. So, lace up your virtual sneakers, grab your lucky charm, and prepare to be immersed in the rich history and captivating stories that make the Boston Celtics a true basketball icon.

Born November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, California, was Basketball Hall of Fame Center Bill Walton. This legend was a star at UCLA before being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. Walton also played on the San Diego/ Los Angeles Clippers, and the Boston Celtics. Walton led Portland to an NBA championship in 1977, earning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award that season. He won another NBA title in 1986 as a member of the Boston Celtics. Bill was a two-time All-Star and was on the NBA 75th Anniversary team.

Born January 16, 1946, in St Louis, Missouri, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Point Guard, Joseph White, better know as Jo Jo White. This legend was a seven-time NBA All-Star, the 1975-76 NBA Finals MVP, and two-time Champion. Jo Jo White's amazing thirteen year career had him on the rosters of the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and the Kansas-City Kings. Averages for Jo Jo included 17.2 points and just under 5 assists per game.

Larry Bird, nicknamed "The Hick from French Lick," defied expectations with his unorthodox style and unwavering dedication, carving his name into basketball history as one of the game's greatest players. Born and raised in French Lick, Indiana, Bird developed exceptional skills on makeshift courts, honing his shooting touch and basketball IQ.

Despite attending a small college, Indiana State University, Bird's talent shone through. He led the team to the NCAA championship game twice, showcasing his unique combination of shooting, passing, and basketball savvy. Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird faced skepticism due to his physical limitations and unconventional playing style. However, he quickly silenced the doubters, earning Rookie of the Year honors and leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his debut season, where they fell to the Philadelphia 76ers.

His fierce rivalry with Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers defined Bird's career. Their contrasting styles – Bird, the cerebral forward, and Magic, the dazzling point guard – ignited an era of NBA dominance and captivated millions of fans. The two teams met in the NBA Finals thrice throughout the 1980s, with the Celtics emerging victorious in 1984 and 1986.

Beyond his rivalry with Magic, Bird established himself as one of the most complete players in NBA history. He won three NBA championships with the Celtics, earning three Finals MVP awards and demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. He was a master of the jump shot, earning the nickname "Larry Legend" for his clutch performances and remarkable consistency.

Bird's impact extended beyond his statistics. He brought a sense of work ethic and dedication to the game, inspiring generations of players across the globe. He embodied loyalty, playing his 13-year career with the Celtics, becoming a beloved figure in Boston, and fostering a passionate fan base.

However, Bird's career was challenging. He battled back injuries in his later years, ultimately retiring in 1992.

Born December 7, 1956, in West Baden, Indiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Forward, Larry Bird. This legend from Indiana State University was a college and pro hoops standout player. Bird was a 12-time All-Star, made All-NBA ten times, was a three-time League MVP, and a three-time NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics. In 13 NBA seasons Larry averaged 24.3 points per game and 6.3 assists. It was the little things he did and playing with such focus and intensity that made Bird a legend.

Born February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Center Bill Russell. This legendary big man was a twelve-time NBA All-Star and five-time League Most Valuable Player.
Russell was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks with the second overall pick in the 1956 NBA draft, but he was traded to the Boston Celtics on draft day. The Celtics had been one of the worst teams in the NBA for several years, but Russell quickly turned the team around. He led the Celtics to their first NBA championship in 1957, and he helped them win eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966.

"Bill the Hill" was a dominant force on the defensive end of the court. He was a relentless rebounder and a fearsome shot blocker. He was also a very intelligent player, and he was a master of defensive positioning. Russell was also a very good passer, and he often led the Celtics in assists.

Russell "The Stuffer" was not a prolific scorer, but he was a very efficient one. He averaged 15.1 points per game over his career, but he shot 52.6% from the field. He was also a good free throw shooter, making 78.5% of his free throws.

Born September 20, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Coach and General Manager Red Auerbach. This legend led the Boston Celtics to nine NBA Championships.
Auerbach began his NBA coaching career with the Washington Capitols in 1946. He then spent one season with the Tri-Cities Blackhawks before becoming the head coach of the Celtics in 1950.

Auerbach quickly turned the Celtics into a powerhouse. He led the team to nine NBA championships in 16 seasons as coach, including an unprecedented eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966.

Auerbach was a master innovator, and is credited with developing many of the strategies and tactics that are still used in the NBA today. He was also a brilliant talent evaluator, and helped to build the Celtics into a dynasty by drafting and trading for some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and John Havlicek.

Red retired from coaching in 1966, but he remained involved with the Celtics as president and general manager. He continued to lead the team to success, winning six more NBA championships during his time in the front office.

Auerbach was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969. He is the only person in NBA history to win 16 championships, either as a coach or executive.