John Havlicek

The Boston Celtics are winners of 17 NBA titles, 21 Conference titles and 20 Division titles. Saying that the Celtics have a rich history in the NBA is an understatement. Boston Celtics to win eight consecutive titles at one point, starting in 1957 and ending in 1969. Some of the greatest players to be a part of this winning franchise are Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, Bob Cousy, Larry Bird and Paul Pierce. In my opinion, greatest Boston Celtics of all-time are John Havlicek, Larry Bird and Bill Russell.

No.3: John Havlicek (1962 - 1978)

Havlicek won eight championships in his tenure with the Celtics. At the end of his career, he averaged 20.8 points per game, 4.8 assists per game and 6.3 rebounds. Havlicek made an impact on the NBA with thirteen NBA All-Star game selections, eleven All-NBA team appearances, an NBA Finals MVP in 1974 and being named to the All-NBA defensive team eight times. He is considered the best 6th man in NBA history. Surprisingly, he is the Celtics All-Time leader in points, games played, minutes played and both field goals made and attempted.

No.2: Larry Bird (1979 - 1992)

Larry Bird is regarded as one of the smartest men ever in basketball. Bird's career ended with him averaging 24.3 points per game, 6.3 assists per game and 10 rebounds per game. We could go on endlessly about Bird's memorable achievements with the Celtics. He achieved three titles in Boston, was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1980, won the NBA MVP three times, was two times the NBA Finals MVP, twelve times and NBA All-Star and nine times named to the All-NBA First team. Only once every so often in history a player such as Larry Bird comes along and steals the hearts of fans all across the world.

No.1: Bill Russell (1956 - 1969)

Let us give Bill Russell a moment of silence for all his achievements - they rank among the most impressive in the history of the league. The best Celtic of all-time has eleven NBA Championship rings, yes eleven. He is also a twelve-time All-Star player, five time NBA MVP, and five-time NBA Rebounding champion. Russell is at the heart of the Celtics dynasty. He preached defense and he played it as well as anyone in history. Bill Russell is one of the greatest players to ever play the game and you'd be hard-pressed to argue that any other player should be ranked at the top of this list.

Not many teams can boast the likes of John Havlicek, Larry Bird and Bill Russell in their franchise history. All three players named could have been recognized as the greatest ever playing for many other teams. They all know what it feels like to win multiple titles and to hold multiple records. However, when it's all said and done, I am sure you will agree with me in saying that the owner of eleven championship rings, Bill Russell, is the greatest Boston Celtic of all-time.