The Boston Celtics are most known for their history of elite scorers, from generations past to present. Some of the best players in NBA history come from Boston, with many being at the Small Forward position. With so many great players, which stands as the best?
3. Paul Pierce
The new age of Celtics fans argues that Jayson Tatum may be better than Pierce, but recency bias dominates the conversation. Pierce is among the most elite scoring small forwards of the 2000s and reigned over the NBA.
Pierce had career numbers of 19.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 44.5% from the field and almost 37% from three. His work with the Celtics earned him 10 All-Star appearances, with a 2nd team All-NBA nod and three 3rd team All-NBA accolades.
His biggest accomplishment was the 2008 NBA Championship, where the Celtics won, and Pierce was chosen as the Finals MVP. As time passed, Pierce’s number was hung in the rafters, making him a legend among Celtics greats.
2. John Havlicek
John Havlicek was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His skills and achievements on the court were remarkable, and he is widely considered one of the complete players in NBA history.
During his 16-year career with the Boston Celtics, Havlicek won eight NBA championships and was named to 13 NBA All-Star teams. He was also a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, a four-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, and was named to the All-NBA First Team four times and the All-NBA Second Team seven times.
Havlicek was a versatile player who could play multiple positions on the court and was known for his endurance and competitiveness. He was an excellent scorer, rebounder, and passer and was equally adept on defense. He averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game over his career.
1. Larry Bird
Obviously, Larry Bird sits at the top of this list. A top 10 NBA player of all time, Bird is one of the most accomplished and respected players in Celtics history and league history.
During his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics, Bird won three NBA championships, was named the NBA Finals MVP twice, and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player three times. He was also a 12-time NBA All-Star and a nine-time All-NBA First Team selection.
Bird was an incredibly versatile player who could shoot, pass, and rebound at a high level. He averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game over his career and was known for his clutch performances in important games.
Off the court, Bird was known for his work ethic and competitiveness, and his impact on the game of basketball continues to be felt to this day. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, and his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time is secure.
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