Quick Intro: Boston Celtics History

The Boston Celtics are perhaps the most storied franchise in the history of the National Basketball Association. With 17 banners hanging from the famed rafters, the Boston Celtics have more NBA Championships than any other team. Their most recent NBA Championship came during the 2007-2008 season as the Celtics defeated long-time rival Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Boston Celtics grew to fame in the late 1950's and 1960's, winning 11 championships in 13 years under the guidance of legendary NBA head coach Red Auerbach. During that span of success, the Boston Celtics won eight National Basketball Association championships in a row. The Boston Celtics' current head coach is Doc Rivers.

The Boston Celtics have had many great players throughout its storied history. Among the top players to wear the Celtics uniform are Bob Cousy, Bill Russel, Dave Cowens and Larry Bird, all of whom won Most Valuable Player Awards while playing for the Celtics. Other NBA greats like Tommy Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Paul Silas, JoJo White, John Havlicek, Cedrick Maxwell, Chris Ford, Tiny Archibald, M.L. Carr, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Kevin McHale, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen have also played for the Celtics.

Despite all of the success, though, the Boston Celtics have endured tragedy, twice seeing young and up-and-coming players die. In 1986, just 48 hours after being drafted by the Boston Celtics, Len Bias died of a cocaine overdose. In 1993, 26-year old Reggie Lewis died of a heart attack during the off-season after fainting on the court during a playoff game.