Foundation and Early Years (1946-1956)
The Boston Celtics were founded in 1946 as one of the original teams of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later became the NBA after merging with the National Basketball League (NBL). Walter A. Brown was the founder and first owner of the team. In their early years, the Celtics did not have significant success, but they laid the foundation for a promising future.
Red Auerbach era and NBA dominance (1956-1969)
Red Auerbach:
In 1950, Red Auerbach was hired as coach and general manager. Auerbach became a legendary figure in Celtics history, known for his innovative style of play and leadership.
Bill Russell:
In 1956, the Celtics acquired Bill Russell, who would become one of the greatest players in basketball history. With Russell as a defensive pillar and rebounder, the Celtics dominated the NBA.
Championship Streak:
Between 1957 and 1969, the Celtics won 11 NBA championships, including a streak of eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966, a record that still stands. This period is considered the golden era of the Celtics.
Decade of the 70s: Renewal and Successes (1970-1980)
John Havlicek:
After Russell retired, John Havlicek became the star of the team. In 1974 and 1976, the Celtics won two more championships, cementing their position as one of the most successful teams in the league.
Dave Cowens:
Another key player during this decade was Dave Cowens, a versatile and talented center who helped lead the Celtics in their quest for titles.
The Larry Bird Era (1980-1992)
Larry Bird:
In 1978, the Celtics drafted Larry Bird, who would become one of the biggest stars in basketball history. Bird led the team along with players such as Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.
Rivalry with the Lakers:
During the 1980s, the Celtics had a fierce rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, meeting in three NBA Finals (1984, 1985 and 1987). The Celtics won the championship in 1981, 1984 and 1986.
90s: Difficult Years (1992-2002)
The '90s were a challenging decade for the Celtics. Following the retirement of Larry Bird and the tragic death of Reggie Lewis, the team struggled to maintain its success and experienced several years of rebuilding and lackluster performance.
Renaissance with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett (2002-2013)
Paul Pierce:
In the early 2000s, Paul Pierce emerged as the team's star, but it was the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in 2007 that revitalized the Celtics.
2008 Championship:
With Pierce, Garnett and Allen, known as "The Big Three," the Celtics won the NBA championship in 2008 by defeating the Lakers in the Finals. This title marked the return of the Celtics to the basketball elite.
Current Era and Promising Future (2014-Present)
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown:
In the last decade, the Celtics have become serious contenders again, building a team around young talents like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Playoffs and Title Aspirations:
Although they have yet to win another championship, the Celtics have been a competitive team in the playoffs, showing a promising future with their young and talented core.
Legacy
The Boston Celtics are one of the most successful and iconic franchises in NBA history. With a record 17 championships, shared with the Los Angeles Lakers, and a rich history filled with legends and iconic moments, the Celtics continue to be a major force in the league, with a passionate fan base and an ongoing commitment to excellence.
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