The Boston Celtics are one of four dynastic teams located in or around Boston, Massachusetts. Here are ten facts about the Celtics you may not have known!
1. Green Runs Deep
The Boston Celtics have been a part of the NBA since 1946, before the league was even known as the NBA. It is one of only a few original franchises still in operation under the same name today.
2. Their mascot has a name
That’s right, the leprechaun who has been smoking a cigar and winking at you as he balances a basketball on his finger has been around since the 1660’s. His name is Lucky, and you can spot him at Celtics games! Furthermore, Lucky the Leprechaun is an actual job which has both a description and requirements on the Celtics’ web site. Imagine becoming the Celtics’ mascot!
3. They hold the NBA’s longest win streak
Starting in 1959, the Boston Celtics won eight consecutive championships. Some notable players Bob Cousy, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Satch Sanders, John Havilcek, Tom Heinsohn, and Bill Russell all lead the team to its glory during these years.
4. They had a legendary center
Bill Russell is his name, maybe you’ve heard of him? Russell won eleven NBA championships in his thirteen year career.
5. The Garden hasn’t always been the Garden
The Celtics used to play in the Boston Garden, it wasn’t until 1995 that the TD Garden was built.
6. The Celtics once had a full-grown baby play for their team.
Glen “Big Baby” Davis was fun to watch.
7. Paul Pierce loved the Lakers
That’s right, former Celtics stud Paul Pierce, who was drafted by and played for the Celtics for just about his entire career, was a big Lakers fan growing up. Imagine seeing your favorite team on the court-only you are against them.
8. The Celtics and Lakers go way back
Ever since Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were the tyrants of the basketball courts, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have been rivals. In the 80’s it was Larry Bird and Magic Johnson leading the two teams, and more recently Paul Pierce and Kobe Bryant. It would be exciting to see the current players on each team keep that rivalry.
9. They have the most NBA titles
Maybe you knew this one, but the Celtics have won a total of seventeen championships, dating back to Cousy and Russell dominating the league.
10. There is a “White Mamba”
His name is Brian Scalabrine and though he was no Kobe, the present-day sports analyst was a riot during his basketball years.
11. They were the first NBA franchise to draft someone of African-American descent
Chuck Cooper, who played with the Celtics for four years.
12. Danny Ainge was in the MLB
Ainge, a former Celtics player and current president of the Celtics, made it onto the Toronto Blue Jays roster in 1979 while he was in college.
13. The Celts had their own “splash bros”
Ray Allen holds the record for most three pointers made in the NBA, with 2,973. Former Celtic Paul Pierce is in currently fourth for threes made all time. Believe it or not, there was an Isiah Thomas who played on the Detroit Pistons in the 80's. A member of the "Bad Boys", Thomas was a twelve-time all-star.
14. Isaiah Thomas isn't the first amazing point guard named Isaiah Thomas
Believe it or not, there was an Isiah Thomas who played on the Detroit Pistons in the 80's. A member of the "Bad Boys", Thomas was a twelve-time all-star.
The drive for banner eighteen continues!
