The Boston Celtics are synonymous with basketball greatness. With a record 18 NBA championships and a legacy of legendary players like Bill Russell and Larry Bird, the Celtics are a cornerstone of the sport’s history. But beneath the shamrocks and the championship banners lie some surprising stories and lesser-known facts. Dive deeper into the mystique of the “Green Machine” with these 10 interesting and little-known details about the Boston Celtics.
Founded in 1946:
The Boston Celtics were founded on June 6, 1946, making them one of the oldest basketball teams in the NBA.
Color of Controversy:
The Celtics’ iconic green wasn’t always their primary color. Originally, the team donned red and white, a nod to Harvard University. However, due to a clash with the colors of another Boston professional team (the Boston Bruins), Celtics founder Walter Brown opted for green. The new color scheme paid homage to Boston’s large Irish population and also served as a subtle tribute to the “Original Celtics,” a renowned barnstorming team from the early 20th century.
Record-Breaking Championships:
The Boston Celtics boast a staggering total of 18 NBA championships, the most in league history. However, what sets them apart is their dominance in the late 1950s and 1960s when they clinched 11 titles in 13 seasons, including an unprecedented eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966.
Drafting History:
The Boston Celtics hold a significant place in NBA racial integration. In 1950, they drafted Chuck Cooper, making him the first African-American player selected in league history. While Cooper faced racism and discrimination throughout his career, his selection marked a crucial step towards a more inclusive NBA.
Lucky’s Legacy:
The lovable leprechaun, Lucky the Leprechaun, is a beloved Celtics mascot. But did you know his creation wasn’t solely a marketing ploy? In the early 1950s, Celtics player and fan favorite Ed Macauley donned a leprechaun costume during a promotional event. The mascot’s popularity soared, and Lucky officially became a team fixture in 1963.
Bill Russell’s Legacy:
Bill Russell, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, played for the Celtics from 1956 to 1969. During his career, he won 11 NBA championships, the most by any player in history. Russell was known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership on the court.
The Draft Day Heist:
In 1980, the Celtics orchestrated one of the most infamous draft-day steals in NBA history. They traded two first-round picks to the Golden State Warriors for Robert Parrish and the third overall pick, which they used to select future Hall of Famer Kevin McHale. This move laid the foundation for the Celtics’ success in the 1980s.
The Auerbach Fingerprint:
Red Auerbach, the legendary Celtics coach and general manager, is a central figure in the team’s success. But his impact goes beyond championships. Auerbach is credited with pioneering several basketball strategies, including the “sixth-man” concept, which involves a key player coming off the bench to provide a scoring boost.
Broadcast Booth Beginnings:
The iconic voice of the Celtics, Johnny Most, wasn’t always a broadcasting legend. Most began his Celtics association not as an announcer, but as a public relations director. His passionate and colorful commentary style, often laced with his thick Boston accent, eventually landed him in the broadcast booth, where he became synonymous with Celtics basketball for decades.
The Triple-Double Trailblazer:
Long before triple-doubles became a regular occurrence in the NBA, Celtics legend Bob Cousy was setting the standard. In 1959, Cousy recorded the first triple-double in NBA Finals history, solidifying his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
The Boston Celtics’ legacy extends far beyond their championship banners and superstar players. It’s woven into the fabric of basketball history through lesser-known anecdotes, traditions, and moments that illuminate the enduring mystique of this storied franchise. As Celtics fans continue to cherish their team’s rich heritage, these fascinating facts serve as testaments to the indelible mark the Boston Celtics have left on the NBA landscape.