The Boston Celtics are one of the historic franchises in all of sports. Impressively, Boston’s 18 titles are the most in the league. Some of the best players in league history have donned the Green and White. Since it’s All-Star Weekend, let’s explore some of the Celtics’ incredible history by listing the five Celtics with the most All-Star appearances.
Top 5 Celtics Players With the Most All-Star Appearances
Paul Pierce: 10
Paul Pierce, aka The Truth, is one of the most beloved players in franchise history. During his 15-year tenure with the Celtics, Pierce averaged 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. In addition to 10 All-Star selections, Pierce made four All-NBA teams. Pierce stayed with the Celtics through thick and thin. From 2001 to 2005, Pierce led the team to four straight playoff appearances; he would stick around for an abysmal two-year stretch where the Celtics posted 33 and 24 wins in back-to-back seasons. However, in the 2007 offseason, the Celtics landed Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, creating an iconic trio. The Celtics went on to win 66 games, the third-best record in franchise history, and their 17th NBA championship. Pierce won Finals MVP in 2008 after an incredible series against the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers.
Bill Russell: 12
With 11 titles in 13 seasons, Bill Russell is the greatest winner in team sports and an all-time legend. Impressively, his last two titles came as a player-coach. Russell posted career averages of 15.1 points and 22.5 rebounds; he was an all-time great rebounder and defender. Additionally, Russell was a key figure in the civil rights era, paving the way for future generations. Russell was named an All-Star in every season outside of his rookie year. Furthermore, Russell won five MVPs throughout his 13-year career and was named to 11 All-NBA teams. Because of his incredible achievements on and off the court, Russell’s iconic No. 6 is retired across the league.
Larry Bird: 12
Ironically, the two greatest Celtics have the same number of All-Star appearances. Similar to Russell, Larry Bird spent his entire 13-year career with the Celtics. The only year Bird didn’t make an All-Star team was 1988-89, when he played just six games due to a back injury. During his illustrious career, Bird won three MVPs in a row and three titles. Bird remains the last player in league history to win three straight MVPs. His three titles came in 1981, 1984, and 1986. The 1985-86 Celtics are widely considered the best team in franchise history; they won 67 games and had a dominant frontcourt with Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Bill Walton off the bench. They are among the best teams in league history. Overall, Bird posted averages of 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
Bob Cousy: 13
Bob Cousy was one of the NBA’s first superstars; he helped revolutionize the game with his elite passing. Notably, Cousy led the league in assists eight times. Cousy spent 13 years with the Celtics, making an All-Star team each season; he also made 12 All-NBA teams. He would briefly come out of retirement to play seven games with Cincinnati Royals in 1969-70 as a player coach. With the Celtics, Cousy won one MVP and six championships. Cousy posted averages of 18.5 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. He will forever be remembered as one of the best point guards in league history.
John Havlicek: 13
The Celtics’ all-time leading scorer is tied with Cousy for the most All-Star appearances in franchise history. John Havlicek spent his entire 16-year career with the Celtics, winning eight titles in the process, six of them coming alongside Russell. Havlicek won the 1974 Finals MVP in Boston’s first post-Russell title. In 1965, Havlicek’s famous steal clinched another Finals birth for the Celtics, this also resulted in Johnny Most’s iconic “Havlicek stole the ball” call. Hondo posted career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. In addition to his eight titles and 13 All-Star appearances, Havlicek was named to 11 All-NBA teams and eight All-Defensive teams. Ultimately, Havlicek is one of the most underrated and accomplished players in league history.
Photo credit: © Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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