5 best players in Boston Celtics history

2. Bill Russell

Russell’s big man rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain in the 1960’s was absolutely unequaled for a long time in the NBA. While he was not nearly as prolific scorer as Chamberlain, Russell was an unrivaled rebounder (22.5 per game for his career) and a great defensive player while winning 11 NBA titles in his 13 seasons as a Boston Celtic.

Russell became a player/coach for the Celtics for three seasons when Red Auerbach decided to retire, helping lead the team to the final two titles of his career (1968 and 1969) while “coaching” many of the his legendary teammates. Russell would go on to coach the Seattle Supersonics for four seasons (1973-1977), with two playoff appearances, and the Sacramento Kings for one campaign (1987-88) with a 17-41 record.

Russell’s legacy is obviously and clearly as a Celtic. Today, at 82 years old, he’s an ambassador for the franchise and a landmark legend for NBA history as a whole. If there could be co-No.1s on this list, and maybe there can be, Russell would be one of the two.