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Boston Celtics
Eastern Conference/Atlantic Division

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History of the Celtics

Entering their 63rd season this year, the Celtics were one of the few BAA (Basketball Association of America) teams absorbed into the NBL (National Basketball League) back in the 1946/47 season.  But it wasn’t until the 1950/51 season, when the team hired Coach Red Auerbach that the Celtics mystic began. (The NBL later became the NBA)

For the next six seasons the Celtics would knock on the door of the Eastern Division Finals until the door opened in the 1956/57 season with a team that included 6 players who averaged double figure scoring (Bill Sharman - 21.1 ppg, Bob Cousy - 20.6 ppg, Tom Heinsohn - 16.2 ppg, Bill Russell - 14.7 ppg, Frank Ramsey - 11.9 ppg and Jim Loscutoff - 10.6 ppg).  The team finished the year 44-28 and tore through the Philadelphia Warriors (3 games) and the St. Louis Hawks (7 games) en route to their 1st of 17 titles (that would include 9 titles in 10 years)

The Celtics drafted Jo Jo White in the 69/70 season, Dave Cowens in the 70/71 season and acquired Paul Silas and John Havlicek and together led the team to 2 championships in the 70’s (1974, 1976).

The 80’s also proved fruitful for the Celtics as they drafted Larry Bird (1979) and Kevin McHale (1980) and already had Cedric Maxwell on their rosters and surrounded themselves with enough talent to win 3 more titles in the decade (1981, 1984 and 1986).  It would be another 22 years before the Celtics would again touch championship gold.

Just before the 2006/2007 season began, Celtic Patriarch Red Auerbach dies at the age of 89.  The same year, the Celtics would make a move that would propel them back into contention.  In a stunning 7 for 1 blockbuster trade, the Celtics dealt Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair and Theo Ratliff, two first round draft picks and cash for 10-time All Star and former MVP Kevin Garnett.  His addition to the team which already sported Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, the move made the Celtics immediate contenders and they would not disappoint as they went on to win the 2008 Championship.

The Celtics have won a total of 17 championships (1957, 59, 1960, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 69, 1974, 76, 1981, 84, 86 and 2008.  They have been to the NBA Finals 20 times; have won the Conference Finals 31 times.  They have been Division Champions 26 times and have appeared in the NBA Playoffs 45 times.

The Celtics have had 29 Hall of Famers on their rosters to include Nate Archibald, Coach Red Auerbach, Dave Bing, Larry Bird, Owner Walter Brown, Bob Cousy, Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, Bob Houbregs, Bailey Howell, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Coach Alvin Julian, Clyde Lovellette,  Ed Macauley, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Kevin McHale, Bill Mokray, Robert Parish, Andy Phillip, Frank Ramsey, Arnie Risen, Bill Russell, John Russell, Bill Sharman, Bill Walton and Dominique Wilkins.

Team Awards include 3 Coach of the Year Awards (1965 – Red Auerbach, 1973 – Tommy Heinshon and 1980 Bill Fitch), 3 Rookie of the Year Awards (1957 -  Tommy Heinshon, 1971 – Dave Cowens and 1980 – Larry Bird), 3 Sixth Man of the Year Awards (1984 – Kevin McHale, 1985 – Kevin McHale, 1986 – Bill Walton), 1 Defensive Player of the Year Award (2008 – Kevin Garnett) and 10 Most Valuable Player Awards (Bob Cousy – 1957, Bill Russell – 1958, 61, 62, 63, 65, Dave Cowens – 1973 and Larry Bird – 1984, 85 and 86). 



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TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Mass.


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