I think the Lakers are the only team that even comes close to the Yankees in terms of greatness among pro sports franchises. The Celtics may be third. I don't think they stack up.
But, before that discussion, who are the top Celtics? We'll use the official results from the polling for that other comparison later.
From The Bleacher Report's Top 25 Players in Boston Celtics History:
Career Accomplishments with Boston: 11 NBA titles, five MVPs, 12-time NBA All-Star, five-time rebounding champion, No. 6 retired by Celtics.
One of the greatest winners in all of professional sports, Bill Russell came to the Celtics in 1956 and immediately made as big an impact on the game of basketball as any player has. With his phenomenal athleticism, Russell helped to transform basketball from a horizontal game into a vertical one.
What ultimately sets Russell apart from Larry Bird as the greatest Celtic ever is that though Bird made basketball a much more popular game, Russell truly transformed the way the sport is played.
Though his 6’9” stature would seem unimpressive now, Russell towered over players in his era and used his superb length and instincts to dominate on the defensive end of the floor.
Never much of a scorer, Russell made his bones as a rebounder, a shot-blocker and an underrated passer. He was a decent post-up threat, but he made up for his lack of a jumper with his ability to run the floor and get easy buckets. For his career he averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists, with the great tragedy being that blocks were not kept track of back then.
Beyond just his numbers, Russell was as fearsome a competitor as they come. He had an 11-0 record in Game 7s, and the only years he did not win a championship were 1958 and 1967. He frequently played his best ball under the brightest lights, posting a 30-point, 40-rebound performance in Game 7 of the 1962 NBA Finals. That’s 40, with a four.
To put it simply, there is a reason that the NBA Finals MVP trophy is named after Russell.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Three NBA titles, two NBA Finals MVPs, three MVPs, 12-time NBA All-Star, nine-time All-NBA first team, 1980 Rookie of the Year, No. 33 retired by Celtics
Things were looking bleak for Boston in the late 1970s before the arrival of Larry Bird, who instantly returned the franchise to its status as a perennial contender. Bird was far from the best athlete, but he saw the floor like few players in NBA history have, and what he lacked in pure athleticism he made up for in sheer creativity.
Bird was a true five-tool player, someone capable of scoring at will, rebounding his position, playing point forward and even locking down his man in his younger days.
For his career, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 49.6 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.
In his prime, Bird was as tough to cover offensively as any player in league history. He had limitless range, could back down smaller defenders and was such a deft passer that often his teammate would have the ball before the defense even realized it left Bird's hands.
Back injuries slowed him down during the later years of his career, but Bird was still able to bring Boston three more banners while his rivalry with Magic Johnson defined the NBA for a new generation of basketball fans.
Even as his physical abilities diminished, Bird was still dominant as a facilitator and an outside shooter, running the Celtics offense and bombing away from three-point range.
And, if you believe Paul George, he hasn’t lost much, even at 56 years old.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Eight NBA titles, one NBA Finals MVP, 13-time NBA All-Star, four-time All-NBA first team, No. 17 retired by Celtics
John Havlicek’s name may not hold the same weight nowadays as Larry Bird’s or Bill Russell’s, but "Hondo" goes down in history as one of the most successful and durable Celtics players in history.
Havlicek spent 16 seasons in the NBA from 1962-1978, an incredible number given the poor travel conditions, rigorous schedule and lack of medical technology present during that era. In his entire career, Havlicek missed more than seven games in a season just once and played through a separated shoulder in the 1973 postseason.
A two-sport athlete who was also drafted by the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, Havlicek excelled early in his career as a sixth man, but took on a greater role in the 1970s once Russell and Sam Jones retired. He led the league in minutes in 1971 and 1972, forming a formidable tandem with Dave Cowens.
A good shooter and a lockdown defender, Hondo was capable of handling the ball and playing off the ball on the wing too. He was also a phenomenal athlete who thrived on the fast break and was willing to throw his body around with reckless abandon.
For his career, Havlicek averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 43.9 percent from the field.
He also gave us one of the NBA’s enduring phrases in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals, making “Havlicek stole the ball!” one of the league’s immortal phrases.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Three NBA titles, seven-time NBA All-Star, one-time All-NBA first team, two-time Sixth Man of the Year, No. 32 retired by Celtics
A tremendous scorer with perhaps the best post game in NBA history, Kevin McHale shined playing alongside Larry Bird and helped Boston dominate the 1980s. McHale redefined the power forward position, using his 6’10” frame and phenomenal footwork to abuse defenders on the block.
McHale referred to those guarding him in the post as being in the “torture chamber,” and there really is not a more succinct description. With his phenomenal hands and ability to finish through contact, McHale simply could not be contained down low.
He also excelled defensively, anchoring Boston in the paint and proving to be one of the game’s premier shot-blockers. He averaged a career-high 2.8 rejections in the 1985-86 season and was also an effective help defender.
Beyond just his statistics, McHale was truly a team-first player who cared more about winning than anything else. He was able to thrive both in the starting five and off the bench, never letting his ego get in the way of his talent.
McHale also played through a potentially career-ending broken navicular bone in his right foot during the 1987 playoffs, slogging through 39.4 minutes per game in 21 postseason contests while averaging 21.1 points.
If those accomplishments are not enough to land McHale in the top five, he also gift-wrapped Kevin Garnett to Boston when he was general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2007.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Two NBA titles, one MVP, seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA second team, 1971 Rookie of the Year, No. 18 retired by Celtics
Not the most skilled player, Dave Cowens led Boston to two championships thanks to his sheer energy, heart and effort. Cowens was a player who truly left everything out on the court, and his competitive fire was the enduring characteristic of his decade in green.
A game-changing defender, Cowens was able to effectively guard centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar despite being just 6’9” because of his strength and physicality down low. He moved extremely well on the court, had great hands for blocking shots and coming up with steals, and could even guard out on the perimeter for stretches thanks to his athleticism.
When all else failed, he was more than happy to dole out a hard foul to prevent an easy score.
Offensively, Cowens had a reliable jump shot, could throw pinpoint passes for a big man and was capable of cleaning up in the paint. For his career, he averaged 17.6 points, 13.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 46 percent shooting while playing all but 40 games with Boston.
Like Bill Russell, he was not the most skilled player of his era, but he was easily one of the most competitive, and his success alongside John Havlicek is a testament to the capability of a team that simply wants to win more than their opponent.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: One NBA title, one NBA Finals MVP, 10-time NBA All-Star, one-time All-NBA second team
One of the craftiest scorers in league history, Pierce spent 15 seasons with the Celts before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and in that time he saw the franchise go from being a laughingstock to a championship contender.
Pierce fell to Boston in the 1998 draft and instantly proved himself as a star player in this league. Armed with a deadly jump shot and a bevy of moves off the dribble, Pierce is capable of scoring 20-plus any given night even though he lacks elite quickness.
The man known as “The Truth” is more than just a scorer, though. He played the point forward role for many years and also emerged as a quality defender later in his career, something that rarely happens in the NBA.
In the mid-2000s, as Boston struggled to break out of the middle of the Eastern Conference, Pierce carried the team every night, guarding the opposing team’s best wing player and using his mix of post-ups, herky-jerky drives and spot-up shooting to rack up points.
Overall, Pierce averaged 21.8 points, six rebounds and 3.9 assists as a Celtic while shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 37 percent from three-point range.
Even as he aged, Pierce managed to adapt his game and stay relevant, making the All-Star team every year from 2008-2012.
Now a Brooklyn Net, Pierce will have one last shot at the second championship Boston could not give him, but not being able to retire a Celtic is something that will haunt fans for years to come.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Six NBA titles, one MVP, 13-time NBA All-Star, 10-time All-NBA first team, No. 14 retired by Celtics
Bob Cousy took a circuitous route to the NBA, eschewing the Tri-Cities Blackhawks to start his own driving school after being drafted in 1950. However, once he finally joined the Celtics, Cousy became a star overnight thanks to his unselfishness and his flashy game.
In essence, Cousy was Steve Nash long before there was a Steve Nash. He had a phenomenal handle, ran the fast break to perfection and was able to hit teammates with pinpoint passes to put them in easy scoring position.
Thanks to Cousy, the point guard position became just as essential to a team’s success as the center spot. Though he was a shaky shooter, Cousy was able to draw contact and get to the foul line better than most guards of his era.
For his career, Cousy averaged 18.4 points, 5.2 boards and 7.6 assists despite shooting just 37.5 percent from the floor.
The poor shooting percentage is more a product of the time period than Cousy’s abilities. He played back when teams sprinted up the court and took the first available shot, so few players besides big men shot efficiently from the field.
The tandem of Cousy and Bill Russell was impossible to stop, as Russell would ignite the team’s offense with outlet passes and Cousy would find a way to either finish or make the proper pass.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Four NBA titles, nine-time NBA All-Star, one-time All-NBA second team, No. 00 retired by Celtics
Never a superstar player but always a consistent one, Robert Parish played an incredible 21 seasons in the NBA, 14 of which were with the Celtics, who acquired him from the Golden State Warriors in 1980.
A reliable mid-range jump-shooter and a quality defensive big man, Parish was the perfect piece to slot in alongside Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, since he did not need to have plays run for him but could still find a way to impact the game.
In his career, Parish averaged 14.5 points, 9.1 boards and 1.4 assists while shooting 53.7 percent from the field.
At his peak with the Celtics, he was a nightly 20-10 threat, but he never forced the issue or played outside of his strengths. Parish was as willing to score from the perimeter as he was to mix it up down low when Boston needed him to.
A mobile big man who ran the floor extremely well, Parish was an instrumental part of the Celtics’ uptempo attack that wore down opposing defenses. He could consistently beat his man down the court for open shots and also worked hard on the offensive glass.
If that isn’t enough for you, Parish also took down Boston nemesis Bill Laimbeer in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: 10 NBA titles, five-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA second team, No. 24 retired by Celtics
The perfect second fiddle to Bill Russell, Sam Jones was responsible for much of the scoring duty during his time in Boston and was also a consistent clutch performer in the playoffs.
Thanks to his lethal mid-range jumper and ability to shoot off the glass, Jones was able to spread the floor for the Celtics and provide their bigs with more room down low. He was also capable of attacking in transition and even crashing the glass from the perimeter.
Jones shuffled between point guard, shooting guard and small forward as needed, proving himself to be an invaluable piece in Red Auerbach’s offense.
In 12 seasons as a Celtic, Jones averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.6 percent overall.
Though he did not revolutionize the game like Russell, Jones was a player who consistently elevated his game in the playoffs and made the big shot when he was called upon to do so.
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Two NBA titles, one NBA Finals MVP, seven-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA second team, No. 10 retired by Celtics
A versatile guard who helped Boston to two championships, Jo Jo White was dangerous both as a scorer and passer and could defend the perimeter as well.
White was also incredibly durable. In nine full seasons with the Celts, he appeared in less than 75 games just once.
White excelled while playing with John Havlicek and Dave Cowens in the 1970s, and he starred in one of the most memorable games in NBA history, Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals, where he scored 33 points and dished out nine dimes in a triple-overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Finishing his career with the Kansas City Kings, White wound up averaging 17.2 points, four rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 44.4 percent from the field.
But, before that discussion, who are the top Celtics? We'll use the official results from the polling for that other comparison later.
From The Bleacher Report's Top 25 Players in Boston Celtics History:
1. Bill Russell
Career Accomplishments with Boston: 11 NBA titles, five MVPs, 12-time NBA All-Star, five-time rebounding champion, No. 6 retired by Celtics.
One of the greatest winners in all of professional sports, Bill Russell came to the Celtics in 1956 and immediately made as big an impact on the game of basketball as any player has. With his phenomenal athleticism, Russell helped to transform basketball from a horizontal game into a vertical one.
What ultimately sets Russell apart from Larry Bird as the greatest Celtic ever is that though Bird made basketball a much more popular game, Russell truly transformed the way the sport is played.
Though his 6’9” stature would seem unimpressive now, Russell towered over players in his era and used his superb length and instincts to dominate on the defensive end of the floor.
Never much of a scorer, Russell made his bones as a rebounder, a shot-blocker and an underrated passer. He was a decent post-up threat, but he made up for his lack of a jumper with his ability to run the floor and get easy buckets. For his career he averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists, with the great tragedy being that blocks were not kept track of back then.
Beyond just his numbers, Russell was as fearsome a competitor as they come. He had an 11-0 record in Game 7s, and the only years he did not win a championship were 1958 and 1967. He frequently played his best ball under the brightest lights, posting a 30-point, 40-rebound performance in Game 7 of the 1962 NBA Finals. That’s 40, with a four.
To put it simply, there is a reason that the NBA Finals MVP trophy is named after Russell.
2. Larry Bird
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Three NBA titles, two NBA Finals MVPs, three MVPs, 12-time NBA All-Star, nine-time All-NBA first team, 1980 Rookie of the Year, No. 33 retired by Celtics
Things were looking bleak for Boston in the late 1970s before the arrival of Larry Bird, who instantly returned the franchise to its status as a perennial contender. Bird was far from the best athlete, but he saw the floor like few players in NBA history have, and what he lacked in pure athleticism he made up for in sheer creativity.
Bird was a true five-tool player, someone capable of scoring at will, rebounding his position, playing point forward and even locking down his man in his younger days.
For his career, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 49.6 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.
In his prime, Bird was as tough to cover offensively as any player in league history. He had limitless range, could back down smaller defenders and was such a deft passer that often his teammate would have the ball before the defense even realized it left Bird's hands.
Back injuries slowed him down during the later years of his career, but Bird was still able to bring Boston three more banners while his rivalry with Magic Johnson defined the NBA for a new generation of basketball fans.
Even as his physical abilities diminished, Bird was still dominant as a facilitator and an outside shooter, running the Celtics offense and bombing away from three-point range.
And, if you believe Paul George, he hasn’t lost much, even at 56 years old.
3. John Havlicek
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Eight NBA titles, one NBA Finals MVP, 13-time NBA All-Star, four-time All-NBA first team, No. 17 retired by Celtics
John Havlicek’s name may not hold the same weight nowadays as Larry Bird’s or Bill Russell’s, but "Hondo" goes down in history as one of the most successful and durable Celtics players in history.
Havlicek spent 16 seasons in the NBA from 1962-1978, an incredible number given the poor travel conditions, rigorous schedule and lack of medical technology present during that era. In his entire career, Havlicek missed more than seven games in a season just once and played through a separated shoulder in the 1973 postseason.
A two-sport athlete who was also drafted by the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, Havlicek excelled early in his career as a sixth man, but took on a greater role in the 1970s once Russell and Sam Jones retired. He led the league in minutes in 1971 and 1972, forming a formidable tandem with Dave Cowens.
A good shooter and a lockdown defender, Hondo was capable of handling the ball and playing off the ball on the wing too. He was also a phenomenal athlete who thrived on the fast break and was willing to throw his body around with reckless abandon.
For his career, Havlicek averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 43.9 percent from the field.
He also gave us one of the NBA’s enduring phrases in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals, making “Havlicek stole the ball!” one of the league’s immortal phrases.
4. Kevin McHale
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Three NBA titles, seven-time NBA All-Star, one-time All-NBA first team, two-time Sixth Man of the Year, No. 32 retired by Celtics
A tremendous scorer with perhaps the best post game in NBA history, Kevin McHale shined playing alongside Larry Bird and helped Boston dominate the 1980s. McHale redefined the power forward position, using his 6’10” frame and phenomenal footwork to abuse defenders on the block.
McHale referred to those guarding him in the post as being in the “torture chamber,” and there really is not a more succinct description. With his phenomenal hands and ability to finish through contact, McHale simply could not be contained down low.
He also excelled defensively, anchoring Boston in the paint and proving to be one of the game’s premier shot-blockers. He averaged a career-high 2.8 rejections in the 1985-86 season and was also an effective help defender.
Beyond just his statistics, McHale was truly a team-first player who cared more about winning than anything else. He was able to thrive both in the starting five and off the bench, never letting his ego get in the way of his talent.
McHale also played through a potentially career-ending broken navicular bone in his right foot during the 1987 playoffs, slogging through 39.4 minutes per game in 21 postseason contests while averaging 21.1 points.
If those accomplishments are not enough to land McHale in the top five, he also gift-wrapped Kevin Garnett to Boston when he was general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2007.
5. Dave Cowens
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Two NBA titles, one MVP, seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA second team, 1971 Rookie of the Year, No. 18 retired by Celtics
Not the most skilled player, Dave Cowens led Boston to two championships thanks to his sheer energy, heart and effort. Cowens was a player who truly left everything out on the court, and his competitive fire was the enduring characteristic of his decade in green.
A game-changing defender, Cowens was able to effectively guard centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar despite being just 6’9” because of his strength and physicality down low. He moved extremely well on the court, had great hands for blocking shots and coming up with steals, and could even guard out on the perimeter for stretches thanks to his athleticism.
When all else failed, he was more than happy to dole out a hard foul to prevent an easy score.
Offensively, Cowens had a reliable jump shot, could throw pinpoint passes for a big man and was capable of cleaning up in the paint. For his career, he averaged 17.6 points, 13.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 46 percent shooting while playing all but 40 games with Boston.
Like Bill Russell, he was not the most skilled player of his era, but he was easily one of the most competitive, and his success alongside John Havlicek is a testament to the capability of a team that simply wants to win more than their opponent.
6. Paul Pierce
Career Accomplishments with Boston: One NBA title, one NBA Finals MVP, 10-time NBA All-Star, one-time All-NBA second team
One of the craftiest scorers in league history, Pierce spent 15 seasons with the Celts before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and in that time he saw the franchise go from being a laughingstock to a championship contender.
Pierce fell to Boston in the 1998 draft and instantly proved himself as a star player in this league. Armed with a deadly jump shot and a bevy of moves off the dribble, Pierce is capable of scoring 20-plus any given night even though he lacks elite quickness.
The man known as “The Truth” is more than just a scorer, though. He played the point forward role for many years and also emerged as a quality defender later in his career, something that rarely happens in the NBA.
In the mid-2000s, as Boston struggled to break out of the middle of the Eastern Conference, Pierce carried the team every night, guarding the opposing team’s best wing player and using his mix of post-ups, herky-jerky drives and spot-up shooting to rack up points.
Overall, Pierce averaged 21.8 points, six rebounds and 3.9 assists as a Celtic while shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 37 percent from three-point range.
Even as he aged, Pierce managed to adapt his game and stay relevant, making the All-Star team every year from 2008-2012.
Now a Brooklyn Net, Pierce will have one last shot at the second championship Boston could not give him, but not being able to retire a Celtic is something that will haunt fans for years to come.
7. Bob Cousy
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Six NBA titles, one MVP, 13-time NBA All-Star, 10-time All-NBA first team, No. 14 retired by Celtics
Bob Cousy took a circuitous route to the NBA, eschewing the Tri-Cities Blackhawks to start his own driving school after being drafted in 1950. However, once he finally joined the Celtics, Cousy became a star overnight thanks to his unselfishness and his flashy game.
In essence, Cousy was Steve Nash long before there was a Steve Nash. He had a phenomenal handle, ran the fast break to perfection and was able to hit teammates with pinpoint passes to put them in easy scoring position.
Thanks to Cousy, the point guard position became just as essential to a team’s success as the center spot. Though he was a shaky shooter, Cousy was able to draw contact and get to the foul line better than most guards of his era.
For his career, Cousy averaged 18.4 points, 5.2 boards and 7.6 assists despite shooting just 37.5 percent from the floor.
The poor shooting percentage is more a product of the time period than Cousy’s abilities. He played back when teams sprinted up the court and took the first available shot, so few players besides big men shot efficiently from the field.
The tandem of Cousy and Bill Russell was impossible to stop, as Russell would ignite the team’s offense with outlet passes and Cousy would find a way to either finish or make the proper pass.
8. Robert Parish
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Four NBA titles, nine-time NBA All-Star, one-time All-NBA second team, No. 00 retired by Celtics
Never a superstar player but always a consistent one, Robert Parish played an incredible 21 seasons in the NBA, 14 of which were with the Celtics, who acquired him from the Golden State Warriors in 1980.
A reliable mid-range jump-shooter and a quality defensive big man, Parish was the perfect piece to slot in alongside Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, since he did not need to have plays run for him but could still find a way to impact the game.
In his career, Parish averaged 14.5 points, 9.1 boards and 1.4 assists while shooting 53.7 percent from the field.
At his peak with the Celtics, he was a nightly 20-10 threat, but he never forced the issue or played outside of his strengths. Parish was as willing to score from the perimeter as he was to mix it up down low when Boston needed him to.
A mobile big man who ran the floor extremely well, Parish was an instrumental part of the Celtics’ uptempo attack that wore down opposing defenses. He could consistently beat his man down the court for open shots and also worked hard on the offensive glass.
If that isn’t enough for you, Parish also took down Boston nemesis Bill Laimbeer in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals.
9. Sam Jones
Career Accomplishments with Boston: 10 NBA titles, five-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA second team, No. 24 retired by Celtics
The perfect second fiddle to Bill Russell, Sam Jones was responsible for much of the scoring duty during his time in Boston and was also a consistent clutch performer in the playoffs.
Thanks to his lethal mid-range jumper and ability to shoot off the glass, Jones was able to spread the floor for the Celtics and provide their bigs with more room down low. He was also capable of attacking in transition and even crashing the glass from the perimeter.
Jones shuffled between point guard, shooting guard and small forward as needed, proving himself to be an invaluable piece in Red Auerbach’s offense.
In 12 seasons as a Celtic, Jones averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.6 percent overall.
Though he did not revolutionize the game like Russell, Jones was a player who consistently elevated his game in the playoffs and made the big shot when he was called upon to do so.
10. Jo Jo White
Career Accomplishments with Boston: Two NBA titles, one NBA Finals MVP, seven-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA second team, No. 10 retired by Celtics
A versatile guard who helped Boston to two championships, Jo Jo White was dangerous both as a scorer and passer and could defend the perimeter as well.
White was also incredibly durable. In nine full seasons with the Celts, he appeared in less than 75 games just once.
White excelled while playing with John Havlicek and Dave Cowens in the 1970s, and he starred in one of the most memorable games in NBA history, Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals, where he scored 33 points and dished out nine dimes in a triple-overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Finishing his career with the Kansas City Kings, White wound up averaging 17.2 points, four rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 44.4 percent from the field.
