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Two names immediately come to mind when we consider the all-time greats who were Boston Celtics players: Bill Russell and Larry Bird. Both are deeply ingrained in NBA history and have significant roles in Celtics tradition.
In their illustrious history, the Celtics have undoubtedly had their fair share of superstars. With 36 players and 4 coaches, Boston has more inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame than any other team. Who is the greatest player in Celtics history, in terms of ranking the greatest of the best?
Sorry, Russell, but Bird is the greatest Celtics player of all time. Russell, a five-time MVP who possesses what may be the best NBA resume ever, is not being disparaged here. Russell, a 6-foot-10 center, led the league in rebounds four times, won eleven championships, and was selected to 12 All-Star teams.
Russell’s defense-first philosophy altered the way the game was played. He was an aggressive rebounder and shot-blocker who used his opponent
“Basketball is a game that involves a great deal of psychology,” Russell said during the early part of the 1963 season, according to Sports Illustrated. “The psychology in defense is not blocking a shot or stealing a pass or getting the ball away. The psychology is to make the offensive team deviate from their normal habits. This is a game of habits, and the player with the most consistent habits is the best. What I try to do on defense is to make the offensive man do not what he wants but what I want.”
Bird couldn’t rebound or block shots like Russell, but he did everything else better. He also made those around him better.