Boston Celtics Undisputed All-Time Starting 5 (No Debate)

The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, and their legacy is defined by a rich tradition of winning, iconic players, and deep basketball roots. With 17 NBA championships, more than any other team in the NBA (tied with the Los Angeles Lakers), Boston has seen some of the greatest players in the game come through its ranks. From legends who were part of the Celtics’ first dynasty to more modern stars who continued the tradition of excellence, the question of who belongs in the Celtics’ undisputed All-Time Starting 5 is one that inspires fierce debate and pride among fans.
While there is no shortage of great Celtics players, certain individuals stand out above the rest due to their contributions to the franchise’s championship pedigree, their individual accolades, and their ability to impact games when it mattered most. This All-Time Celtics Starting 5 is based on a blend of individual greatness, team success, and leadership, creating a roster that is essentially impossible to argue against. Here’s a breakdown of the five players who make up the Celtics’ undisputed All-Time Starting 5:
Point Guard: Bob Cousy
When discussing the greatest point guards in NBA history, one name is almost always at the top of the list: Bob Cousy. The “Cooz” was the quarterback of the Celtics during their first dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s, leading the team to six championships in just seven seasons. Cousy’s impact on the game cannot be overstated—he was the original “flashy” point guard, revolutionizing the position with his innovative ball-handling, slick passing, and court vision.
Cousy played his entire career with the Celtics (1950-1963) and won the MVP award in 1957. He was an essential part of the Celtics’ dominance in the 1950s and 1960s, helping guide them to a total of six NBA championships (1957, 1959-1963). Cousy was also a 13-time NBA All-Star and was named to 10 All-NBA First Teams. His dazzling playmaking and leadership made him the centerpiece of Boston’s offense, and his ability to orchestrate the flow of the game set the foundation for future Celtics success.
Cousy was instrumental in developing the fast-break style of play and was known for his behind-the-back passes, no-look passes, and general creativity with the basketball. His contributions to the game of basketball went beyond his on-court exploits. Cousy is often credited with helping to popularize the position of point guard as one that was not only about setting up plays but also about leading the offense and exciting fans with dazzling ball skills. For his contributions to the game, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971.
Though there have been many great point guards since Cousy’s time, there is no denying his legacy in Boston and his spot as the Celtics’ all-time starting point guard.
Shooting Guard: John Havlicek
At shooting guard, there’s no debate about the choice: John Havlicek. A player whose name is synonymous with Celtics greatness, Havlicek embodied the franchise’s ethos of relentless effort, selflessness, and winning. He played his entire career with the Celtics, from 1962 to 1978, and left an indelible mark on the organization, earning eight NBA championships in the process.
Havlicek’s versatility was one of his greatest assets. He was capable of playing both shooting guard and small forward, providing the Celtics with unmatched flexibility. A member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team multiple times, Havlicek was as skilled on defense as he was on offense. His relentless energy and ability to impact both ends of the court set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
On offense, Havlicek was a scoring machine, ranking as one of the franchise’s all-time leaders in points scored. He was a 13-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Finals MVP in 1974. His signature moment, known as “Hondo’s Steal,” came in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, where Havlicek stole an inbounds pass to seal a Celtics victory. This play is still celebrated as one of the most iconic moments in Celtics history.
In addition to his individual accolades, Havlicek was an integral part of the Celtics’ success in the 1960s and 1970s, playing alongside greats like Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, and Sam Jones. Havlicek’s combination of scoring, defense, leadership, and basketball IQ makes him one of the top players in Celtics history.
Small Forward: Larry Bird
When discussing the greatest players in NBA history, there is no shortage of discussion surrounding Larry Bird. The 6’9″ small forward is widely regarded as one of the best players to ever play the game. Bird’s legacy is intertwined with the success of the Celtics in the 1980s, and his rivalry with Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers defined the era.
Bird’s résumé speaks for itself: three NBA championships (1981, 1984, 1986), two NBA Finals MVPs, three consecutive NBA MVPs (1984-1986), and 12 All-NBA First Team selections. His shooting ability, basketball IQ, and clutch performances made him nearly unstoppable. He was the ultimate competitor who could do everything on the court—shoot, pass, rebound, and play defense.
Bird was a transcendent player in many ways. Not only did he have one of the smoothest and most versatile jump shots in history, but his ability to read the game and make the right play set him apart from others. Bird could make pinpoint passes from virtually anywhere on the court, was an elite rebounder, and had a knack for hitting big shots in critical moments. His fierce determination and leadership made him the face of the Celtics throughout their most successful era.
Perhaps what made Bird so iconic was his ability to perform under pressure. In crucial moments, Bird never shied away from taking the big shot, and his competitiveness became legendary. His on-court rivalries with Magic Johnson, especially in the Finals, cemented Bird’s place as one of the most iconic figures in NBA history. His influence on the Celtics and the NBA at large is immeasurable.
Power Forward: Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale might not have the flash of some of the other Celtics legends, but his consistency and ability to impact the game make him a lock for the All-Time Celtics Starting 5. A player who was known for his unorthodox post moves, McHale was one of the most dominant big men in NBA history, earning three NBA championships (1981, 1984, 1986) alongside Larry Bird and Robert Parish.
McHale was a six-time NBA All-Star and a key component of the Celtics’ frontcourt throughout the 1980s. His post moves, particularly his deadly up-and-under move, were some of the best the NBA has ever seen. McHale’s footwork and finesse in the post made him one of the most difficult players to defend one-on-one in the low post.
Beyond his scoring, McHale was a fantastic defender, a crucial part of Boston’s defensive identity. He was a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and remains one of the best shot-blockers in Celtics history. His ability to dominate offensively and defensively helped propel the Celtics to two NBA Finals victories in the 1980s and gave them the balanced roster they needed to compete against powerhouse teams like the Lakers.
While McHale was often overshadowed by Bird in the Celtics’ spotlight, his skill set and contributions to the team make him one of the top players in the history of the franchise. His combination of offense, defense, and leadership makes him a no-brainer in the Celtics’ all-time starting five.
Center: Bill Russell
No discussion of the Boston Celtics All-Time Starting 5 would be complete without Bill Russell, widely regarded as the greatest center to ever play the game. Russell’s place in Celtics lore is unassailable, as he led the team to 11 NBA championships in just 13 seasons, making him one of the most decorated and successful athletes in any sport.
Russell’s impact on the game transcends individual statistics. While he may not have been the prolific scorer that many of his contemporaries were, his defensive abilities and leadership were unmatched. Russell was a five-time NBA MVP, a 12-time NBA All-Star, and an elite shot blocker who revolutionized the game with his defensive prowess. His ability to dominate the paint, rebound at an elite level, and control the flow of the game on the defensive end made him the anchor of every Celtics team he played on.
Russell was known for his unmatched ability to alter shots and defend without fouling, which was a rarity in an era when centers were expected to dominate the paint. His leadership was also critical to the Celtics’ success, as he was the emotional and tactical leader on the floor. In a league where rivalries often defined eras, Russell’s battles with Wilt Chamberlain, the Lakers, and others were legendary, but it was his consistent ability to win championships that sets him apart.
Russell’s legacy extends far beyond his on-court dominance. He was also a trailblazer for African American athletes in the NBA, becoming one of the first players to take on a leadership role that transcended the game itself. His contributions to the Celtics and the sport of basketball make him not only the best center in Celtics history but one of the greatest players of all time.
The Boston Celtics’ All-Time Starting 5 is a group of players who represent the essence of what it means to be a Celtic—hard work, championship pedigree, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From Bob Cousy running the offense, to John Havlicek’s unrelenting energy, to Larry Bird’s transcendent talent, Kevin McHale’s post moves, and Bill Russell’s unmatched defense and leadership, this five-man lineup is not only the best the Celtics have ever seen but one of the most iconic collections of talent in NBA history. While there are certainly other great players who could make a case for inclusion, this lineup represents the heart of what it means to be a Boston Celtic.