In the storied history of the Boston Celtics, few debates ignite more passion among fans than assembling the ultimate all-time lineup. With 18 NBA championships and a legacy of legendary players, the franchise has retired 24 jersey numbers, honoring icons who defined eras of dominance. Today, we unveil what many consider the undisputed starting five: a dream team featuring Bill Russell (No. 6), Bob Cousy (No. 14), John Havlicek (No. 17), Kevin McHale (No. 32), and Larry Bird (No. 33). This selection blends defensive mastery, playmaking wizardry, scoring prowess, and championship pedigree, forming a lineup capable of overwhelming any opponent in basketball history.
The foundation of this powerhouse starts at center with Bill Russell, wearing No. 6 – a number retired by the Celtics in 1971 and league-wide in 2022 to honor his unparalleled impact. Russell, the architect of the Celtics’ dynasty, led the team to an astonishing 11 NBA titles during his 13 seasons from 1956 to 1969. Known as the greatest winner in sports history, he averaged 15.1 points and a league-record 22.5 rebounds per game while anchoring the defense with his revolutionary shot-blocking and basketball IQ. “Russell wasn’t just a player; he was the soul of the Celtics,” said Celtics historian and former player Tommy Heinsohn in a recent interview. His leadership during the 1960s, including eight straight championships from 1959 to 1966, makes him the indisputable anchor for any all-time lineup.
Flanking Russell at point guard is Bob Cousy, the Houdini of the Hardwood in No. 14, retired in 1963. Cousy, who played his entire 13-year career with Boston from 1950 to 1963, was the engine of the early dynasty, winning six championships and earning the NBA MVP award in 1957. His flashy passing and court vision revolutionized the point guard position, averaging 18.4 points and 7.5 assists per game. As a key member of the original Celtics squad that captured the franchise’s first title in 1957, Cousy’s no-look passes and behind-the-back dribbles earned him 13 All-Star selections and a spot in the Hall of Fame. “Cousy made basketball an art form,” noted NBA analyst Bill Simmons. “Pair him with Russell, and you’ve got the blueprint for unstoppable transition offense.”
On the wing, No. 17 belongs to John Havlicek, “Hondo,” whose jersey was retired in 1978 after a 16-year career that yielded eight championships. Havlicek, from 1962 to 1978, was the ultimate Swiss Army knife – a forward-guard hybrid who could score, defend, and hustle endlessly. He averaged 20.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, earning Finals MVP honors in 1974 and leading the league in scoring once. Famous for his sixth-man role early on, Havlicek’s “Havlicek stole the ball!” moment in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals epitomizes his clutch gene. With four titles in the 1960s alongside Russell and four more in the 1970s, Havlicek’s versatility makes him the perfect glue guy for this lineup, capable of guarding multiple positions and sparking fast breaks.
At power forward, the No. 32 of Kevin McHale brings post-up artistry and defensive tenacity, retired in 1994. McHale, a 13-year Celtic from 1980 to 1993, was the low-post maestro of the 1980s dynasty, helping secure three championships. His up-and-under moves and footwork were legendary, as he posted 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while earning seven All-Star nods and spots on multiple All-Defensive teams. As part of the “Big Three” with Larry Bird and Robert Parish, McHale’s battles with rivals like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar defined an era. “McHale was unguardable in the paint,” recalled former teammate Danny Ainge. His role here would be to dominate the boards and provide spacing with his mid-range game, complementing the frontcourt duo of Russell and himself.
Rounding out the starting five is the forward No. 33 of Larry Bird, retired in 1993 after a 13-season run from 1979 to 1992 that delivered three championships. “Larry Legend” was a scoring machine and trash-talking savant, averaging 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. A three-time MVP (1984–1986) and the architect of the Celtics’ 1980s resurgence, Bird’s clutch performances – like his 60-point playoff game in 1986 – cemented his status as one of the greatest ever. With his deadly shooting from beyond the arc (for his era) and basketball genius, Bird would serve as the offensive hub, feeding cutters like Havlicek and posting up mismatches.
This lineup – Russell at center, McHale at power forward, Bird at small forward, Havlicek at shooting guard, and Cousy at point guard – boasts 41 combined championships, multiple MVPs, and Hall of Fame inductions. Defensively, Russell and McHale would form an impenetrable wall, while offensively, Cousy and Bird’s passing would create endless opportunities for Havlicek’s cuts and McHale’s hooks. As the Celtics celebrate their latest successes, including the 2024 title, this all-time five stands as a testament to Boston’s enduring excellence. “It’s not just a lineup; it’s a dynasty reloaded,” said current Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. Fans can only dream of what this squad would achieve in today’s NBA.
