History of the Boston Celtics

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The Boston Celtics are a professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts. The team was founded in 1946 as a member of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949. The team has had a storied history, winning a record 17 NBA championships.

In the team's early years, they struggled to find success on the court. However, that all changed in the 1950s with the drafting of center Bill Russell. Russell, along with other key players such as Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn, led the team to their first championship in 1957. The team went on to win an unprecedented 8 consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966.

The team continued to find success in the 1960s and 1970s with players such as John Havlicek and Dave Cowens. They won two more championships in 1968 and 1969, bringing their total to 11 championships.

They drafted Larry Bird in 1979, who went on to lead the team to three championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986. Bird was supported by key players such as Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Dennis Johnson.

The team continued to be a playoff contender in the 2000s with Paul Pierce as the team's leader. In 2008, they acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen via trades, forming the "Big Three" with Pierce. This new core led the team to an NBA championship in 2008, their 17th in franchise history.

The Boston Celtics have a rich history, filled with Hall of Famers, legendary coaches, and 17 NBA championships. The team has had a number of iconic players, including Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and many others. The team has also had a number of notable coaches, such as Red Auerbach and Doc Rivers.

The Boston Celtics have had a strong impact on the NBA, both on and off the court. They have been one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in the league, with a large and passionate fan base. The team's history and legacy continue to inspire new generations of players and fans.