Feb. 19, 1988: Forward Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball as Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during a game at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/Allsport

The Boston Celtics, donned in their iconic emerald green and pristine white, have been graced by legendary players whose names resonate through the revered halls of the TD Garden, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball. Proudly displayed alongside the 17 NBA championship banners are the numbers and names of 24 transcendent figures, forever enshrined as immortal legends in the heart of Boston.

One of the latest additions to the pantheon of Celtics greats is Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. In March 2022, the arena erupted with thunderous cheers as his jersey ascended to the rafters, solidifying his place in the Celtics’ lore. Garnett’s impact on the team extended far beyond his awe-inspiring talent, as he earned the coveted title of Defensive Player of the Year in the 2007-08 season.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 13: Kevin Garnett raises the number retirement banner with his daughters Kavalli and Kapri during his number retirement ceremony following the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.

The pinnacle of Garnett’s journey with the Celtics arrived in the same season when they clinched the 2008 NBA championship, etching their names into the annals of history once again. Such triumphs are woven into the very essence of the Celtics’ existence, a testament to their ability to cultivate legends and celebrate greatness.

Beyond the confines of basketball, the Celtics embody tradition, excellence, and perseverance. With an impressive collection of 17 NBA titles, they proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with their fierce rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the pantheon of championship triumphs. Boasting an astounding 22 appearances in the NBA Finals, the Celtics’ indomitable spirit continues to shine brightly.

Yet, achieving this legendary status was no fleeting feat. The foundation of their dynasty lies in the players who have proudly donned the green and white, each contributing their unique talents to the team’s ongoing success. The Celtics’ pull for greatness is evident in the staggering 41 members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame who have either played or coached for the team. This magnetism is further exemplified by the tradition of retiring 24 numbers, the highest honor bestowed upon players in North American professional sports.

We embark on a journey through the long list of Celtics legends, their numbers and names forever gracing the rafters of the TD Garden, among the championship banners, serving as an enduring tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Boston Celtics.

Robert Parish: 00

The Celtics’ all-time leader in games played (1,106) and rebounds (11,501), Parish was a core piece of some legendary Celtics teams throughout the 80s. Parish was a 7-time all star throughout his 14 seasons in Boston, and was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Walter Brown: 1
Walter Brown wasn’t a player, but rather the founder of the Celtics back in 1949. A 7-time NBA champion, Brown was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1965.
Red Auerbach: 2

The legendary Celtics coach won 9 NBA titles, including 8 straight from 1958 to 1966. Auerbach was included in the NBA 75th anniversary team as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
Dennis Johnson: 3

Johnson was a key piece in Boston’s 1985 championship run and is considered to be one of the best guards in team history. His number was retired in 1991, just a year after his retirement.
Kevin Garnett: 5

The legendary power forward was a member of Boston’s vaunted “Big 3” that won the NBA Championship in 2008.
Bill Russell: 6

The legendary Russell won 11(!) championships and had his number retired league-wide this past season, the first player in NBA history to receive this honor.
Jo Jo White: 10

White, a 7-time all star and 2-time NBA champion, had his number retired in 1982.
Bob Cousy: 14

The “Houdini of the Hardwood”, Cousy revolutionized the point-guard position en route to 13 All-Star appearances for the Celtics.
Tom Heinsohn: 15

A 6-time NBA champion as a player with the Celtics, local product Tom Heinsohn won 2 more titles as a head coach in Boston, bringing his total up to 8.
Tom Sanders: 16

“Satch” played in 450 consecutive NBA games en route to 8 NBA championships with Boston.
John Havlicek: 17

Havlicek, one of the greatest guards in NBA history, also committed the most notable steal in NBA history against the 76ers in 1965.
Dave Cowens: 18

“Big Red” helped the Celtics stay successful following the retirement of Bill Russell, winning 2 NBA championships with the squad.
Don Nelson: 19

Nelson, a 5-time NBA champion, spent 31 years as a head coach following the conclusion of his career.
Bill Sharman: 21

A remarkable free-throw shooter, Sharman won 4 NBA championships with Boston and made 8 All Star teams.
Ed Macauley: 22

Macauley was a 6-time all star with Boston and was the first All-Star game MVP in NBA history.
Frank Ramsey: 23

A 7-time NBA champion and remarkable 6th man, Ramsey etched his name in Celtics history as one of the greatest bench players of all time.
Sam Jones: 24

Jones won 10 NBA championships with Boston and retired having won a championship in over 80% of his seasons with the team.
K.C. Jones: 25

Jones was a champion with Boston as both a player and a coach. He would retire with 10 championships, 8 as a player and 2 as a coach.
Cedric Maxwell: 31

Maxwell, a 2-time NBA champion, also won a finals MVP in 1981. He also led the NBA in FG% twice.
Kevin McHale: 32

The legendary McHale established himself as one of the greatest power forwards of all time as the NBA’s first back-to-back DPOY winner, and solidified himself as a Celtics legend with 3 NBA championships.
Larry Bird: 33

Considered by many to be the greatest scorer of all time, Bird made 12 all-star teams over the course of his 13 year career, and also won 3 straight NBA MVP awards and 2 finals MVP awards.
Paul Pierce: 34

Drafted by a struggling Celtics team in 1998, Pierce would help lead the team to a championship ten years later. “The Truth” is the icon of the 21st century Celtics, and continues to be a fervent supporter of the team in retirement.
Reggie Lewis: 35
Lewis’s life was tragically cut short due to cardiac arrest at the age of 27, but he established himself as a legend in Boston throughout his brief career. A one-time NBA all star, Lewis was also the all-time leading scorer in Northeastern University history.
Jim Loscutoff: LOSCY

Loscutoff requested that the Celtics not retire his number 18, and instead retire his nickname. A 7-time NBA champion, “Loscy” was a key component of Boston’s 1950s-1960s dynasty.