Introduction
The Boston Celtics is a professional basketball team that is based in Boston, Massachusetts. The team is part of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA). They have a rich history in the NBA, having won a record 17 NBA championships. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Celtics, their moments of glory, their top players, net worth, controversies, and scandals.
History
The Celtics were founded in 1946 by Walter A. Brown, a well-known sports promoter. The team was originally based in New York but moved to Boston in 1950. The team got off to a slow start, but that changed in 1957 when they acquired Bill Russell, who would go on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Glory
The Celtics’ glory days began in the late 1950s and continued through the 1960s. During this time, the team won 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, including eight in a row from 1959 to 1966. The team was led by legendary coach Red Auerbach and featured some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones.
Top Players
The Celtics have had many great players over the years. Bill Russell is perhaps the greatest Celtic of all time, having won 11 NBA championships and being named the NBA Finals MVP five times. Other great Celtics players include Larry Bird, who won three NBA championships and three MVP awards, and Paul Pierce, who won one NBA championship and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2008.
Net Worth
The Boston Celtics are one of the most valuable franchises in the NBA. As of 2021, the team is worth an estimated $3.3 billion. The team’s revenue comes from various sources, including ticket sales, merchandise sales, and broadcasting rights.
Controversies
The Celtics have had their share of controversies over the years. One of the most notable controversies occurred in 2017 when former Celtics player Isaiah Thomas criticized the team’s decision to trade him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thomas accused the team of being disloyal and not valuing his contributions to the team.
Scandals
The Celtics have also been involved in some scandals over the years. In 2007, the team was fined $30,000 for tampering with Minnesota Timberwolves player Kevin Garnett. The Celtics were accused of contacting Garnett’s agent before the start of free agency, which is a violation of NBA rules.
Conclusion
The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. With 17 NBA championships and a long list of legendary players, the Celtics have cemented their place in basketball history. While the team has had its share of controversies and scandals, it has also brought joy to millions of fans over the years. Whether you are a die-hard Celtics fan or simply a fan of the game, the Boston Celtics are a team that will always be remembered as one of the greatest in NBA history.