Top 5 Boston Celtics' Players of All-Time?

[BullsAj]

Who are the Top 5 players in franchise history and why?

[RootBeer_21]

1. Larry Bird: An excellent shooter, an intelligent player, a great leader, and a great teammate.

2. Bill Russell: 11 championships in 13 years. Sure he was surrounded by a lot of talent, but he nonetheless exhibited good skill and great leadership.

3. Bob Cousy: One of the greatest passers in NBA history. He was one of the first guys to do behind the back passes, and he was also a pretty good scorer as well.

4. Bill Sharman: A great scorer and one of the best free throw shooters in NBA history. He was helpful to the Celtics during the 50's.

5. John Havlicek: An important part of the franchise during the 70's. A great scorer and defender.

[yoe91]

I'd have to include Paul Pierce in there.

He's been with them since...98 (?) I'm pretty sure.
Will stay a Celtic and retire his number there.
He's led his teams to strong playoff berths and performances, from the 'Toine days to the big3 championship. He played EXCELLENTLY during those 2008 playoffs.
Has been a premiere defender (ppl forget) - I believe he led the league in STEALS one year.
He's super crafty, very neat and polished with his game; and must be considered one of the top SF's ever.
Actually won a 3pt contest...has shot well beyond 40% from there during long stretches.

[RootBeer_21]

I'd have to include Paul Pierce in there.

He's been with them since...98 (?) I'm pretty sure.
Will stay a Celtic and retire his number there.
He's led his teams to strong playoff berths and performances, from the 'Toine days to the big3 championship. He played EXCELLENTLY during those 2008 playoffs.
Has been a premiere defender (ppl forget) - I believe he led the league in STEALS one year.
He's super crafty, very neat and polished with his game; and must be considered one of the top SF's ever.
Actually won a 3pt contest...has shot well beyond 40% from there during long stretches.

Good point, Paul Pierce has made great contributions to the Celtics for pretty much his whole career. He was especially great in 2001-2002, when the Celtics got beaten in ECF in 6. It's too bad that happened; even after the Celtics got a ring in 2008, I still wonder about how things would have been if 2002 was in their favor.

[yoe91]

^ well...they'd have gotten ANNIHI-FOOKIN-LATED by L.A. ...
hope that helps

[RootBeer_21]

^ well...they'd have gotten ANNIHI-FOOKIN-LATED by L.A. ...
hope that helps

That's true, the Lakers would have owned them.

[yoe91]

yeaaaaaaah....owned them so bad Boston would officially become Californian soil.
(ewwwwwww....)

But yeah, Pierce is in the Top5 alltime. I'm holding this, and until some one shows pertinent counter-arguments, it's a reality to me.