The Boston Celtics is one of the oldest and most famous basketball teams in history. With numerous championship wins and a proud legacy, it’s no surprise that there are a plethora of intriguing secrets and little-known facts about this iconic team. In this article, we explore the top 10 secrets about the Boston Celtics.
1. The Celtics’ logo was created by none other than Celtics legend Red Auerbach. The clover design was inspired by the Boston Bruins hockey team.
2. In 1963, the Celtics achieved a record of eight consecutive NBA championships, a feat unmatched in basketball history to date.
3. The Celtics’ success is often attributed to the famous “Celtic Pride” that permeates the team. This philosophy of hard work and determination was instilled by Red Auerbach and has been passed down through generations of players.
4. The Celtics have retired 22 numbers in honor of their greatest players, including Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce.
5. The Boston Garden, the legendary home court of the Celtics, was notorious for its parquet floor. The unique pattern of the parquet was created by Celtics architect Eddie White, who used scraps from different sources to create the design.
6. During the 1980s, the Celtics were known for their intense rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, with several heated NBA finals battles between the two teams.
7. The Celtics have a long history of philanthropy and community outreach. The team’s charitable foundation, Celtics Shamrock Foundation, has raised millions of dollars for various causes in the Boston area.
8. Despite their success, the Celtics have also faced numerous controversies over the years. Most notably, former player and coach Rick Pitino was embroiled in scandal when he was accused of sexual misconduct while coaching at the University of Kentucky.
9. The Celtics are known for their dedication to great defense, a philosophy that was first instilled by Red Auerbach. This defensive mentality has been an integral part of the team’s success over the years.
10. Over the years, the Celtics have become known for their diverse and multicultural roster. This tradition began with the historic signing of Chuck Cooper, the first African American player to be drafted into the NBA, in 1950. Since then, the team has been committed to promoting diversity and inclusion both on and off the court.