10 Best NBA Draft Picks In Boston Celtics History
10. Jaylen Brown (3rd overall, 2016)
An All-Star four of the last five years, Jaylen Brown turns 29 years old on October 24. The 2024 NBA Playoffs saw the 6-foot-6 forward win both Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP. Brown has now averaged more than 20 points in each of the past six seasons.
9. Jo Jo White (9th overall, 1969)
The 1976 Finals MVP, Jo Jo White also won a title with Boston in 1974. He made seven All-Star teams and they came in consecutive years (from the 1970-71 until 1976-77 seasons). White averaged more than 18 points per contest in all of his All-Star years as well.
8. Tom Heinsohn (6th overall, 1956)
Tom Heinsohn was a territorial pick by the Celtics back in 1956. The 1956-57 Rookie of the Year made six All-Star teams and won eight championships in his nine seasons. Three times, Heinsohn averaged more than 20 points, and he twice averaged a double-double in points and rebounds.
7. Sam Jones (8th overall, 1957)
A winner of 10 champions in his 12 seasons, Sam Jones was an All-NBA second team member three times. For four straight years from 1964-65 until 1967-68, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged more than 21 points. Only Bill Russell’s rings won as a player are more than what Jones accomplished.
6. Jayson Tatum (3rd overall, 2017)
At 27 years old, Jayson Tatum certainly has the opportunity to move up this list. The eight-year veteran has found himself on the All-NBA first team each of the last four seasons. A champion in 2024, he has averaged 27.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists over the past five years.
5. Dave Cowens (4th overall, 1970)
From 1972-73 until 1975-76, Dave Cowens finished first, fourth, second, and third in MVP voting. The 1970-71 Rookie of the Year averaged at least 13.9 rebounds each of his first seven seasons. The two-time champion also averaged more than 20 points twice.
4. Kevin McHale (3rd overall, 1989)
Incredible at working in the low block on offense, Kevin McHale was also impactful on the defensive end as evidenced by his six All-Defensive nods. A selfless player who often came off the bench, he won back-to-back Sixth Man of the Year awards in 1983-84 and 1984-85. Many of his numbers improved in the playoffs as he won three titles in the 1980s.
3. Paul Pierce (10th overall, 1998)
Paul Pierce was a bucket-getter during his 15 years with the club. The 10-time All-Star averaged 21.8 points while wearing the Celtics green. The franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers (1,823) and free-throws (6,434) made, Pierce was named Finals MVP in 2008.
2. John Havlicek (9th overall, 1962)
When you’re the all-time leading scorer for a franchise that has won 17 championships as John Havlicek is, you know you’ve had a marvelous career. ‘Hondo’ played the entirety of his 16-year career with Boston winning eight titles. Havlicek made both All-NBA and All-Defensive first or second team for eight straight years spanning from 1968-69 until 1975-76.
1. Larry Bird (6th overall, 1978)
Known as ‘Larry Legend’, Larry Bird spent all 13 of his NBA seasons with the Celtics. Seen as one of the all-time greats, he won three MVP awards and made the All-NBA first team nine times. Bird won three championships with Boston, with the last two seeing him be awarded Finals MVP.
