Bill Russell is undoubtedly the most accomplished NBA player to step onto the court. He won 11 NBA titles in the span of 13 years for the Boston Celtics, a feat no modern team can even hope to replicate. Russell was so dominant that the Finals MVP trophy was created as a tribute to him. However, he owes a lot of his success to legendary coach Red Auerbach. Auerbach coached the Boston Celtics to 9 championships. After retiring as a coach and becoming a front office executive, Auerbach added 7 more titles to his name. This led him to win 16 NBA Championships in the 29 years he spent as a member of the league. The NBA Coach of the Year trophy is named after Auerbach. Apart from just winning titles, Auerbach also became the man to give Bill Russell [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-boston-celtics-dont-ask-who-won-you-know-the-answer-bill-russell-recalls-racing-days-in-his-lamborghini-takes-a-dig-at-wilt-chamberlain/] his first job as a coach. BOSTON CELTICS UNDER BILL RUSSELL Russell became one of the first NBA players to coach a team while still being a player. He was on the hot-seat for 3 years and won two NBA Championships in that time. After Auerbach’s retirement, Russell had to be the one to devise a game plan to stop Philadelphia 76ers big man Wilt Chamberlain [https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01.html]. Wilt spoiled the Celtics decade long domination of the NBA by defeating them 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1966. However, the C’s didn’t stay down for long. They would win the title next year, defeating Philly in the Conference Finals in a game 7. Russell won his first ring as a player-coach by taking down the Jerry West-led LA Lakers. He won another title in his third year as a coach. Russell defeated the LA Lakers in a 7 game series to win the 1968 NBA Championship. Russell would abruptly retire after this season, puzzling media and fans in Boston. Without a coach and a high-quality center, the Celtics failed to make the playoffs, ending a 28-year playoff streak. Despite Russell’s acrimonious exit from Boston, he is still one of their greatest and most successful players. Russell had a record of 162 wins and 83 losses in his three years as coach. He would return with the Seattle SuperSonics and had a few unremarkable years there. 

Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell became the first player to win an NBA
Championship as a player-coach. He won the title twice in three years.

Ishaan Bhattacharya is an NBA, NCAA Basketball, and Combat Sports writer at
EssentiallySports. Currently, Ishaan is pursuing a Post Graduate Degree in
Journalism from Xavier's Institute of Communication. Previously, Ishaan has
written for The Indian Express, The Quint, Sportskeeda, and WrestleClub. Ishaan
has a keen interest in theatre and films, and has dabbled in the art, winning
several awards for his scripts over the years. He has written for popular
YouTube channels such as The Wrestling Hub and WhatCulture. Now, Ishaan also
heads the site's NCAA Basketball division.

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Throwback: When NBA Legend Played as Center and Coached The Boston Celtics

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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-weight: normal">The Boston Celtics, founded in 1946 as one of the NBA's original clubs, have a long and illustrious basketball history. They are a formidable power in the league, participating in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and based in Boston. The Celtics play their home games in the TD Garden, which they share with the NHL's Boston Bruins. Their illustrious history is highlighted by 17 NBA titles, a number shared only with their archrivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics are an enduring force in the world of professional basketball, with the most wins in NBA history.</span>
<h2><strong>Boston Celtics in a Glimpse</strong></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Conference</strong></td>
<td>Eastern</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Division</strong></td>
<td>Atlantic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Location</strong></td>
<td>Boston, Massachusetts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Team Colours</strong></td>
<td>
Green, white, black, gold, brown</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ownership </strong></td>
<td>Wyc Grousbeck</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Affiliation</strong></td>
<td>Maine Celtics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Championships </strong></td>
<td>SEVENTEEN (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Conference Titles</strong></td>
<td>TEN (1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 2008, 2010)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Division Titles</strong></td>
<td> THIRTY-ONE (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<strong>Read More: <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-legends-basketball-news-dropping-three-point-shots-over-jayson-tatum-and-co-celtics-veterans-one-v-one-battle-hits-kevin-garnett-with-nostalgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dropping 3-Point Shots Over Jayson Tatum and Co., Celtics Veterans’ 1v1 Battle Hits Kevin Garnett With Nostalgia</a></strong>
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal">History of Celtics throughout the years</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-weight: normal">In 1946, the Boston Celtics was one of the founding teams in the Basketball Association of America (BAA). They encountered a number of difficulties in grabbing the city's interest, as baseball and hockey dominated it. However, in their first home game in 1946, Chuck Connors, afterward known as "The Rifleman," broke a backboard with a slam dunk, generating excitement. In 1949/50, the BAA developed into the National Basketball Association (NBA). With the hire of great coach Arnold "Red" Auerbach in 1950, the Celtics went on a historic journey, launching their illustrious sports heritage.</span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal">1950s to 1990s</span></h2>
From the 1950s to the 1990s, the Boston Celtics' history is one of NBA domination, memorable rivalries, and great players. It all started in the late 1950s, when coach Red Auerbach arranged for the acquisition of the renowned Bill Russell in 1956. Russell, along with other talents such as Bob Cousy, led the Celtics to their first NBA title in 1957. This signalled the start of an unprecedented period of success. Russell helped the Celtics become a dynasty, winning eight straight NBA championships from 1959 through 1966. A tremendous supporting cast of future Hall of Famers, including John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Sam Jones, Satch Sanders, and Bill Sharman, helped to cement the team's history.

Following Russell's retirement in 1969, the Celtics went through a rebuilding phase before making a comeback in the mid-1970s. They won titles in 1974 and 1976 under the leadership of talents such as Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, and Jo Jo White. The Celtics recovered their dominance in the 1980s, reigniting their rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Celtics' "Big Three" of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish won titles in 1981, 1984, and 1986. Their dramatic clashes with the Lakers, including a spectacular victory in the 1984 Finals, are in the annals of NBA history.

The Celtics-Lakers rivalry, with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson at the helm, became one of sports' most memorable rivalries. The two teams met in the NBA Finals a record 12 times, with the Celtics winning nine of those meetings. Furthermore, the Celtics have produced four NBA Most Valuable Players (MVPs), for a total of ten MVP trophies, solidifying their position as an NBA superpower. The nickname "Celtics," as well as the mascot "Lucky the Leprechaun," pay reference to Boston's rich Irish heritage and the Original Celtics, a notable team prior to the NBA. From the 1950s to the 1990s, the Boston Celtics' history is one of excellence, famous players, and unforgettable rivalries that have left an everlasting stamp on the NBA.

[caption id="attachment_2181179" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-2181179 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1030513219h.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1346" /> US PRESSWIRE Sports Archive Unknown date Los Angeles, CA, USA FILE PHOTO Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain 13 battles for a rebound in front of Boston Celtics center Bill Russell 6 at the Forum. Los Angeles California UNITED STATES, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDarrylxNorenberg-USAxTODAYxSportsx 4054563[/caption]

<strong>Read More: <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-legends-basketball-news-despite-preseason-failure-victor-wembanyamas-ruthless-flair-against-okc-leaves-forty-seven-yo-celtics-legend-with-thrilling-rush/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Despite Preseason Failure, Victor Wembanyama’s Ruthless Flair Against OKC Leaves 47YO Celtics Legend With Thrilling Rush</a></strong>
<h2>Mid 1990s to 2013</h2>
From the 1990s to 2013, the Boston Celtics had a rollercoaster journey filled with highs and lows, famous players, and huge transformations. The Celtics suffered a shift in the early 1990s, as important players including as Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish retired or moved on, signaling the end of the original "Big Three" era. The squad experienced difficulties, and Reggie Lewis, a bright young star, tragically died as a result of heart problems, complicating matters even further. The Celtics hired M. L. Carr as vice president of basketball operations in the mid-1990s while they went through a rebuilding phase. In 1995, the team relocated from the Boston Garden to the Fleet Center (later TD Garden) and struggled to make the playoffs.

Rick Pitino was named president, director of basketball operations, and head coach of the team in 1997, bringing with him tremendous expectations. The Celtics drafted young players such as Chauncey Billups and Ron Mercer, but despite their efforts, the team was unable to achieve the required level of success. A combination of seasoned veterans and hopeful newcomers characterized the late 1990s and early 2000s. Notably, Paul Pierce was drafted in 1998 and immediately showed potential, but the Celtics failed under Pitino's direction. With Pitino's retirement, Jim O'Brien took over as coach, and the team improved slightly. Although Paul Pierce developed into an NBA superstar, the Celtics still faced obstacles to success.

When the team recruited Danny Ainge as general manager, he oversaw the formation of a new "Big Three" consisting of Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. The 2007-08 season featured a spectacular turnaround, with the squad improving by 42 games over the previous season. The Celtics went on to win their 17th NBA championship in 2008, reigniting their glory days. The next seasons witnessed a mix of success, playoff appearances, and Rajon Rondo's rise as a standout player. The departure of important players like Ray Allen, as well as subsequent injuries, tested the Celtics' stability, but the club remained competitive.
<h2>2013 to present</h2>
From 2013 until the present, the Boston Celtics have gone through considerable changes and endured numerous hardships, all while being a competitive NBA organization. The Celtics shifted from the "Big Three" era to Brad Stevens as head coach in 2013, prioritizing player development and laying a solid basis for the future. The franchise launched a youth movement by dealing established players such as Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for future draft picks and new talent. Brad Stevens took over as head coach, emphasizing player development and bringing in talented players like Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum. The new "Big Three" lineup included Irving, Horford, and Tatum.

[caption id="attachment_1375361" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1375361 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-12-06T040702Z_1635917323_MT1USATODAY19571790_RTRMADP_3_NBA-BOSTON-CELTICS-AT-TORONTO-RAPTORS.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1386" /> Dec 5, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles the ball up court against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

The Celtics made the playoffs in 2017-18, finishing as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they were defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Cleveland Cavaliers, therefore ruining their title chances. The Celtics endured injuries and performance swings in the following seasons. Brad Stevens will take over as President of Basketball Operations in 2021, succeeding Danny Ainge, who is retiring. He oversaw a number of roster changes, including the acquisition of Al Horford and the selection of new players.

The Celtics reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010, but were defeated in six games by the Golden State Warriors. To form their roster, the team made numerous major transactions, including trading Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies and obtaining Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics are competitive in the Eastern Conference as of 2023, thanks to a mix of young talent, seasoned veterans, and a new front staff under Brad Stevens.

<strong>Read More: <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/chosen-as-second-option-after-dirk-nowitzki-celtics-legends-fear-of-getting-traded-ended-up-becoming-a-boon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chosen as ‘Second Option’ After Dirk Nowitzki, Celtics Legend’s Fear of Getting Traded Ended Up Becoming a Boon</a></strong>
<h2>Ownership of the New York Knicks</h2>
<ul>
 	<li>The owner of Boston Garden-Arena Corporation from 1946 to 1950 was Walter A. Brown/Lou Pieri.</li>
 	<li>Lou Pieri and Marjorie Brown, wife of the team’s founder, were the team's owners from 1964 to 1965.</li>
 	<li>Marvin Kratter/ Knickerbocker Brewing Company owned the team from 1965 to 1968,</li>
 	<li>Ballantine Brewery owned the team from 1968 to 1972.</li>
 	<li>Trans-National Communications owned the team from 1969 to 1971,</li>
 	<li>Robert Schmertz/ Leisure Technology owned the team from 1972 to 1975.</li>
 	<li>John Y. Brown, Jr. and Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. were owners from 1978 to 1983,</li>
 	<li>Paul Gaston owned the team from 1983 to 2002.</li>
 	<li>Boston Basketball Partners L.L.C. has been in operation since December 2002.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Overall Stats of the Knicks (2022-23)</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>OVERALL</strong></td>
<td width="55"><strong>2022-23</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GP</td>
<td width="55">82</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MIN</td>
<td width="55">48.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PTS</td>
<td width="55">117.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FGM</td>
<td width="55">42.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FGA</td>
<td width="55">88.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FG%</td>
<td width="55">47.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3PM</td>
<td width="55">16.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3PA</td>
<td width="55">42.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3P%</td>
<td width="55">37.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FTM</td>
<td width="55">17.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FTA</td>
<td width="55">21.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FT%</td>
<td width="55">81.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OREB</td>
<td width="55">9.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DREB</td>
<td width="55">35.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>REB</td>
<td width="55">45.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AST</td>
<td width="55">26.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOV</td>
<td width="55">13.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>STL</td>
<td width="55">6.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td width="55">5.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PF</td>
<td width="55">18.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The New York Knicks Roster
<ol>
 	<li>G 45    Banton, Dalano</li>
 	<li>F 12     Brissett, Oshae</li>
 	<li>G/F      7          Brown, Jaylen</li>
 	<li>G         20        Davison, JD (TW)</li>
 	<li>F          13        Gabriel, Wenyen</li>
 	<li>F          30        Hauser, Sam</li>
 	<li>G         4          Holiday, Jrue</li>
 	<li>F/C      42        Horford, Al</li>
 	<li>C         40        Kornet, Luke</li>
 	<li>G/F      50        Mykhailiuk, Sviatoslav</li>
 	<li>F/C      8          Porzingis, Kristaps</li>
 	<li>G         11        Pritchard, Payton</li>
 	<li>C         88        Queta, Neemias (TW)</li>
 	<li>G         55        Scrubb, Jay Injured (TW)</li>
 	<li>F          77        Stevens, Lamar</li>
 	<li>G         26        Steward, DJ</li>
 	<li>F          0          Tatum, Jayson</li>
 	<li>G         27        Walsh, Jordan</li>
 	<li>G         9          White, Derrick</li>
</ol>
<h2>Top-paid players of the New York Knicks</h2>
<h4><strong>PG Jrue Holiday $36,861,707</strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>Contract: 4 years, $134,997,333</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>PF Kristaps Porzingis $36,016,200</strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>Contract: 5 years, $158,253,000</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>PF Jayson Tatum $32,600,060</strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>Contract: 5 years, $163,000,300</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>SF Jaylen Brown  $31,830,357   </strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>Contract: 4 years, <strong>$$106,333,334</strong></li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>PG Derrick White $18,357,143</strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>Contract: 4 years, <strong>$70,000,000</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2>Official Handles and Team Information</h2>
<table width="462">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Website</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://www.nba.com/celtics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Celtics.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Official Instagram handle</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/celtics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Celtics</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Official Twitter handle</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/celtics?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Celtics X</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Official YouTube handle</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMfT9dr6xC_RIWoA9hI0meQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Celtic YouTube</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Arena</strong></td>
<td>TD Garden</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>First Knicks game in Arena</strong></td>
<td>November 17, 1928</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

Boston Celtics 2023

The Boston Celtics, founded in 1946 as one of the NBA&#8217;s original clubs, have a long and illustrious basketball history. They are a formidable power in the league, participating in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and based in Boston. The Celtics play their home games in the TD Garden, which they share with the NHL&#8217;s Boston Bruins. Their illustrious history is highlighted by 17 NBA titles, a number shared only with their archrivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics are an enduring force in the world of professional basketball, with the most wins in NBA history. Boston Celtics in a Glimpse  Conference Eastern  Division Atlantic  Location Boston, Massachusetts  Team Colours Green, white, black, gold, brown  Ownership  Wyc Grousbeck  Affiliation Maine Celtics  Championships  SEVENTEEN (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)  Conference Titles TEN (1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 2008, 2010)  Division Titles  THIRTY-ONE (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017)  Read More: Dropping 3-Point Shots Over Jayson Tatum and Co., Celtics Veterans’ 1v1 Battle Hits Kevin Garnett With Nostalgia History of Celtics throughout the years In 1946, the Boston Celtics was one of the founding teams in the Basketball Association of America (BAA). They encountered a number of difficulties in grabbing the city&#8217;s interest, as baseball and hockey dominated it. However, in their first home game in 1946, Chuck Connors, afterward known as &#8220;The Rifleman,&#8221; broke a backboard with a slam dunk, generating excitement. In 1949/50, the BAA developed into the National Basketball Association (NBA). With the hire of great coach Arnold &#8220;Red&#8221; Auerbach in 1950, the Celtics went on a historic journey, launching their illustrious sports heritage. 1950s to 1990s From the 1950s to the 1990s, the Boston Celtics&#8217; history is one of NBA domination, memorable rivalries, and great players. It all started in the late 1950s, when coach Red Auerbach arranged for the acquisition of the renowned Bill Russell in 1956. Russell, along with other talents such as Bob Cousy, led the Celtics to their first NBA title in 1957. This signalled the start of an unprecedented period of success. Russell helped the Celtics become a dynasty, winning eight straight NBA championships from 1959 through 1966. A tremendous supporting cast of future Hall of Famers, including John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Sam Jones, Satch Sanders, and Bill Sharman, helped to cement the team&#8217;s history. Following Russell&#8217;s retirement in 1969, the Celtics went through a rebuilding phase before making a comeback in the mid-1970s. They won titles in 1974 and 1976 under the leadership of talents such as Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, and Jo Jo White. The Celtics recovered their dominance in the 1980s, reigniting their rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Celtics&#8217; &#8220;Big Three&#8221; of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish won titles in 1981, 1984, and 1986. Their dramatic clashes with the Lakers, including a spectacular victory in the 1984 Finals, are in the annals of NBA history. The Celtics-Lakers rivalry, with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson at the helm, became one of sports&#8217; most memorable rivalries. The two teams met in the NBA Finals a record 12 times, with the Celtics winning nine of those meetings. Furthermore, the Celtics have produced four NBA Most Valuable Players (MVPs), for a total of ten MVP trophies, solidifying their position as an NBA superpower. The nickname &#8220;Celtics,&#8221; as well as the mascot &#8220;Lucky the Leprechaun,&#8221; pay reference to Boston&#8217;s rich Irish heritage and the Original Celtics, a notable team prior to the NBA. From the 1950s to the 1990s, the Boston Celtics&#8217; history is one of excellence, famous players, and unforgettable rivalries that have left an everlasting stamp on the NBA. US PRESSWIRE Sports Archive Unknown date Los Angeles, CA, USA FILE PHOTO Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain 13 battles for a rebound in front of Boston Celtics center Bill Russell 6 at the Forum. Los Angeles California UNITED STATES, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDarrylxNorenberg-USAxTODAYxSportsx 4054563 Read More: Despite Preseason Failure, Victor Wembanyama’s Ruthless Flair Against OKC Leaves 47YO Celtics Legend With Thrilling Rush Mid 1990s to 2013 From the 1990s to 2013, the Boston Celtics had a rollercoaster journey filled with highs and lows, famous players, and huge transformations. The Celtics suffered a shift in the early 1990s, as important players including as Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish retired or moved on, signaling the end of the original &#8220;Big Three&#8221; era. The squad experienced difficulties, and Reggie Lewis, a bright young star, tragically died as a result of heart problems, complicating matters even further. The Celtics hired M. L. Carr as vice president of basketball operations in the mid-1990s while they went through a rebuilding phase. In 1995, the team relocated from the Boston Garden to the Fleet Center (later TD Garden) and struggled to make the playoffs. Rick Pitino was named president, director of basketball operations, and head coach of the team in 1997, bringing with him tremendous expectations. The Celtics drafted young players such as Chauncey Billups and Ron Mercer, but despite their efforts, the team was unable to achieve the required level of success. A combination of seasoned veterans and hopeful newcomers characterized the late 1990s and early 2000s. Notably, Paul Pierce was drafted in 1998 and immediately showed potential, but the Celtics failed under Pitino&#8217;s direction. With Pitino&#8217;s retirement, Jim O&#8217;Brien took over as coach, and the team improved slightly. Although Paul Pierce developed into an NBA superstar, the Celtics still faced obstacles to success. When the team recruited Danny Ainge as general manager, he oversaw the formation of a new &#8220;Big Three&#8221; consisting of Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. The 2007-08 season featured a spectacular turnaround, with the squad improving by 42 games over the previous season. The Celtics went on to win their 17th NBA championship in 2008, reigniting their glory days. The next seasons witnessed a mix of success, playoff appearances, and Rajon Rondo&#8217;s rise as a standout player. The departure of important players like Ray Allen, as well as subsequent injuries, tested the Celtics&#8217; stability, but the club remained competitive. 2013 to present From 2013 until the present, the Boston Celtics have gone through considerable changes and endured numerous hardships, all while being a competitive NBA organization. The Celtics shifted from the &#8220;Big Three&#8221; era to Brad Stevens as head coach in 2013, prioritizing player development and laying a solid basis for the future. The franchise launched a youth movement by dealing established players such as Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for future draft picks and new talent. Brad Stevens took over as head coach, emphasizing player development and bringing in talented players like Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum. The new &#8220;Big Three&#8221; lineup included Irving, Horford, and Tatum. Dec 5, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles the ball up court against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports The Celtics made the playoffs in 2017-18, finishing as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they were defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Cleveland Cavaliers, therefore ruining their title chances. The Celtics endured injuries and performance swings in the following seasons. Brad Stevens will take over as President of Basketball Operations in 2021, succeeding Danny Ainge, who is retiring. He oversaw a number of roster changes, including the acquisition of Al Horford and the selection of new players. The Celtics reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010, but were defeated in six games by the Golden State Warriors. To form their roster, the team made numerous major transactions, including trading Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies and obtaining Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics are competitive in the Eastern Conference as of 2023, thanks to a mix of young talent, seasoned veterans, and a new front staff under Brad Stevens. Read More: Chosen as ‘Second Option’ After Dirk Nowitzki, Celtics Legend’s Fear of Getting Traded Ended Up Becoming a Boon Ownership of the New York Knicks The owner of Boston Garden-Arena Corporation from 1946 to 1950 was Walter A. Brown/Lou Pieri. Lou Pieri and Marjorie Brown, wife of the team’s founder, were the team&#8217;s owners from 1964 to 1965. Marvin Kratter/ Knickerbocker Brewing Company owned the team from 1965 to 1968, Ballantine Brewery owned the team from 1968 to 1972. Trans-National Communications owned the team from 1969 to 1971, Robert Schmertz/ Leisure Technology owned the team from 1972 to 1975. John Y. Brown, Jr. and Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. were owners from 1978 to 1983, Paul Gaston owned the team from 1983 to 2002. Boston Basketball Partners L.L.C. has been in operation since December 2002. Overall Stats of the Knicks (2022-23)  OVERALL 2022-23  GP 82  MIN 48.7  PTS 117.9  FGM 42.2  FGA 88.8  FG% 47.5  3PM 16.0  3PA 42.6  3P% 37.7  FTM 17.5  FTA 21.6  FT% 81.2  OREB 9.7  DREB 35.6  REB 45.3  AST 26.7  TOV 13.4  STL 6.4  BLK 5.2  PF 18.8  The New York Knicks Roster G 45    Banton, Dalano F 12     Brissett, Oshae G/F      7          Brown, Jaylen G         20        Davison, JD (TW) F          13        Gabriel, Wenyen F          30        Hauser, Sam G         4          Holiday, Jrue F/C      42        Horford, Al C         40        Kornet, Luke G/F      50        Mykhailiuk, Sviatoslav F/C      8          Porzingis, Kristaps G         11        Pritchard, Payton C         88        Queta, Neemias (TW) G         55        Scrubb, Jay Injured (TW) F          77        Stevens, Lamar G         26        Steward, DJ F          0          Tatum, Jayson G         27        Walsh, Jordan G         9          White, Derrick Top-paid players of the New York Knicks PG Jrue Holiday $36,861,707 Contract: 4 years, $134,997,333 PF Kristaps Porzingis $36,016,200 Contract: 5 years, $158,253,000 PF Jayson Tatum $32,600,060 Contract: 5 years, $163,000,300 SF Jaylen Brown  $31,830,357    Contract: 4 years, $$106,333,334 PG Derrick White $18,357,143 Contract: 4 years, $70,000,000 Official Handles and Team Information  Website Celtics.com  Official Instagram handle Boston Celtics  Official Twitter handle Boston Celtics X  Official YouTube handle Boston Celtic YouTube  Arena TD Garden  First Knicks game in Arena November 17, 1928  &nbsp;

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