The Boston Celtics are the most celebrated franchise in the rich and cherished history of the NBA. They have won 17 championships since the league’s birth, more than any other team, and competed in a staggering 21 NBA Finals.
Founded in 1946 as one of the Original Eight teams, the Celtics did not begin to find success until they hired coach Red Auerbach to run the team in 1950. The first championship did not come until 1957. That was after Auerbach traded Ed Macauley and the draft rights of Cliff Hagan for the draft pick that became Bill Russell.