Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are currently enjoying the latest chapter in their storied tradition as the most successful professional basketball organization in the world. The current Big 3 are both a tip of the cap to the Big 3 of the 80's and a logical next step in the evolution of the franchise.

The team has been so dominant that the team's history has to be broken up into eras. In the late 50's and throughout the 60's the team simply dominated the sport, winning 11 of 13 Championships led by team patriarch coach Red Auerbach, point guard pioneer Bob Cousy, and defensive legend Bill Russell.

In the 70's Auerbach crafted a new era of success as the GM through players like Dave Cowens, Paul Silas, and Jo Jo White. They were coached by former star player Tommy Heinsohn who led them to two more championships.

In the 80's the team was back at it with the Big 3 of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. That trio seemed to trade titles with the L.A. Lakers throughout the decade, finishing with 3 for Boston.

Danny Ainge, a starter for those 80's teams, was brought in to right the ship after a stretch of un-Celtic-like mediocrity and frustration. After a few years of building up assets, Ainge finally delivered a Championship roster by trading for future Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to pair with Paul Pierce. That trio, the new Big 3, went on to win a championship banner in their first year together.

The team has not been able to duplicate that feat in the few years since but they have remained competitive and the Big 3 are still together and hoping to make at least one more run at another Banner to add to the already crowded rafters. In recent years young point guard Rajon Rondo has matured into a star in his own right and is seen as a bridge to the future of the franchise beyond the new Big Three era.