3 Celtics Greats Who Would Be Even Better if They Played Today
By Tyler Kemp
The Celtics are the most decorated franchise in NBA history with their 17 titles. Throughout each era of basketball, some of the greatest players of all-time represented Boston basketball in the best way, which is winning a championship. There are also a few guys who played in the green and white that would be even better today. Here’s three of them.
3. Sam Jones
In the narrative of the NBA, Sam Jones is a forgotten name who was critical to Boston’s championship success with Bill Russell and company in the 60’s. Jones was a 6-4 guard who played the 1, 2 and 3 in his era and would probably have the most success in 2020 as a combo guard. With his combination of size and knack for scoring anywhere on the floor, Jones would get buckets in today’s NBA.
2. John Havlicek
When both Russell and Jones retired in 1969, Hondo was the next great Celtic to lead Boston back to championship glory. A solid 6-5 wing who averaged more than 20 points for his career to go along with six rebounds and close to five assists, Havlicek had the versatility to play multiple positions. A volume shooter, Havlicek still ranks in the top-20 in NBA scoring and top-15 in field goals made and attempted.
1. Larry Bird
Averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for his career, Bird was a perennial triple-double threat anytime he stepped on the floor. His combination of scoring and passing would make him the perfect point forward in 2020. That does not even include his 37% from deep for his career. In an era where more threes are being shot than ever, Bird would get even more opportunities to stuff the stat sheet.