Top defenders in Boston Celtics history

You don't win eighteen NBA championships unless you have top notch defense. The Boston Celtics have a long and storied history of great defensive players. Here's a list of some of the top defenders in the team's history:

 Bill Russell

• Years with Celtics: 1956–1969
• Defensive Strengths: Russell is widely considered the greatest defender in NBA history. His ability to block shots, alter opponents' shots, and dominate the boards was unmatched. He revolutionized shot-blocking and is credited with creating the concept of "help defense." His leadership in the paint anchored Boston's defense, and he was a key part of their 11 championships in 13 years.

Kevin Garnett

• Years with Celtics: 2007–2013
• Defensive Strengths: Garnett was a ferocious defender who could guard any position on the floor. His versatility, intelligence, and intensity made him a twelve time All-NBA Defensive team selection. KG's presence in the post and his ability to switch on the perimeter helped the Celtics build one of the league’s top defenses during their 2008 championship run and was named the league Defensive Player of the Year for that campaign.

  Dave Cowens

• Years with Celtics: 1970–1980
• Defensive Strengths: A three time member of the NBA's All Defensive teams Cowens left it all on the floor for the Celtics. Cowens made up for being an undersized center with his hard work and tenacity on the defensive side of the floor. "Big Red" received the ultimate individual accolade when he was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1973 and team wise he led the Celtics to banners 12 and 13 in 1974 and 1976.

 Dennis Johnson

• Years with Celtics: 1983–1989
• Defensive Strengths: Johnson was a tenacious defender who could guard both point guards and shooting guards with ease. He was known for his ability to disrupt passing lanes and his aggressive on-ball defense. DJ was a key contributor to the Celtics’ 1984 and 1986 championship teams, sacrificing his offensive game to focus on lockdown defense and point guard duties. Larry Bird calls Johnson the best teammate he ever played with played with. Johnson had a well earned reputation of performing at his best at the most clutch times of games.

 

 Larry Bird

• Years with Celtics: 1979–1982
• Defensive Strengths: Johnny Most's "And now there's a steal by Bird..." call on Larry's theft of Isiah Thomas was the defining moment of Bird's NBA career. "Larry Legend" could do it all and was known as a great scorer, passer, and rebounder, but his grit and ability to make smart defensive plays were also a main key to Boston's NBA dominance in the 1980's. Bird ranks second on the team's all-time steals list with 1556.

John Havlicek

• Years with Celtics: 1962–1978
• Defensive Strengths: Havlicek is considered one of the best two-way players in NBA history. He was known for his relentless defense, particularly as a perimeter defender, where he could lock down opposing players and was a crucial part of Boston’s 1960s and 1970s defenses. He could guard any position and was a constant threat to steal the ball.

 Marcus Smart

• Years with Celtics: 2014–2023
• Defensive Strengths: Smart was a three time All Defensive team league selection as a member of the Boston Celtics and was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-2022 season. Smart had a nose for the ball and finished his Celtics tenure fourth on the team's all time steals list. 

Paul Pierce

• Years with Celtics: 1998–2013
• Defensive Strengths: While Pierce is more often remembered for his scoring and leadership, he was an excellent defender, particularly during the Celtics' 2008 title run. Pierce was particularly effective in clutch defensive moments. His versatility and tenacity on defense were key to Boston's defensive identity in the late 2000s. "The Truth" is the Celtics all time leader in steals with 1583.

Jayson Tatum

• Years with Celtics: 2017–present
• Defensive Strengths: While Tatum is still writing his legacy, he has emerged as one of the NBA's top defenders. His length, agility, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a key part of the Celtics’ defense. Tatum has shown the ability to lock down opposing stars, and his skill set has helped Boston become one of the NBA's top defensive teams in recent years. Tatum already ranks in the Celtics' top 10 career steals leaders.

Others

• Kevin McHale
• Robert Parish
• Jim Loscutoff
• Al Horford
• Avery Bradley
• Jo Jo White
• Tony Allen
• Gerald Henderson