Rooting for The Green: 5 reasons to become a fan of the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have one of the largest and most dedicated fan bases of all NBA teams. Millions of passionate supporters have accompanied this highly successful franchise over the years, remaining faithful to them through all the highs and lows they’ve experienced.  

The fact that they have over 12 million fans across their main social media platforms and their total home attendance for the 2021/22 regular season amounted to over 766 thousand spectators should help you gain an idea of how respected and appreciated they are in the basketball world. 

Therefore, if you’re a die-hard fan of the Celtics and have been part of this vibrant community for a while, you certainly understand what the hype is about. However, if you’re an outsider who’s not familiar with basketball culture in general, but you’re interested in the sport, the reasons why one would choose to support the Green may not be as obvious. 

So, if you’re looking for a team to support and the Celtics have popped up on your radar, here are a few reasons why you might want to join their dedicated fanbase. 

A long and captivating history 

While a team’s history isn’t necessarily the main incentive for basketball fans, rooting for a franchise that stands on a rich legacy is definitely a reason of pride for any supporter, and the Celtics definitely stand out in this respect. A quick glimpse into their past will reveal that the Celtics, which were founded in 1946, are one of the original eight teams that formed the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949 after the Basketball Association of America (BAA) merged with the National Basketball League (NBL). 

The Celtics started to rise to prominence around the late ‘50s, after Bill Russell joined the team in 1956. Alongside Bob Cousy and Tom Hein sohn, Russell led the Celtics to their first NBA championship in 1957. They went on to dominate the sport for almost three decades, establishing themselves as an NBA powerhouse. 

However, it’s not just their performance on court that’s worth mentioning, but also their other feats and events that marked their journey and contributed significantly to the evolution of the sport. They brought into the spotlight legendary basketball figures like Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Robert Parish, Rajon Rondo and, John Havlicek and other Hall of Famers. Furthermore, they championed black players in the NBA, particularly during a time of great racial segregation, being the first team to field an all-Black starting lineup. 

The Greens also got involved in numerous initiatives meant to give back to the local community through their Shamrock Foundation. Their efforts have been directed at helping children in need by implementing different programs and resorting to strategic funding, as well as carrying on the team’s legacy into the community. 

Unparalleled achievements 

Cheering for a team that stands a fair chance at winning is arguably more entertaining than backing an underdog because it gives you the opportunity to witness great play and experience more exciting games throughout the championship. As a fan of the Boston Celtics, you’re rooting for a team that hasn’t just been in the game for a long time, but has also registered many remarkable results over the years, recording an impressive number of victories, so you can expect to be on the winning side most of the time.

The Celtics are widely recognized as the most successful team in the league's history, having won a record-setting 18 NBA championships. This puts them ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, who have 17 titles. Under the guidance of coach Red Auerbach and player Bill Russell, the Celtics won 11 championships in 13 seasons between 1957 and 1969, with eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966, the longest such streak in major North American professional sports.  

Obviously, there have also been periods when the Celtics didn’t do so well, for various reasons. Many of their players have suffered severe injuries that have destabilized the team. Having some of their best players unable to perform at peak level, and with instances of medical negligence being quite common in the world of sports, fans have real reasons for concern.  

However, despite all the ups and downs, the Celtics remain a team with great potential. Right now, they are going through a phase of reconsolidation. Their 2024 NBA championship victory cemented their position at the top of the league, and they seem determined to reclaim their past glory.  

Exciting rivalries

Being such a highly competitive team for so many years also means that the Celtics have been involved in many exciting rivalries, some of which continue to this day. Seeing some of the best teams in the NBA clash is sure to get your adrenaline pumping 

The most captivating and enduring rivalry for the Celtics is with the Los Angeles Lakers. This rivalry is considered the greatest in NBA history due to its longevity, intense Finals matchups, and iconic player battles. They also have a long-standing and passionate rivalry with the Knicks, particularly in the playoffs, as well as the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat.

A star-studded lineup 

The Celtics have a talented roster of players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart, and their future looks promising with exciting young players. Such powerful players are sure to put on an amazing show every time they step on the court and keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

Their dynamic duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who are both NBA All-Stars, consistently performs at a high level, and their play is often compared to a "star team" rather than one built around a single superstar. Additionally, they have other key players like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, who contribute significantly to their success.

A passionate community 

Finally, being a fan of the Boston Celtics means you become part of a fun and passionate community. Celtic fans are known for their unwavering support and for creating an electric atmosphere at TD Garden. The Celtics are also deeply connected with the city of Boston and proudly promote their Irish heritage and roots, which is reflected in their name, branding, and team culture, creating a sense of connection and community and enhancing the overall experience for fans.