ESPNs "Greatest Celtic Team of All Time"

[slamtheking]

First team:

C: Russell
PF: McHale
SF: Bird
SG: Havlicek
PG: Cousy

Second team:

C: Cowens
PF: Heinsohn
SF: Pierce
SG: Jones
PG: DJ

Third team:

C: Parish
PF: Garnett
SF: Sharman
SG: JoJo White
PG: Rondo

I've probably overlooked some guys, and I cheated a bit on the third team.  Some greats were still left out, too (including Ray).

pretty solid picks all the way through.  the only thing I think should really be different is swapping Rondo and DJ.  If we're talking about a player's time on the C's and not their career in general, then Rondo makes much more sense than DJ especially on that second team where they're all fastbreak players and DJ was more of a half-court PG. 
Neither's a great shooter (DJ was a bit better but that's like saying one dog's breath is better than another's, they're both bad) but DJ was solid at the charity stripe.  DJ was a good, physical defender but did not have Rondo's hands or speed on O or D.

Sharman's a solid pick but I'd give Max some consideration on the 3rd team SF.  solid defender and scorer.  not a distance shooter but just seems like a better fit with the other players in that group especially if DJ is moved to that team.

If we're sticking with JoJo having to be a PG per ESPN, I'd seriously consider him as the 2nd PG with Rondo 3rd and consider Reggie as the 3rd SG. 

[WeMadeIt17]

My 3rd team I did would be so tough on D..

C-Parrish
PF-KG
SF-Cornbread
SG-Reggie Lewis
PG-Rondooooooooooooo

I threw in Lewis instead of ray ray because of what he could have been.

[lon3lytoaster]

Russell
Garnett
Bird
Havlicek
Rondo

Try to out-rebound that team. I dare you. That isn't how I'd really rank my first team, I don't think but man I'd still love to see that unit defensively. Talk about juggernaut.

[RebusRankin]

For those questioning Cousy, its worse with Mikan, his game doesn't translate to the modern game at all.

[Celtics17]

I think first team I would have to go with KG of 08 over McHale and I thought McHale was probably the best power forward to ever play. The thing is though, KG was the defensive player of the year and his outside shooting game I think compliments Russels inside game on offense and KG is probably a more versatile defender then what McHale was. Also, while I certainly never saw Cousy play I might be pressed to put Rondo on the first team as well. I guess it all comes down to wether you want your first team to be better offensive or defensive teams. Try to score on Russ and KG inside and dont even think about getting rebounds.

[BballTim]

KG is probably a more versatile defender then what McHale was.

  Whichever one's a better defender, McHale was a more versatile defender. He took on the opposing team's toughest player, forward or center.

[hardlyyardley]

When Rondo can approach the 30 for 33 fould shots in obe game ala Cousy, let's not put him ahead of Couz

[Roy Hobbs]

I think first team I would have to go with KG of 08 over McHale and I thought McHale was probably the best power forward to ever play. The thing is though, KG was the defensive player of the year and his outside shooting game I think compliments Russels inside game on offense and KG is probably a more versatile defender then what McHale was. Also, while I certainly never saw Cousy play I might be pressed to put Rondo on the first team as well. I guess it all comes down to wether you want your first team to be better offensive or defensive teams. Try to score on Russ and KG inside and dont even think about getting rebounds.

I disagree with KG over McHale.  First, KG may have been DPOY, but McHale was a better defender in my opinion, and a more versatile one.  Second, McHale's outside game wasn't that bad, and down low, he maybe had the best post moves of any power forward ever.  I don't think you can necessarily count on Russell scoring a ton in the post except on put-backs and dunks (especially against today's players).  Therefore, I'd want a guy who can consistently give me guaranteed points, like McHale.

The one edge I'd give to KG over McHale was that McHale was a better rebounder, although McHale's totals were always hurt by having to compete with Parish and Bird.