History of Boston Celtics in Timeline

The Boston Celtics, founded in 1946, are a professional basketball team based in Boston, competing in the NBA's Eastern Conference, Atlantic Division. Playing at TD Garden alongside the Boston Bruins, the Celtics are renowned as the NBA's most successful team. They hold the league record for the most NBA championships, with 18 titles, and the most wins of any NBA franchise. They were one of the original eight teams.

June 6, 1946: Formation of the Boston Celtics

On June 6, 1946, the Boston Celtics were formed by Walter A. Brown as a team in the Basketball Association of America.

1946: Celtics Founded

In 1946, the Boston Celtics were founded as one of the original eight teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1946: Auerbach part of the NBA since its inception

In 2006-2007 Red Auerbach was one of the few remaining people who had been a part of the NBA since its inception in 1946.

1948: First Playoff Appearance

In 1948, the Boston Celtics made their first playoff appearance, losing to the Chicago Stags 4–1.

August 3, 1949: Joined the National Basketball Association

On August 3, 1949, the Boston Celtics became part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) following the merger of the BAA and rival National Basketball League.

1949: Blackhawks Join the NBA

In 1949, The Tri-Cities Blackhawks joined the NBA as part of the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America merger, marking the start of their matchups with the Celtics.

1949: Losing Record

The 1969–70 season was a rebuilding year, as the Celtics had their first losing record since the 1949–50 season.

1950: Signed Chuck Cooper

In 1950, the Celtics signed Chuck Cooper, becoming the first NBA franchise to draft a black player.

1953: Johnny Most Became Radio Announcer

In 1953, Johnny Most became the team's radio announcer.

1955: Trade Involving Ed Macauley

After the 1955–56 season, Red Auerbach traded Ed Macauley to the St. Louis Hawks along with the draft rights to Cliff Hagan.

1956: Acquisition of Bill Russell

In 1956, the Celtics, led by coach Red Auerbach, acquired Bill Russell, who later became the cornerstone of the Celtics dynasty.

1957: First NBA Championship

In 1957, led by Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Tom Heinsohn, the Celtics won their first NBA championship.

1957: NBA Title

In 1957, with Bill Russell, the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals and defeated the St. Louis Hawks in seven games, earning their first NBA title.

1958: Acquisition of K.C. Jones

Following the acquisition of K.C. Jones in 1958, the Celtics began a dynasty that would last for more than a decade.

1958: Lost in NBA Finals

In 1958, the Celtics again advanced to the NBA Finals, this time losing to the Hawks in 6 games.

1959: First Finals Meeting

In 1959, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers started their record twelve times in the NBA Finals.

1959: NBA Championship

In 1959, the Celtics won the NBA championship after sweeping the Minneapolis Lakers, the first of their record eight consecutive championships.

1959: Start of Eight Consecutive Championships

Starting in 1959, the Celtics, led by Bill Russell, began a dominant run, winning eight consecutive NBA championships.

December 26, 1964: First All African-American Starting Lineup

On December 26, 1964, the Celtics became the first NBA team to have an all African-American starting lineup when Willie Naulls replaced an injured Tom Heinsohn.

1965: Auerbach retired as coach

After the 1965-66 season Red Auerbach retired as coach.

1965: Russell vs Chamberlain rivalry peak

From 1965, the Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers had a rivalry, which reached its peak with Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain playing against each other.

1966: End of Eight Consecutive Championships

In 1966, the Celtics finished their run of eight consecutive NBA championships.

1967: Lost Eastern Conference Finals

In 1967, the Celtics' string of NBA titles ended when they lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

1967: 76ers win NBA Finals

In 1967, the Philadelphia 76ers won the NBA Finals, interrupting the Celtics' streak of winning every NBA Finals series in the 1960s.

1968: NBA Championship

In 1968, after Russell became the team's player-coach, the Celtics won another NBA title.

1968: Russell vs Chamberlain rivalry peak

Until 1968, the Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers had a rivalry, which reached its peak with Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain playing against each other.

1969: NBA Championship and Russell's Retirement

In 1969, the Celtics won another NBA title before Bill Russell retired, marking the end of the Celtics dynasty.

1969: Rebuilding Year

The 1969–70 season was a rebuilding year, as the Celtics had their first losing record since the 1949–50 season.

1972: Lost Eastern Conference Finals

In 1972, the Celtics lost in the Eastern Conference Finals.

1973: Lost Conference Finals

In 1973, the Celtics posted an excellent 68–14 regular season record but were upset in seven games by the New York Knicks in the Conference Finals.

1974: NBA Championship

In 1974, the Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals for their 12th NBA championship.

1976: NBA Championship

In 1976, the Celtics won another NBA championship under head coach Tom Heinsohn with Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, and Jo Jo White.

1977: Bill Walton leads Portland Trail Blazers to NBA championship

In 1977, Bill Walton led the Portland Trail Blazers to the NBA championship.

1977: Playoff Appearance and Rebuilding Phase

In 1977, after a playoff appearance, the Boston Celtics went into another rebuilding phase. They also drafted Cedric Maxwell.

1978: Drafted Larry Bird and Franchise Trade

In 1978, the Celtics drafted Larry Bird and owner Irv Levin traded franchises with Buffalo Braves owner John Y. Brown Jr.

February 1979: Acquisition of Bob McAdoo

In February 1979, John Y. Brown Jr. acquired Bob McAdoo without consulting Red Auerbach.

1979: Larry Bird Debuted

In the 1979–80 season, Larry Bird debuted for the Celtics and Red Auerbach traded Bob McAdoo.

1980: Strong Performance and Eastern Conference Finals

In 1980, with Larry Bird winning NBA Rookie of the Year honors, the team went 61–21, and they fell to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

1980: 62-20 Record

In the 1980–81 season, the Celtics went 62–20 under coach Bill Fitch.

1981: Lost in Playoffs

Following the 1981–82 season, the Celtics once again met the 76ers in the playoffs, losing in seven games.

1981: Mike Gorman Became Television Announcer

In 1981, Mike Gorman began serving as the television announcer for the Celtics.

1981: NBA Championship

In 1981, anchored by the "Big Three" of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, the Celtics won the NBA championship.

1981: Airing games on PRISM New England

In 1981, the Boston Celtics' games began airing on PRISM New England, which was the main television outlet for the team.

1983: Celtics hire new coach K. C. Jones

In 1983, K. C. Jones became the new coach for the Celtics.

1983: Rebranding as SportsChannel New England

In 1983, PRISM New England rebranded as SportsChannel New England.

1983: Swept in Playoffs

In 1983, the Celtics were swept in the playoffs by the Milwaukee Bucks; afterwards, Bill Fitch resigned and the team was sold.

1984: Fight between Celtics and Wizards

In 1984, the Celtics and Washington Wizards engaged in a fight, foreshadowing a more intense rivalry that would develop later.

1984: NBA Championship

In 1984, the Celtics, led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, won the NBA championship under head coach K. C. Jones.

1985: Celtics defeat Pistons in NBA playoffs

In 1985, the Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons in the NBA playoffs during a period of intense rivalry between the two teams.

1985: Return to black sneakers

In 1985, the Celtics returned to wearing black sneakers due to the difficulty of producing the right shade of Celtic green for their sneakers.

1985: Lakers defeat Celtics in NBA Finals

In 1985, the Lakers defeated the Celtics in the NBA Finals for the first time, winning the championship at Boston Garden.

1986: Celtics acquire Bill Walton

In 1986, the Celtics acquired Bill Walton from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Cedric Maxwell.

1986: Celtics draft Len Bias

In 1986, the Celtics drafted Len Bias, who tragically died 36 hours later from a cocaine overdose.

1986: NBA Championship

In 1986, the Celtics, led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, won the NBA championship under head coach K. C. Jones.

1987: Celtics and Lakers in the Finals

In 1987, the Celtics and Lakers last met in the Finals until 2008.

1987: Celtics defeat Pistons in NBA playoffs

In 1987, the Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons in the NBA playoffs during a period of intense rivalry between the two teams.

1988: Celtics lose to Pistons, Coach Jones retires

In 1988, the Celtics lost to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, and head coach K.C. Jones retired, being replaced by Jimmy Rodgers.

1988: Pistons defeat Celtics in NBA playoffs

In 1988, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Celtics in the NBA playoffs during a period of intense rivalry between the two teams.

1988: Celtics lost to the Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals

In their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 1988, the Celtics jumped out to a 2–1 series lead over the Nets, but would lose the next three games to fall 4–2.

1989: Bird undergoes surgery, Celtics struggle

In 1989, Larry Bird underwent a procedure to remove bone spurs, and the Celtics had a poor season, leading to a first-round playoff defeat.

1989: Pistons championship season

In 1989, the Detroit Pistons coming out on top en route to back-to-back Finals appearances and their championship seasons.

1990: Johnny Most left the team

In 1990, Johnny Most left the team as a radio announcer.

1990: Celtics lose to Pistons in the playoffs

In 1990, the Celtics lost to the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs.

1990: Pistons championship season

In 1990, the Detroit Pistons coming out on top en route to back-to-back Finals appearances and their championship seasons.

1991: Celtics and Pistons meeting in NBA playoffs

In 1991, The Celtics and the Detroit Pistons last met in the NBA playoffs during a period of intense rivalry between the two teams.

1992: Bird retires from NBA

In 1992, Larry Bird retired from the NBA due to continued back trouble.

1992: End of Big Three Era

The "Big Three" of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish played together for the Celtics until 1992.

1993: Lewis collapses and dies

In 1993, Reggie Lewis collapsed during a playoff series and later died of a heart attack.

1994: Celtics hire M. L. Carr

In 1994, M. L. Carr was hired as the Celtics' vice president of basketball operations, and the Celtics drafted Eric Montross.

1994: Parish signs with Charlotte, Big 3 era ends

In 1994, Robert Parish signed with the Charlotte Hornets, marking the end of the Celtics' original Big 3 era.

1995: Celtics move to Fleet Center

In 1995, the Celtics moved from the Boston Garden to the Fleet Center, and M. L. Carr became the coach.

1996: Celtics lose franchise record

In 1996, the Celtics lost a franchise-record 67 games.

May 7, 1997: Volk resigns, Pitino hired

On May 7, 1997, Jan Volk resigned, and Rick Pitino was hired as the team's president, director of basketball operations, and head coach.

1997: Celtics draft Billups and Mercer

In 1997, the Celtics drafted Chauncey Billups and Ron Mercer and dismantled the young team.

1998: Rebranding as Fox Sports New England

In 1998, SportsChannel New England was rebranded as Fox Sports New England after Cablevision partnered with Liberty Media and News Corporation.

1998: Celtics draft Paul Pierce

In 1998, the Celtics drafted Paul Pierce.

1999: Williams returns to the Celtics

In 1999, Eric Williams returned to the Celtics.

March 1, 2000: Pitino's "walking through that door" speech

On March 1, 2000, Rick Pitino delivered the "walking through that door" speech after a loss to the Toronto Raptors.

January 2001: Pitino resigns

In January 2001, Rick Pitino resigned.

2001: O'Brien made head coach, Celtics draft Johnson, Forte, and Brown

Following the 2000-01 season, Jim O'Brien was given the job of head coach on a permanent basis. As a result of numerous trades, the Celtics selected Joe Johnson, Joe Forte, and Kedrick Brown in the 2001 NBA draft.

2001: Celtics improve under O'Brien

Following the resignation of Rick Pitino, the Celtics saw modest improvement under coach Jim O'Brien in 2001.

2001: Comcast purchased Cablevision's stake

In 2001, Comcast purchased Cablevision's original network stake in FSN New England.

2001: Domestic Abuse Charge

In 2001, Jason Kidd faced a domestic abuse charge. This event was referenced by Celtics fans during the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals, adding to the tension between the Nets and Celtics.

2002: Eastern Conference Finals

In 2002, the Celtics and the New Jersey Nets competed in the Eastern Conference Finals with heightened tension and trash-talking, marking a heated point in their rivalry.

2003: Celtics sold to Boston Basketball Partners

In 2003, the Celtics were sold to Boston Basketball Partners L.L.C., and Danny Ainge was hired as general manager.

2003: Nets Sweep Celtics in playoffs

In 2003, the New Jersey Nets swept the Boston Celtics in the playoffs, continuing their dominance over the Celtics after their intense 2002 series.

2003: Suggestion to wear white sneakers

In 2003, then-Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and captain Paul Pierce suggested wearing white sneakers due to the growing number of teams wearing black sneakers.

2004: Celtics draft Jefferson, West, and Allen

During the 2004–05 season, the Celtics drafted Al Jefferson, Delonte West and Tony Allen.

2004: Wearing Black Sneakers During NBA Playoffs

In 2004, the Celtics brought back the black sneakers for all home games during the NBA playoffs.

2004: Celtics eliminated by Indiana Pacers.

The Celtics made the playoffs, only to be swept in the first round by the Indiana Pacers, losing all four games in 2004.

2005: Wearing Black Sneakers During NBA Playoffs

In 2005, the Celtics wore black sneakers in one home game during the NBA playoffs.

December 2006: Celtics struggles due to injuries

From late December 2006 through early February 2007 the Celtics went 2-22 after losing Pierce to injury.

2006: Season Record

In 2006 the Celtics had a poor season record.

February 2007: Celtics struggles due to injuries

From late December 2006 through early February 2007 the Celtics went 2-22 after losing Pierce to injury.

2007: Comcast Acquired FSN New England

In 2007, Comcast acquired the remaining stake in FSN New England and rebranded the network as Comcast SportsNet New England.

2007: Largest Single-Season Turnaround in NBA History

In 2007, the Celtics completed the largest single-season turnaround in NBA history, improving by 42 games compared to their 2006-07 record, finishing the regular season with a 66-16 record.

2007: Acquisition of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett

In the 2007 offseason, the Celtics assembled a new "Big Three" around team captain Paul Pierce by acquiring Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

2007: Celtics form a new 'Big Three'

In the summer of 2007, the Celtics formed a new 'Big Three' by acquiring Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

2008: Celtics defeat Pistons in Eastern Conference Finals

In 2008, led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the Celtics defeated the Pistons in 6 games in the Eastern Conference Finals and advance to the NBA Finals where they went on to beat the Lakers.

2008: NBA Championship

In 2008, led by head coach Doc Rivers, the Celtics defeated the Lakers to win their 17th NBA championship.

2008: Celtics and Lakers meet in the Finals

In 2008, the Celtics and Lakers met in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987.

2008: Celtics win 2008 NBA Finals against Lakers

In 2008, the Celtics defeated the Lakers in six games to win the NBA Finals, renewing their rivalry after a long hiatus.

2008: Celtics started off the season

In 2008, the Celtics started off the season at 27–2, the then-best starting record in NBA history. They also had a franchise-record 19-game streak.

2008: Wearing white sneakers with green and gold accents with St. Patrick's Day jerseys.

In 2008, the Celtics wore white sneakers with green and gold accents while wearing their St. Patrick's Day jerseys on the road.

2009: Garnett Injured

In 2009, after the All-Star Break, Kevin Garnett was injured in a loss against the Utah Jazz and missed the last 25 games of the season, and was eventually shelved for the playoffs. The Celtics finished with 62 victories, but their playoff run ended against the Magic in the second round.

2009: Celtics started the season 23-5

In 2009, with the return of Garnett from injury and the additions of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels, the Celtics started the season 23–5 and at one point had the best record in the NBA.

2009: NBA relaxed rules on sneaker colors.

Since 2009, the NBA relaxed its rules on specified sneaker colors, and Celtics players are now seen wearing custom-made and personalized sneakers at home and on the road.

2010: Celtics Signed Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal

During the 2010 off-season, with Perkins expected to be out until February 2011, the Celtics signed two former All-Star centers, Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal.

2010: Celtics win series against Heat

In 2010, the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat met in the NBA Playoffs, where Boston won the series in 5 games.

2010: Celtics and Lakers meet in the Finals

In 2010, the Celtics and Lakers met in the NBA Finals, marking another chapter in their storied rivalry.

2010: Lost in NBA Finals

In 2010, the Celtics lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

2010: Lakers win 2010 NBA Finals against Celtics

In 2010, the Lakers defeated the Celtics in seven games to win the NBA Finals.

February 2011: Perkins traded to Oklahoma City Thunder

In February 2011, Kendrick Perkins was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, after the Celtics had a 41-14 record and led the Eastern Conference.

2011: Discontinuation of warmup jackets with player names

After the 2011-12 season, the Celtics discontinued the practice of wearing warmup jackets with player names on the back, in favor of a templated jacket design common to all 30 teams.

2012: Altercation between Nets and Celtics

In 2012, an altercation during a game between the Nets and Celtics resulted in the ejection of Rajon Rondo, Gerald Wallace, and Kris Humphries, signaling a possible rekindling of the rivalry.

2012: Heat win Eastern Conference Finals

In 2012, the Miami Heat won the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics in 7 games, advancing to the NBA Finals and defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2012: Celtics off-season and Ray Allen Departure

The 2012 off-season saw the Celtics with only six players under contract. Ray Allen signed with the Miami Heat for less money, ending the "Big Three" era.

June 2013: Blockbuster trade

In June 2013, a blockbuster trade sent Celtics stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets, significantly cooling off the rivalry and effectively merging the two Atlantic Division teams.

July 3, 2013: Brad Stevens Hired as Head Coach

On July 3, 2013, the Celtics announced that Brad Stevens would replace Doc Rivers as head coach.

2013: Trade of Allen, Garnett and Pierce

By the start of the 2013–14 season, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce were no longer with the team, with Garnett and Pierce being traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

2013: Celtics trailed the New York Knicks

In 2013 the Celtics trailed the New York Knicks 3–0 in the first round of the NBA playoffs before losing the series in six games.

2013: Radio Broadcast Deal with WBZ-FM

Since the 2013-14 season, all Celtics games are heard on radio through Beasley Broadcast Group's WBZ-FM (98.5, otherwise branded as "The Sports Hub"), with play-by-play from Sean Grande and color commentary from Cedric Maxwell.

2014: Marcus Smart the longest-tenured Celtic

By the end of the off-season, with only four Celtics' players remaining from the 2016–17 team, Marcus Smart was the longest-tenured Celtic from the 2014 NBA draft.

2014: Celtics received three future first-round draft picks

In 2014, Pierce, Garnett, Jason Terry, and D. J. White were traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and the Celtics received three future first-round draft picks (2014, 2016, 2018).

2014: Celtics Drafted Marcus Smart and James Young

In 2014, the Celtics drafted Marcus Smart with the 6th overall pick and James Young with the 17th overall pick in the NBA draft, and signed Evan Turner.

2015: Technical foul leads to confrontation

During the 2015-16 NBA season, in January 2015, Jae Crowder received a technical foul during a regular-season game, leading to a heated exchange with Wizards coach Randy Wittman and setting the stage for an intensified rivalry.

2015: Celtics received a 2015 unprotected first-round pick

In 2015, the Celtics received a 2015 unprotected first-round pick as compensation, when head coach Doc Rivers departed to coach the Los Angeles Clippers.

2015: Celtics Drafted Terry Rozier, R.J. Hunter, Jordan Mickey, and Marcus Thornton

In the 2015 NBA draft Boston selected Terry Rozier, R.J. Hunter, Jordan Mickey, and Marcus Thornton with the 16th, 28th, 33rd, and 45th selections respectively.

July 8, 2016: Celtics Signed Al Horford

On July 8, 2016, the team signed four-time All-Star Al Horford.

2016: Celtics players remained from the 2016-17 team

By the end of the off-season, only four Celtics' players remained from the 2016–17 team.

2016: Celtics received three future first-round draft picks

In 2016, Pierce, Garnett, Jason Terry, and D. J. White were traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and the Celtics received three future first-round draft picks (2014, 2016, 2018).

2016: Crowder emphasizes Celtics' wins over Wizards

In 2016, during the off-season, Jae Crowder emphasized that the Celtics beat the Wizards in all of their meetings that season and should sign with them rather than Washington. In their first meeting of the 2016–17 season, Wall hit Marcus Smart in the back-court when they were up by 20 late in the 4th quarter.

2016: Drafted Jaylen Brown

In 2016, the Celtics drafted Jaylen Brown using one of the first-round picks acquired from the Nets.

2016: Al Horford joins Celtics

In 2016, the rivalry between the Celtics and Hawks intensified when Hawks All-Star Center Al Horford spurned the Hawks team and joined the Celtics.

August 22, 2017: Celtics traded for Kyrie Irving

On August 22, 2017, the Celtics agreed to a deal that sent Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Žižić, and the Brooklyn Nets' 2018 first-round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Kyrie Irving.

2017: Rebranding as NBC Sports New England

In 2017, all CSN networks, including CSN New England, were renamed as NBC Sports Regional Networks, referencing Comcast's current ownership of NBCUniversal.

2017: Celtics Right to Swap First-Round Picks with Brooklyn

In 2017, as part of the trade that sent Pierce, Garnett, Jason Terry, and D. J. White to the Brooklyn Nets, the Celtics also gained the right to swap 2017 first-round picks with Brooklyn.

2017: Conference Semifinals

In 2017, the Celtics and Wizards met in the Conference Semifinals, marked by physical altercations and heightened tensions between players like Markieff Morris, Al Horford, Kelly Olynyk, and Kelly Oubre.

2017: Drafted Jayson Tatum

In 2017, the Celtics drafted Jayson Tatum using one of the first-round picks acquired from the Nets.

November 24, 2018: Analysts questioned the team's performance

On November 24, 2018, analysts started questioning the team's performance and chances for the championship when the Celtics had a 10–10 record after the first 20 games.

2018: Celtics received three future first-round draft picks

In 2018, Pierce, Garnett, Jason Terry, and D. J. White were traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and the Celtics received three future first-round draft picks (2014, 2016, 2018).

2018: Brooklyn Nets first-round draft pick to Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2018, the Brooklyn Nets' first-round draft pick was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers, as part of the deal that sent Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and Ante Žižić to the Cavaliers in exchange for Kyrie Irving.

June 30, 2019: Celtics Agreed to Contract with Kemba Walker

On June 30, 2019, the Celtics and point guard Kemba Walker agreed to a four-year maximum contract worth $141 million.

July 1, 2019: Celtics Agreed to Contract with Enes Kanter

On July 1, 2019, the Celtics agreed to a two-year contract with center Enes Kanter.

July 6, 2019: Celtics Officially Acquired Kemba Walker

On July 6, 2019, the Celtics officially acquired Kemba Walker in a sign and trade with the Charlotte Hornets. The Celtics sent Terry Rozier and a protected 2020 second-round draft pick to Charlotte in exchange for Walker and a 2020 second-round draft pick.

2019: Suspension of the 2019-20 NBA season

Following the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season, the Celtics were one of the 22 teams invited to the NBA Bubble to participate in the final 8 games of the regular season.

2019: Celtics finished the 2018–19 season

The Celtics finished the 2018–19 season with a 49–33 record.

2020: Tremont Waters named G-League Rookie of the Year

In 2020, Tremont Waters was named G-league Rookie of the year.

2020: Heat win Eastern Conference Finals

In the 2020 NBA Bubble, the Miami Heat won the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics in 6 games, preventing Boston from meeting the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

2020: Celtics in the 2020 Playoffs

In the 2020 playoffs, the Celtics swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, beat the Toronto Raptors in a seven-game series, and fell to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games.

June 2, 2021: Brad Stevens named President of Basketball Operations

On June 2, 2021, Brad Stevens was named the Boston Celtics' president of basketball operations, succeeding Danny Ainge after Ainge's retirement announcement.

June 23, 2021: Ime Udoka hired as Head Coach

On June 23, 2021, the Celtics hired Ime Udoka as their new head coach, replacing Brad Stevens, who had transitioned to the president of basketball operations role.

April 2022: Celtics qualify for 2022 NBA playoffs

In April 2022, the Celtics qualified for the 2022 NBA playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record. They advanced to the NBA Finals, but lost to the Golden State Warriors 4-2.

2022: Celtics win Eastern Conference Finals

In 2022, the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat in 7 games in the Eastern Conference Finals, marking their first win against Miami since 2010.

2022: Lost in NBA Finals

In 2022, the Celtics, led by "The Jays", returned to the NBA Finals, losing to the Golden State Warriors.

2022: Udoka suspended for 2022-23 season

In September 2022, Ime Udoka was suspended by the Celtics for the entire 2022-23 season for having an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member.

February 16, 2023: Joe Mazzulla named permanent Head Coach

On February 16, 2023, Joe Mazzulla was officially named the permanent head coach of the Celtics after leading the team to a league-best 42-17 record during his interim period.

October 1, 2023: Celtics acquire Jrue Holiday

On October 1, 2023, the Celtics acquired Jrue Holiday in a trade, exchanging Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and two draft picks.

2023: Celtics acquire Kristaps Porziņģis during off-season

During the 2023 off-season, the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porziņģis from the Wizards and traded Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies.

2023: Heat win Eastern Conference Finals

In 2023, the Miami Heat won against the Boston Celtics in game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, after the Celtics had rallied from a 3-0 deficit to tie the series.

February 7, 2024: Celtics acquire Xavier Tillman

On February 7, 2024, the Celtics acquired Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies before the trade deadline.

May 27, 2024: Celtics win Eastern Conference Finals and Jaylen Brown named MVP

On May 27, 2024, after winning the Eastern Conference Finals, Jaylen Brown was selected as the NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP and was presented with the Larry Bird trophy.