Celtics Mount Rushmore

Russell is the greatest Celtics player of all-time (NBA)

Last month I picked my Red Sox Mount Rushmore of Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Davif Ortiz, and Tris Speaker (in retrospect, I replace Ortiz and Speaker with Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez). So who belongs on the Celtics version?

Well, Bill Russell, obviously--the man has 11 rings and is considered by many to be the greatest defender, if not the greatest player, of all-time. Larry Bird was another no-brainer.

But what about the last two spots? In my mind there are only three legitimate options: Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Paul Pierce.

Cousy's in because even now, 50 years after his last game, he's still regarded as one of the best point guards in basketball history. He led the league in assists eight straight seasons and, along with Russell, was instrumental in building the Celtics' dynasty of the late '50s/early 60's.

The last spot is a really tough call. Hondo spent his entire 16 year career with the C's and has that signature moment from the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals. He's also the franchise leader in games, minutes, field goals made, field goals attempted, and points scored. Pierce leads in three pointers made and taken, free throws made and taken, and is second in points/points per game. They were about equal as scorers and were also good passers, rebounders, and defenders.

It's really close--splitting hairs--made even tougher by the fact that I never saw Havlicek play. But I'll give the nod to Hondo, who played his whole career with Boston and helped raise eight championship banners.