17 Greatest Moments; #15 - The Dynasty

Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated; Photographed by Richard MeekWhile the 1956 draft is probably the single-best draft for any one team in any professional sport, it's what happened in the seasons that followed that made it so. Beginning in 1957, the Celtics would go on to win 11 NBA championships in 13 years (facing the Lakers six times in that stretch, thus creating the rivalry that we know today), including eight straight from 1959 to 1966. After the 1966 season, Red Auerbach stepped down as head coach (he would remain GM), and Bill Russell took over the reigns as player-coach. Russell would become the first ever African American head coach in the NBA, but the string of eight straight titles would end that season. The drought would be very short-lived, however, as the Celtics would recapture what was rightfully theirs the following season, and again in 1969.A Following the 1969 season, Bill Russell retired, as would the Celtics run of dominance. But, for thirteen incredible seasons, Celtics fans were able to witness greatness at it's highest level. Russell, Cooz, Heinsohn, Hondo, Satch, K.C., Loscy, Sam Jones, Nelson, Ramsey - and eleven banners hanging in the rafters. 17 Greatest Moments; #17 17 Greatest Moments; #16