Did the 1985-86 Boston Celtics Have the Greatest Starting Five of All Time?

A Closer Look at the Celtics' Dynasty

Led by the legendary Larry Bird, who had just won his third consecutive MVP award, the 1985-86 Boston Celtics are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Their starting lineup featured a formidable combination of talent and experience:

• Larry Bird: The Celtics' superstar and arguably the greatest player of his era, known for his all-around skills and leadership.
• Kevin McHale: A skilled post player with a soft touch and an ability to score in bunches.
• Dennis Johnson: A defensive stalwart and a versatile playmaker who could fill multiple roles on the court.
• Robert Parish: A dominant center known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and low-post scoring.
• Danny Ainge: A sharpshooting guard who provided a dangerous scoring threat from outside.

Together, this starting five formed a cohesive and formidable unit that dominated the NBA throughout the 1980s. The Celtics won the NBA championship in both 1986 and 1987, and finished with the best record in the league during the regular season in three consecutive years from 1984 to 1986.

So, did the 1985-86 Boston Celtics have the greatest starting five of all time? It's a tough question to answer, as there have been many great starting lineups throughout NBA history. However, the Celtics' combination of talent, experience, and chemistry make a strong case for their claim to the top spot.