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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 18: Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Robert Parish waves to the crowd during the second quarter of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on March 18, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Hypothetical debates are one of the many things that make sports great. Who is the GOAT? Which era is best? Etc. Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish had a little fun while speaking to the media, reflecting on the 18 titles the franchise has won.
Parish was part of multiple championship teams while in Beantown, earning rings in 1981, 1984, and 1986. Most recently, Boston added its last title in 2024. He discussed how those title teams in the 80s compared to modern day.
After he noted his confidence in the current talent and leadership of the franchise, he’s picking his old team.
“I’m going to say the ’86 Celtics for this reason: Nobody had an answer for Bill Walton,” Parish told reporters. “The NBA did not have an answer for Bill Walton. And that’s why we were successful (with) that ’86 team. And that’s why we are considered one of the all-time best teams. Bill Walton made the difference. No doubt. Hands down. Because today’s Celtics, they could do nothing with William. Not a thing.”
Take a listen to his full interview:
Parish touched on multiple topics, including the team’s play during his era.
“We all bought into this philosophy (that) you’re playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back of the jersey,” Parish added, according to The Athletic. “And I think we all bought into that. We checked our egos at the door, and I think that’s paramount. We were always on the same page. We wanted to win the championship. And we knew we weren’t going to win championships playing like individuals. We’ve got to do it from a team perspective. And it started with our leader, Larry (Bird). He checked his ego at the door. So, if our leader can check his ego, clearly the rest of us could check our ego. And that’s where it starts: with the leader.
“And I think that, as I said before, that’s one thing I like about today’s Celtics. They win collectively. Not one person doing the work. They’re winning and being successful collectively. They’re doing it as a team. And I respect that.”
A Look Back at the 1986 Boston Celtics
The 1986 Boston Celtics are considered one of the greatest teams in league history. And for good reason. With MVP Larry Bird leading the team, the Celtics finished 67–15 in the regular season, including 40-1 at home in Boston Garden.
That dominance continued in the playoffs, eventually defeating the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals in six games. Bird earned Finals MVP honors. But it wasn’t just Bird and Parish. The roster featured fellow Hall of Famers Kevin McHale and Dennis Johnson.
A Look Back at the 2024 Boston Celtics
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla
GettyCeltics head coach Joe Mazzulla celebrates in front of the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy at TD Garden on June 17, 2024.
Likewise, the 2024 Boston Celtics were one of the most dominant champions in modern history. Coached by Joe Mazzulla, Boston finished the regular season with a league-best 64–18 record.
Led by stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, along with key contributors like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, Boston outmatched every opponent they faced.
In the playoffs, the Celtics cruised to a 16–3 record, eventually defeating the Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks in five games to win the NBA Finals. Brown secured Finals MVP honors.