1986 Celtics Video Yearbook

Video Yearbook for the 1986 Boston Celtics.
Led by MVP Larry Bird, the 1986 Celtics went 67-15 in the regular season, including a 40-1 record at home. This video takes a look at the entire regular season and playoffs with some outstanding behind the scenes footage of Kevin McHale, Bill Walton, Danny Ainge, Dennis Johnson, Robert Parish and others.

[@paulazzar8936]

As an ex, professional soccer player, i admire the Celtics team work and most of all, LARRY BIRD. He was the PERFECT lead team player

[@rickiovine2170]

This ‘ 86 Celtic team is the prototype for how this game should be played. As a college coach I preach “execution” constantly to my team. Each Tuesday we view video after video of the sets that this Celtic team executed. You can’t teach players to leave from the foul line and jam the ball through up to your elbows. You can teach give-and-goes and boxing out. Finding guys that can shoot is not all that difficult. Getting them open shots is the challenge, and this ‘86 team were masters and finding the open man.

[@andybilakshow260]

smart coaching.

[@chrisboston]

Will you say which team you coach?

[@bobbywall172]

That was really something showing all the wives and children, warms my heart and tears up the eyes, love Larry, Bill,chief, Danny and Kevin😇☝️☝️☝️I couldn’t forget one of the best team players of all time in Dennis. In 2022, still remembering the best days of nba basketball, my dad started me watching 60 or so yrs. Ago

[@davidmullens7565]

Not only were the 86 Celtics the best team ever, but I believe are the best team in NBA history. By far...

[@marshalllucas83]

Imagine if Len Bias could have joined them 😳 scary great

[@FUBAR1986]

@@marshalllucas83 such a tragic story that is more worthy of being taught in school instead of the delusional ideologies of today

[@susanstamboulian646]

@@FUBAR1986 Yeah, instead kids are taught that America is to blame for everything wrong in the world, that gays and trannies are admirable and brave, straight people and veterans are bad, and white people are the worst. I absolutely loved this 1986 team, not only because they were and still are the greatest team in NBA history, but because the liberal media loathed them, because the racial makeup of the team was 8 white guys, and 4 black guys, and two of those black guys very rarely played, David Thirdkill and Sam Vincent. So very often, you'd see 5 white dudes on the court, absolutely destroying 5 black guys for the opposing team. I remember many people would accuse the black Head Coach of Boston, KC Jones, a racist for playing all white guys. OMG, that was 38 years ago, when the media still tried to appear they were "neutral", and not the reverse racists, and America hating, liberal hacks they've always been. Just IMAGINE how they'd cover that mostly white Celtics team in today's, ridiculously WOKE society, now that all the media have removed their so-called neutrality! They'd be calling for Wyc Grousback to sale the Boston for sure!

[@stephenhaegele2297]

I’ve been a Celtics fan since the early 60’s. Seen a whole bunch of great teams, but this was the best ever, hands down.

[@plbwiki768]

I was there, Gave Bill Walton, KM, DJ, high 5s during the parade down Boylston St.

[@richardpeetrinpeetrin9817]

The 1985-'86 World Champion Boston Celtics was the greatest team ever assembled on a NBA Level! Bird, "The Chief," McHale, "D.J.", Ainge, and Walton as the sixth-man off the Bench, along with Wedman ang Sichting! Literally Amazing Chemistry!......

[@andybilakshow260]

Let's not stop there, KC Jones, Red Auerbach🥰

[@susanstamboulian646]

There are so many Celtic fans that don't realize just how valuable Scott Wedman was. He was Bird's main backup, but could play the 2 and 4 also. Kevin McHale missed 19 games in the 1986--86 season, and Wedman started all those games. The Celtics went 17-2.

[@paulhawk8277]

Im glade Danny Ainge is still with celts and doing a great job.....what a team,what a season....

[@me3184]

The GREATEST basketball team ever - 5 Hall of Fame players Bird DJ Parish McHale Walton

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

I had the honor of being at the Gahdin for several games that year and for a few years later. Watching these guys was like watching Gods at play. A true honor.

[@andysee6996]

I had this VHS as a teenager. Despite living in Indiana, PA (which is a little under 60 miles from Pittsburgh and over 500 miles from Boston), I found it at a sale from St. Bernard's church sometime in the 2000s. I watched it over and over again.

[@kentucy9999]

I never saw this. Thanks. I loved it. I was a Wilt Chamberlain fan as a child. Loved Wilt. I lived in Brunswick, Maine. I didn't like the Celtics {obviously being a "Wilt" fan} but I always followed them. The first really good basketball book I ever read was Bob Cousy's book on his final season "The Last Loud Roar." {Great book.} I loved Bill Walton at UCLA and then {briefly} at Portland. His career was so sad. I felt had he been healthy Portland would have won 4 or 5 Championships with him and Jack Ramsey but he hurt that navicular bone in his foot an never was the same. {Heck..........Bill had some health problems in high school. He grew too fast.} Anyway. He was wasting away in San Diego and then the Celtics got him. This season was one of the highlights of my life. Watching this team. Honestly. One of the highlights of my life. Thanks again!!

[@timfischer6810]

Greatest team ever.

[@zackm4132]

Probably

[@zackm4132]

I take that back they are the greatest team ever

[@LeoWhalen1933]

Yes.

[@adiracquetball]

The only thing that hurts a very small bit was they didn't get to bury the Lakers in the final. They would have buried the Lakers. Bird and Magic goring 2-2 in the finals would have been perfect. But alas Houston was better.

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

@@adiracquetball Agreed. Would have been sweet to see them play LA in the finals.

[@pwinson]

This video supports my opinion that no athlete in history has ever been happier than Bill Walton on the 1986 Celtics.

[@LeoWhalen1933]

Peter Winson Couldn't agree more. I know it wasn't the 86 team but when larry stole the ball and dished it to dj bill Walton looked absolutely jubilant.

[@inallairness]

Great call!

[@unclequack5445]

Leo J. Whalen OH NO THEN THERE'S THE STEAL BY BIRD, GETS IT IN UNDERNEATH TO DJ WHO LAYS IT IN!!!!!

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

True, it sucks that the best players get stuck going the the worst teams but Walton made Portland into a champ. His best fit was the Green. Basketball is best played as a passing game, no question. This one on one shit today has zero entertainment value to me and most people. These Blackathletes coming out of college these days are pathetic. So sorry for them, but they suck. No team concept taught in one year of college. NBA and society is just using them for promotional purposes. Where are the Birds and M. Johnsons that spent 4 years learning to play real roundball? I have lost all interest in NBA BS like many people. Very sad.

[@jjs777fzr]

Peter Winson listen to the story of when Walton took Parish, McHale, Bird to see the Grateful Dead in Worcester Ma I think. Its a funny story. And definitely increased their bond. I think Ainge was flagged to go but he doesnt drink etc and the concert may have been perceived as a bad environment LOL.

[@jabo6479]

My childhood heroes. My grandpa took me to see the Celtics in Indy.. highlight of my childhood!

[@thomasleary2814]

I was at Game 5 vs. the Atlanta Hawks in which the Celtics outscored the Hawks 36-6 in the third quarter. It was the most awesome display of team basketball and passing that I ever saw - before or since. The Garden rocked so hard I thought that it was going to fall down around us.

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

Such a cool story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@Gregory-sm9pf]

That was one bitch slapping, ass kicking display by the Celtics on the Hawks who were seriously humbled because earlier in the year during a game at the Omni center, they talked a whole lotta shit to the Celtics in a game they beat them,,, Celtics didn't forget,,, Hawks wish they had

[@mikebeasley6447]

DANNY AINGE WAS WAY UNDERATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A HALL OF FAMER FOR SURE! IF YOU COULDN'T GET THE BALL TO BIRD FOR THE PRESSURE SHOT SOMEHOW BIRD GOT THE BALL TO AINGE WHO RARELY MISSED THE PRESSURE SHOT JUST LIKE LARRY LEGEND!!!!!! IF NOT FOR INJURIES HAVING LIVED THROUGH THE 80'S & EARLY TO MID 90'S (I'M 62) THE CELTICS VERY WELL COULD HAVE WON AT LEAST 5 MORE CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!! MAYBE MORE!!!!!

[@anonygent]

Guy was/is kind of an ass, though.

[@paulrodgers5559]

Of all the moments the 80's Celt's provided , - this ovation 4:00 for Walton still gives me chills.

[@robertswick898]

What a year! They where awesome to watch.

[@anonygent]

This VHS tape is a reminder not only of how great 1980s Celtics were but also how bad 1980s production values were. At least they didn't have shaky cam.

[@danacarter4793]

Omg i miss this bball, when you grow up on this ,your spoiled 😂, we miss yall and this kinda of basketball 🏀 ❤ #LB33 #03 #05 #00 #44 #32

[@huntand]

This video is full of fascinating tidbits! I knew they only lost one game at home all year...but had no idea they only lost ONE game by double digits all year. Absolutely astounding. would love to see how the 90s bulls, 10s warriors, etc compare to that.

[@huntand]

just looked it up. 96 bulls (72-10) had 4 losses by 10 or more (2 of the losses happened in the Finals). 2016 warriors (73-9) had 9 including playoffs.

[@huntand]

looks like the 86 celtics lost 5 by double digits all year...the vid is wrong. 3 in reg season, 2 in playoffs. so just behind the bulls.

[@EmperorNerox]

6:23 that left hand full hook shot from #33 in practice. Nice shot

[@rumarspencer7302]

So proud to have this tape on VHS, A season of the Shooting Stars.

[@TonyinMBSC8669]

Best overall NBA team ever.

[@bellajen9997]

Edward Anthony Leone I think the 85 or 87 Lakers are better

[@NameCallingIsWeak]

"Best overall NBA team ever." 1967 Philadelphia ??

[@brianreed1859]

@@bellajen9997 - nope

[@brianreed1859]

@@NameCallingIsWeak - nope

[@zackm4132]

@@bellajen9997 idiot

[@jasonbird3310]

Don't ever take this down.

[@dater58]

Best team ever

[@slb6440]

🏀🏀🏀🏀 yes, amazing ⭐

[@oldmanballer5088]

Smartest thing Danny Ainge ever did was leave MLB to play in the NBA. Not sure his baseball career would’ve beeen as good as his basketball!

[@Julius_Paul]

They lost by more than 10 points only one time during the entire season.... that says it all!!! No other team can say that...

[@celticsarebest]

Julius Paul I forgot about that! It's remarkable.Really only 1 poor game all year

[@TRJ2241987]

Funny thing is the lowly New Jersey Nets beat them twice that year....I've always wondered that, about teams that are widely considered the greatest teams of all time, but there must be certain guys out there who think, "Hey, those guys weren't so great, we beat them a few times!"

[@brianreed1859]

@@TRJ2241987 - yea and where were the Nets come playoff time? They can't say a word since they didn't make it to the ECF against the Celtics.

[@onlythewise1]

i hear one wasn't feeling to good so they lost once

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

Bill Walton is as American as apple pie. Great basketball player, a superb and unselfish teammate, and one of the coolest athletes of all time. While Larry Bird was elbowing people to get off the court after winning the championship in 84, I remember the shots of Bill Walton staying on the court, hanging out with the fans after he won his championship with Portland in 77. And he looked like he was LOVING IT..... God bless Bill Walton.

[@cindyknudson2715]

I have no idea if it relates but I think it was during that series that there were threats against Bird's life while he was on the court.

[@halbiggiam3320]

Greatest passing team, greatest team to watch, from a basketball purist stand point. ''Greatest of All Time''!.. Can watch this again and again and Danny says $45K at the end.....that's too 'rich', not. 1986 Champ"' change'' Wow ha! Thanks for posting.

[@gregsgetawaychannel7141]

85 - 86 Celtics were greatest team ever!!!

[@jeremysears4263]

Execution MONSTERS. The mastery of fundamentals I'd off the charts.

[@paulazzar8936]

Larry Bird is definitely THE GOAT.

[@Hammernms]

Best team ever ❤️

[@MrAitraining]

All the practice footage is the best part

[@PorkTips]

I had this on VHS when I was a kid

[@richardvanrich9701]

Back then when you won the league MVP they gave you a TransAm, and a steak dinner. Danny Ainge is bragging about a 45 grand bonus at the end like it was a million. Seems like everyone had more fun when it wasn't all about the money and endorsements like today. Great video, horrible music and quality but it was the 80's..lol. Thanks for posting

[@badger5531]

Top 5 greatest team of all time, possibly even the best ever. People forget that we drafted Len Bias this year as well. Had Len lived he could have taken a significant load off of Bird and McHale allowing them to recover from injury properly and thus extending they're careers. That dynasty could have dominated the late 80s and won a few in the early 90s without a doubt. If Bias and Lewis had lived I truly believe Michael Jordan would have a few less championships, and Bird would have got 6. Bias was thought to be a bigger, stronger version of MJ, and Reggie Lewis was a scoring machine with a great all around game. Add them to the big three, with Danny Ainge and DJ? I'm getting hard just thinking about it lol.

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

Youre right about Bias. Its so crazy how good Boston was for so many years, yet Red Auerbach always seemed to have a high draft pick to get another young stud to add to the roster. The guy was a cat thief in terms of trading with other teams.

[@irishgrl]

Danny Ainge @ 51:09 “thats $45,000 too! Pow! 45 Grand! Pow! 😂

[@huntand]

that footage from the practice facility at 6:20 is GOLD. place looks like the ymca in my hometown.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

RIP Bill Walton. You'll be missed big red!!

[@irishgrl]

Danny & Kevin one on one is hilarious! @12:37 Edit to add @ 42:47 😳 Larry! Omg!

[@mikelynch7271]

The Greatest Basketball Team to EVER lace em up

[@chriswarrick6538]

McHale broke his foot in April of 87, the team wanted him to sit out and have surgery, McHale stayed on to defend the title at all costs. I wish he would have just sat out and got surgery. It would have saved his career and history would have footnoted the Laker championship. Who knows, if they would have played Reggie Lewis, he could've blossomed and pushed the Lakers to the final minutes of game 7. Most of all, they dealt all year with no Len Bias. 87 definitely by all rights and measures should have been an easy repeat.

[@thehealthychefri]

Wow DJ for Robey what a score!

[@AntonioWhite-ef4ue]

GREATEST TEAM EVER ASSEMBLED!!!

[@vivalasvegas2090]

Best team EVER!!!!!!!!

[@chriswarrick6538]

Best team ever.

[@VSV659]

Hard to believe that just days after winning the 86 championship, they signed Len Bias, who was a true equal of Michael Jordan in the NCAA. That euphoria lasted only 2 days when he died of drug overdose.

[@REALGOLD20]

10:31 and 10:44 Little Luke Walton (5 years old)

[@foreverunited19]

the ball movement at 3:35

[@huntand]

Fuuuuck!! that dunk by Nique at 4:55. That was powerful af. almost tore down the basket.

[@527Kenny]

Yeah, but no championships for Nique so who cares?

[@gregbailey8253]

@@527Kenny Dominique never had any help, he carried all of those Hawks teams on his back. One of the most underrated players of all time.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

An assembly of stars and assassins. Best NBA team ever🏀 The real dream team

[@manuelpasero4503]

Legendary celtics 1986

[@dalecvetkovic7975]

Just hear the crowd...you dont hear that anymore.....

[@mitchellyoung8561]

The music reminds me of Tracy Lords for some reason.

[@brianreed1859]

Hahahaha

[@ronniewoodinsteadofmt2615]

Your prom dates parents had to be worried

[@RobertHesterEntertainment]

48:17 Rick Carlisle, before he won 900 games as an NBA coach!

[@Gaderelli]

1985 team if not plagued by injuries would have won it all !!!!!!!!!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

‘87 too

[@KHayes666]

Nah, 85 bench wasn't as good and KC refused to play Maxwell, Carr, Williams and Buckner. Now 87, THAT year they had too many injuries. Walton was almost useless, Wedman was gone, McHale had a fractured foot, Parish had a bad ankle and Ainge had a bad knee.

[@josephvitielo1693]

And still took Lakers to 6 games

[@chriswarrick6538]

@@KHayes666 yeah, I will concede on the 85 team, absolutely no bench, Maxwell was hurt, Henderson traded away, and the rest were washed up.

[@lotpb]

excelent

[@joecocozzella7018]

Always ripping on Ainge. At 24:50 he beats Bird in knocking over can to exclaim " this is the best passer in the league," but in next frame creates turnover against the Nets! Classic.

[@bellajen9997]

When people bring up mj and the bulls getting swept twice in the first round I'm like duh!!!! The had to play one of the best teams ever. 5 hall of famers 4 of them starters

[@73Trident]

I get so sick of this "They had 5 Hall of Famers". Not one of them was in the Hall of Fame at this time, they were NBA Basketball players, not HOF yet.

[@TheSands83]

73trident mcrider what? They were hall of fame players dummy.. that might b the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen in KZbin comments...

[@brianreed1859]

HOFers because of Bird. How many HOFers became HOFers because of Jordan? Zero

[@73Trident]

@@TheSands83 Don't call me dummy. When they were playing they were not in the HOF. Is that to hard for you to understand? Pay attention catch up.

[@TheSands83]

73trident mcrider uh... when they were playing jordan it was pretty much known bird mchale dj walton parish were hall of fame players... it’s like watching kawhi Leonard or giannis it’s pretty much known they will b hall of famers

[@realheadhunters-gtav]

"...as they whittled the Bucks away like cheap plywood." lol

[@andybilakshow260]

Grand~!

[@patmcstuff671]

In the 80’s whoever stayed sober won the most games, and it seems the Celts had a lot of square family men who focused on getting better not partying

[@user-le7zw6tj6e]

Banner 18 this year

[@lordhelpus2326]

i think most of their losses came against teams with losing records. correct me if im wrong.......they should have easily won 70 or 75 games that year-no joke- but they would get bored playing against the shitty teams and would wind up coasting.....

[@altonanikje2867]

lord helpus d

[@billcur3654]

Looking back Dominique deserved 2 b a champ at least once. So did Barkley. The mailman and stockton. Even pheonix with ainge and barkley. Milwaukee took the kelts all the way. Yes it's from english mythology. Druids. Satan worsippers and another subject and day. Patrick Euwing was robbed more x's than jessie james did. He was an african american hope as was a.i. and vick. That means something to me and I'm an old wise white guy. W/o the competition what does winning matter? Ppl forget how good the 76ers were. U can't do that front runners. In the end we all have families to support. Humility. The pistons were just dirty players plus dumars. Jordan was a ball hog low value team guy for half his career. Forget your sneekers and vanity. D.j. belongs in the hall of fame. Wish it would have happened while he was living. Reminds me of tony gwynn. That hurts me. Peyton 2. Ppl r imperfect. Forgive them. The 70s guys get lost also. Bill walton. D.j. again. I miss good ball. Today u have 4 guys with a restraining order from the paint and one average center. You know it's true also. Better 3 guys but they take 15 a game. Physical games made u earn it. I quit watching tv 1.5 yrs ago. Magic i miss u and hated u. Yet love u. Bill russel would score 15 points and sweep the NBA finals today

[@huntand]

37:00 scott wedman has freakishly long toes

[@cindyknudson2715]

I think that's Carlisle's foot.

[@teddyjun1]

Is this the team version of 1986 celtics vhs?

[@2Phaktz]

@12:38 How did the Garnett trade happen they ask...

[@christopherhennessey8991]

A shame Walton couldn’t stay healthy for two consecutive seasons.

[@badger5531]

Anybody else spot little Luke Walton at the Christmas party?

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

This makes me feel old.

[@susanstamboulian646]

I kind of already know the answer, but why is it that the Boston Celtics, never, ever, EVER, get to play at home on Christmas Day, but the Los Angeles Lakers get to play EVERY Christmas Day at home?

[@jesusrobertovargasgonzalez111]

Academy team!!

[@ebenclukey7293]

44:00 Typical C's of the day play. And also a lost art form.

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

Dave Cowens was the toughest Celtic ever.

[@jonquist7089]

Don't celebrate and don't relax until you have that ring.

[@NameCallingIsWeak]

10:37 Which one is Luke Walton??

[@bloodletter3400]

Man I'm watching this to get away from the 2 and 0 bulls lead

[@elvispresley5921]

Stars....morning stars.....WAKE UP...........

[@elvispresley5921]

ya see peeps with stars on their house's....stars....

[@elvispresley5921]

G.O.T. series..... (maybe it IS all about cocks in the end)..... = Osiris.

[@fromtherubble6890]

This was shot in 1987 and feels like a 70s porn.... A+ for content... C- for production

[@kenhasibar2624]

Ahhh you can't give it a C-. This is so old... It was good in its day.

[@TheSands83]

It was 33 years ago wtf u expected?

[@cindyknudson2715]

And shot in 1985-86.

[@thereal_notoriousakagdubb3486]

16 candles

[@riffsthatkill2180]

Ainge looks like he'd be 5'8" in real life.

[@cindyknudson2715]

Isn't he 6'4" or 5"?

[@tedrowland8672]

Atlantic Conference? How about Atlantic Division

[@grantg1971]

Thanks, Ted.....I thought I was the only one that noticed that.. LOL

[@juliansmith3030]

they shouldve known that in los angeles magic and his Lakers teammates were going to win it next year

[@TonyinMBSC8669]

Julian Smith If Len Bias does not die....I guarantee you the 87 Finals would have been a lot different. He was as good as Worthy. A 6'9" Michael Jordan! Bird would have made Bias one of the best.

[@celticsarebest]

Edward Anthony Leone I WAS THINKING THE SAME.Len Thay say would have been great! More championships.Im sure Thay would have won in 87

[@josecarranza7555]

Actually, we'll never know how bias would have played out.

[@NameCallingIsWeak]

@@TonyinMBSC8669 "I guarantee you the 87 Finals would have been a lot different. He was as good as Worthy." College talent/performance doesn't ALWAYS pan out to NBA greatness. Reggie Williams, most Duke players, Sam Bowie, ... Danny Manning ...

[@NameCallingIsWeak]

@@TonyinMBSC8669 Also, it took till 1987 for Worthy to fully bloom into a top 50 player. Do you really think ROOKIE Len Bias would be as good as prime Worthy? Rookies with dominant impact like Bird, Magic, Kareem, Wilt, Russell, are RARE. Should you REALLY put Len Bias in that category?

[@MaximusWolfe]

the music is truly awful. oh well. Go C's!!!

[@alexgalarza6908]

Bro it was the 80s

[@billbright100]

The Dirk Diggler soundtrack lol

[@unclequack5445]

Ha! Red had a mile long cigar, think of how many championships Red has put together.

[@cindyknudson2715]

25: 25 ck

[@jbl7946]

Boy an I thought that 1988 Pistons Rap music video was bad!! Shhh..t This Rappin at 14:00 in this Vid is Horribly worse lmao!!

[@cindyknudson2715]

Sounds like the rap that all those players did in the Converse weapon commercial.

[@davidgannaway8306]

Why do you keep forcing you fantasy stories about free power

[@williammize8270]

Ya mean duh pistons?

[@juliansmith3030]

no way the result would be the same Lakers beating the Celtics cause the lakers had a killer instinct look in their eyes

[@MaximusWolfe]

Julian Smith you must smoke crack. The celtics beat the fakers twice that season with ease and would have destroyed them in the finals that year. If not for a rash of injuries the celtics would have beaten them in '87 as well.

[@josecarranza7555]

I agree, the Lakers would have beaten these celtics no question.

[@mikegulliver4885]

The Celtics were much better than the Lakers that year. The Lakers dodged a sure beating by lying down for the Rockets. That really stunk because Celtics fans were relishing the revenge.

[@alexgalarza6908]

You r out of ur mind

[@chriswarrick6538]

The Celtics were on there way to beating the Lakers in 87, No Walton, Wedman, or Bias... McHale had a season ending injury, Chief hobbling with ankles, Ainge sore leg, Bird's back was declining while they all logged heavy minutes. They just gassed out in game 6 and couldn't maintain the lead.

[@fernandojuancadena2475]

Nothing like the mob being glorified thru basketball what a world we live in

[@donaldshelby7110]

My opinion BILL WALTON wasn't worth shit!

[@thomasleary2814]

Yeah. OK. HOF, MVP, 6th Man, 2×Champ - but he wasn't worth shit.

[@Solrac1424]

Auebach had a super inflated ego