NBA Legends Explain Why The 1986 Boston Celtics Could be The Best Team Ever

[@hairjordan2620]

The passing and ball movement on that team was legendary

[@MasterRoshi8974]

The 86 Boston Celtics brought meaning to the word "Team." The moved as a single unit, like family band making music. So fun to watch

[@thinkcivil1627]

The way the 86 Celtics passed the ball was something special. I loved watching Dennis throw a one hand no-look off the dribble bullet to Bird from the top of the key, right where Larry would be once the ball arrived (even in mid-air under the basket).

[@Jim_L]

This team, for me, really solidified in my mind just how special Bill Walton was. Walton won the Best 6th Man award that year. But he did it in a body that had no reason to be on the floor competing like it somehow did. Yeah, it was a little sad, too, because you realized all the potential Walton had had he only been born with a much, much better body. Still, it's utterly fascinating to watch the highlights of him from this season, showing the world the immense talent he still had left in the tank and the joy in his face when he got to show it off one last time. 😃

[@FoxUnitNell]

Kevin McHale won that award too I believe. They seemed to have had a playoff team sitting on the bench a few years during their peak in the 80s.

[@Edd1e8]

Walton could have benefited from more modern conditioning, training regimens and surgeries. It was still primitive at that time.

[@ephraimfink9010]

There was nothing wrong with his body until he broke the foot

[@Edd1e8]

@@ephraimfink9010 oh I must have imagined all those prior injuries and how he went to the Clippers

[@ephraimfink9010]

@@Edd1e8 correct. Everything changed on February 28, 1978. Portland was 50-10 at that point even better than winning it all the year before and then that foot changed everything. Lost 6 seasons essentially. Miracle he was able to recapture some of that old magic in 1986. And that was it

[@B90-y6n]

No jiving iso bullshit, no thug antics, just straight pure b ball 🏀 and a UNIT laying out domination with chemistry.

[@antenanashi]

no thugs antics ? Like Larry Bird was not know for fighting on court ?

[@NotTheWheel]

I watched a docu series on the 1986 Celtics team. Larry Bird's journey, the Teams Journey. I got interested I tried watching as many pieces of film on them as I could. As many games as I could. The level that team was raised to rallying around Bird and their road to that point. Every player became as good as Bird was their first Championship they were like extensions of himself and Larry became a completely different animal. His performance Game 6. Was a masterpiece. Wasn't there when it happened but what expectations you want from a Basketball team you want your squad to play with that same mindset of winning.

[@TrevorHamberger]

I just watched all the full games on KZbin

[@irishgrl]

86 Boston Celtics 4evr!! Larry Legend is a Unicorn & THE TRUE GOAT 🐐 ☘️

[@justinmunson1412]

DJ was the man! Bring back our Sonics!

[@angieburnett4341]

If only Len Bias would've lived to join them. 💔

[@lotuslife3239]

Bird 6 rings before 1990 and then Reggie Lewis comes. Idk if MJ gets more than 3 in his career

[@US_ARMY_25_INF._DIV.]

Yeah....Parrish said the day he died the Leprechaun stopped smiling .....also they had Reggie Lewis come not long after Bias and he died....the crazy thing is that Bird would have probably 5 more years in him, but he ruined his spine for good while paving his driveway....that was the greatest loss to Boston I think...

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Don't sweat the driveway paving incident. That was a degenerative disorder and was going to snap whether in the driveway or on the parquet.

[@US_ARMY_25_INF._DIV.]

@@zeppelinmexicano yeah you're probably right just using a shovel and a rake on asphalt isn't going to ruin your back I've done that and harder other work thousands of times in my life so ultimately it was a degenerative issue and he was not healthy to begin with

[@chriswarrick6538]

Wow what if

[@matthewcarlton5693]

This is my all time favorite squad. So fun to watch. Thank you cable tv for making these games available in the American hinterlands.

[@gregallan2842]

For anybody who likes a passing game the '86 Celtics are an absolute wet dream.

[@DEAD-ALIVE]

That team was great. Good video mate. Thanks

[@garydalegimotea7834]

Charles is just mesmerized in what Kevin is saying...

[@Lone_Star_Proud]

80's basketball was the absolute best. So many great players snd characters.

[@wannabein619]

As a teenager from Texas that year I was pulling hard for the Rockets but truly that was the best or second best TEAM of all time. You had no weaknesses ANYWHERE. Everyone could pass, play team defense, rebound, and score when called upon. Even the mid 90s Bulls had players on the bench you did NOT want to see in the game if you were a fan of theirs. 86 Celtics, everyone could hurt you.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Think about this. WALTON as the 6'th man. Arguably, had he stayed healthy, the greatest center of all time - and 1985-1986 was the ONLY season he played the entire season!

[@wannabein619]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 exactly. And even the guys towards the end of the bench for them (Kite, Sichting, etc) could’ve easily started for a lot of other teams in the League. What would’ve really made things sick for them is the greatest what if in league history… Len Bias. The C’s would’ve remained a powerhouse all through the 90s if he’s not celebrating his being drafted to the Celtics by od’ing on crack.

[@P-Atonement]

I’m from California and I am a Celtics fan since the late 70’s. I also loath the Lakers. I remember vividly not knowing the Rockets beat LA on Ralph’s game winner-until the next morning. The Western Conference Finals with a heavily favored Lakers team expected to win and go on to play the Celtics in the Finals…..was taped delayed. I was a youngster and sleeping . Wow how times have changed. I for one miss those simpler times…..and I miss when the Celtics were a team full of tough, do anything to win players who were lead by a man they would run through a brick wall for in KC Jones.

[@MattieK09]

Keep it up love these videos

[@US_ARMY_25_INF._DIV.]

Yeah....Parrish said the day Bias died the Leprechaun stopped smiling .....also they had Reggie Lewis come not long after Bias and he died....the crazy thing is that Bird would have probably 5 more years in him, but he ruined his spine for good while paving his driveway....that was the greatest loss to Boston I think...

[@manatangitau7830]

The 1986 NBA World Champions Boston Celtics: Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Kevin McHale, Larry Bird, Robert Parish, Scott Wedman, Greg Kite, Cedric Maxwell, Bill Walton, &, More...

[@timothythomas8082]

This team would've beaten any Bulls or Warriors team. 40-1 at home says it all

[@teddyhaynes9876]

For sure , the bulls or warriors can’t match the size of the Celtics frontline , bird was 6’11 , mcchale was like 6’10, Robert parish was like 7’1 .. that frontline is unmatched

[@Mrd9960]

​@@teddyhaynes9876Lol Bird wasn't 6'11, he was 6'9

[@combatsportlover6919]

@@teddyhaynes9876 Bird was 6'9

[@TrevorHamberger]

Nah. Bird is more like a 7 footer ​@@Mrd9960

[@jingqi9106]

While it's true the Boston Celtics passed the ball at a high level and they were really good from top to bottom, they had Larry Bird at his peak.

[@liontone]

If you have a great passing team, it beats athleticism every time.

[@gregbarry5875]

6 of the 12 players went on to be NBA Coaches

[@SobridMusic]

Since I was born in '85 it was 90's and early 00's basketball that is really my NBA bread and butter, but I've always had mad respect from those teams and players in the generations before.

[@rogerwilliams5382]

No brainer that 1986 team would've beating anyone. Completely unselfish, focused and could shoot the ball like no team ever. And being sober helped!

[@jefflawver971]

Amazing team. When the Celts got Walton, I felt if he could stay healthy, they were gonna be some thing special. When they beat LA twice that year(the second time without McHale) I knew that team was going to win it all. Too bad it only lasted one year. The next was one bad thing after another, starting with Len Bias death. Walton broke his foot for the umpteenth time before the season started. McHale broke his foot after having his greatest season. Parrish played the playoffs on a severely sprained ankle. Ainge injured his knee. In spite of all that, they somehow got back to the finals, and took LA to 6 games. It was the gutsiest performance I've seen a team make ever. That next year, showed how good that team was.

[@DEAD-ALIVE]

Danny Ainge - “We had it all fixed” 😅

[@marshalllucas83]

Yes!!! Thank you Angie, Len Bias what if😢 they would have been unstoppable

[@daniellampe1588]

I'm Biased because I'm a Celtic Fan but I ve NEVER seen a team move the ball and be so together as a Unit than that team. I'm glad these videos came out bc the bench player like Scott Jerry Bill they never get the Crdit they Deserve Wedman could've started on 3/4 of the teams in the league but u never heard of him bc he came of the bench behind Larry That team could beat you so many ways they could grind you or run you out of the gym I wish basketball was still played like that today It was Beautiful to watch and I'm GRATEFUL I was able to

[@teddyhaynes9876]

Anybody who says Larry bird wouldn’t dominate in todays nba just take a look a luka doncic, he’s slow and not athletic really but luka has been playing at mvp level and dominating people .. as good as luka is right now , Larry bird was better period , bird was bigger he was better passer , he was better shooter . Better defender , better clutch factor.. when Larry was healthy and at his peak he is a top 5 all time nba player , all old all time players all say bird is one of the goats . It’s beautiful watching Larry pass the ball , the 80s lakers and Celtics was loaded with talent man

[@adrianciobanu5856]

​@@teddyhaynes9876no Larry incarnation is Jokic not Luca

[@Amick44]

Spurs in 2014. Tossup passing wise, maybe.

[@Amick44]

​@@teddyhaynes9876Then you see Jokic. Not nearly as athletic as Larry or Luka. Nowhere close.

[@kmikaz2.029]

Big CELTICS fan and of curse big big fan of mr Bird / mr tatum and all other great player the CELTICS has since 86

[@wmden1]

With Boston's players in 86, it would have been difficult for anybody to beat them, even if they didn't have such great passing. With the best, smartest, whole team passing. that they had, beating them was next to impossible, especially during the last half of the season, and the playoffs. You can't outrun a pass.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

My only regret was seeing them lose the chance to set things straight with the Lakers in 1986. The Rockets were great, though, and there's a reason why they deserved the finals.

[@jakestine4753]

When you have Bill Walton, a 7'2" HOF center coming off the bench at age 33 and playing like he has a new lease on life, then you might just be the best team ever. Wedman likewise could have been a starter on almost any other team in the NBA when he came to Boston to take a role off the bench. The only knock against the 86 Celtics was that they only had 3 guys to come off the bench so they had to play a tight rotation where at least two starters were almost always on the floor (though that was pretty common back then anyway).

[@gregorywilson2124]

Interesting the DJ is often forgotten. Bird said that DJ is the best player he ever played with.

[@FUBAR1986]

Best decade of basketball, and one of the best teams in that decade

[@thinkcivil1627]

I think there are a group of great teams who are in the conversation of being the greatest ever, and you can make an argument for everyone of these teams to be the greatest, and that's why it's so hard to pick one. Each one of these teams catches fire that year and has something special going on, in addition to the talent on the team. Plus, staying healthy.

[@Davivd2]

I think they were actually better in 87 but the injuries held them back.

[@JamesHardenoverKobe]

Rockets didn't even have their starting point guard in 1986. Plus Adrian and Vinnie went down with injured in 1987. Celtics fans will gloss over this yet are quick to excuse the 1987 Celtics.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

@@JamesHardenoverKobe nobody is "glossing over" anything. It's not up to us to make the case for Rockets injuries. That's your job. It's still a fact that hobbling Bird, McHale and Walton was hobbling 3 HoF talents with career ending injuries. It was a catastrophe, not a couple of injuries that guys can recover from.

[@JamesHardenoverKobe]

@@zeppelinmexicano Guess you never heard of Ralph Sampson.

[@JamesHardenoverKobe]

@J B He was dealing with off court issues. Don't be mistaken of John Lucas influence plus Ralph Sampson went down in 1987. you sure no one's talks about them? Sure remember Celtics and Lakers fan crying "it was supposed to be Lakers vs Celtics" hahaha! Classic. They are known as The Original Twin Towers. Only trolls will act like they never heard of them.

[@JamesHardenoverKobe]

@J B Most people don't realize that the Bulls and Celtics (Bird era) have a losing record in the playoffs vs The Pistons. Bird doesn't have a winning record in the playoffs vs the Pistons, 76ers, and The Lakers. They lost to the 76ers in 80 and 82. They lost to The Lakers in 85 and 87. That's what surrounds Larry 81 and 86 finals. Bird didn't even win FMVP in both. Funny to hear Celtics fans call 1986 the greatest Celtics of all time. Yet they needed to resort to dirty tactic against a team that had only two stars and no starting point guard. Celtics fans will skip the part where they would low blow punches on Ralph Sampson over and over before the fight even broke out. Only to follow that up with a noose and black doll hanging during the finals like they were the victim. Yes this really happened during the 1986 Finals. If Bird and the Celtics were so great then why would they need to play dirty? Guess they didn't believe in Bird like they claimed. So not only does Bird have a losing record in the playoffs against The Pistons, 76ers, and Lakers. They couldn't even beat a shorthanded team without resorting to dirty tactics in 1986. Plus he couldn't even win FMVP in 1981. I would also debate that Larry Bird career would be extremely shooter if he didn't have so much help. Yet again Bird had a superteam and it still wasn't enough at times.

[@retiredwelder]

The 86 Celtics is my favorite team of all time. I think the best of all time. I truly believe that the 86 Celtics would have beaten the mid 90’s bulls. Not from physical talent but their IQ. They would have figured out what to do to beat those Bulls Teams. But we’re all going to pick our favorite teams lol. Just like players. People today say lebron is the best. No way. Ever heard of bill Russell or wilt chamberlain. Those guys would absolutely dominate and make today’s players look silly lol.

[@artboston4787]

The '86 Celtics were clearly the best team of all time and the '96 Bulls agree with me! OK, a spotlight on the '87 Lakers is no doubt warranted.

[@realramone3455]

Agree

[@Comedyvibes]

Jesus Loves you and wants you to accept him as your Lord and also saviour

[@theotherview1716]

Yeah they would beat the 2017 warriors? Lol

[@SuperPhilly5]

Bullshit the 96 Bulls would strongly Disagree

[@chewy98ta28]

I think if they played a modern team they'd have to play one half with no 3 point line and one with the 3 point line to make up for rosters being constructed differently. Play with refs from the 80's cause it's harder to be less physical than it is to be more physical. It'd be interesting but I think they'd be the favorite.

[@claytonphillips85]

The 86 Celtics are definitely one of if not the greatest team ever

[@mprattyh3]

Love this team but this video should be called "The '86 Celtics Explain Why They Think They're The Best Team Ever"

[@big8dog887]

This team put out an instructional video called "Winning Basketball" that you should watch. It's on KZbin, they don't let you post the link anymore, but you can use the search box.

[@newerafrican]

This segment is about 2 hours too short!

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

6:24 K. C. Jones. The LINK between this team and the Celtics 1960s Dynasty. Though to be fair Tom Heinsolm (and I think Red?) were in the front office too.

[@HHSGDFootballJPD]

Red was in the front office; Heinsohn was courtside calling games.

[@richardpare3538]

Pretty hard to argue against them being the best TEAM ever.

[@johnsherman4035]

I think Bill Walton's resurrection from the basketball boneyard was the key to them being so dominant. I give them a slight edge over the 96 Bulls as the GOAT Team.

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

No way.

[@jasonhacker7270]

​@@kenneths.perlman111286 celtics in 5

[@Amick44]

Yeah, I don't think there's any question it was Walton's solid play that really elevated them another notch or two above what they were previously. And the other good teams in the league. Bill was the real difference.

[@chrisgonz9963]

Best Team Ever in my opinion 86 Celtics

[@GabbyBabby-pp1lx]

My favourite team, but I understand arguments for others.

[@Amick44]

I wouldn't sleep on the 76ers 66-67 either. I know they didn't have the three-point shot then, but they certainly had everything else. That team would compete, if not beat, any other team that's ever played. I sincerely believe that.

[@lakersrdbest]

Iron sharpened iron💪

[@montieluckett7036]

One more year, and "The Pistol" would have gotten that ring he so Richly deserved.

[@MrAce-lm8es]

Zero Arguments here. I have no problem recognizing The 1985-'86 Boston Celtics as The GOAT in terms of sheer quality of performance and team chemistry. The Hall Of Famers alone that came from here is truly amazing.

[@cn240studios5]

My personal favourite team, but obviously willing to admit that the 96 bulls/87 Lakers, along with many of Bill Russell's teams have as strong an argument as anyone.

[@Defender80s]

THE BEST TEAM EVER. PERIOD.

[@dennisdoucette9373]

The 86 Celtics didn't care about 70 wins, only the championship. They easily could have won 6 or 7 more.

[@OldHenryLee]

I'd take em over any team, ever. 🤔... Well, with home court in a seven game series at least.

[@elvis34609]

They were absolutely the greatest team ever. I’ve watched the Celtics and as a fan of your favorite team so still get nervous about can your team win. With the Celtics in 86 I knew as long as Walton didn’t get injured there was no chance of not winning the title. It was one year I was hoping for the lakers in the finals and even the lakers knew they couldn’t beat them. Yes Walton was that great and to even think that the Chicago bulls greatest team could beat them is foolish. It’s rare when you know you’re unbeatable and they were.

[@Jsch23]

kind of like the denver nuggets this year. jokic and bird are just so similar

[@RazzleDazz72]

86 Celtics vs 87 Lakers would’ve been amazing

[@gold6813]

The GOAT scored 100+ points within 2 games against this team. Coming off a season ending injury

[@jamesjensen5226]

People say the last run from the bulls was the best team ever but my favorite team the Utah Jazz gave them hell no other team came close to beating them I understand second place is still last but still give my Jazz some love

[@Nba19980]

Those mj games rigged man. Mj got heavy free throw s in those clinching games especially in the fourth. Rodman was basically tackling Malone who was basically unstoppable.

[@lotuslife3239]

@@Nba19980 games always been rigged. Utah for years was the best team to match up with Kobe Lakers and the NBA made sure they rarely ran into each other. I honestly think Utah knew Phil Jackson's stuff or something cause he was more worried to face them than anyone else. Mike woulda got shut down if they didn't want him to win. Karl Malone couldn't be stopped so they let Rodman literally stop him.

[@gaddyify]

Kobe and Wilt score more points in a game than MJ. But the fact that MJ scored 63 points against a great team like the 80 Celtics is a more impressive feat than Wilt and Kobe high scoring games against weaker opposition.

[@sugarnads]

Guard 4 and forget the stud

[@lotuslife3239]

@@sugarnads exactly. They played how teams play against KD now. He can't beat you by himself. Crazy how people don't realize Bird literally never let that happen with his teams. Most people just think McHale was going out there doing whatever he wants to get that 25 a game too. But he the only reason he is in post position to score on 1 guy all game is because Bird takes all the attention away from McHale and Parish. They should be the first to stop because they control the paint, yet Bird is another power forward playing the 3 and 2 sometimes and at the end of the game no matter how much a guy put up on them, Bird got the rebounds he needed to, scored enough, and made more possessions for his team than KD could have.

[@kdonovan221]

Wilt took 55 boards against Russel

[@gaddyify]

@@kdonovan221 That's when the NBA was in Jurassic stage.

[@salcollins2008]

Mj lost his 63pt game.

[@bnx200]

No way were they better than the 83 Sixers, probably the most underrated team ever, and possibly the best ever. They came within a game of sweeping the entire playoffs and championship. Andrew Toney is probably the most underrated player ever. Danny Ainge said he feared Andrew Toney more than Michael Jordan.

[@unnaturalselection8330]

Lotta people talk 96 Bulls vs 17 GS Warriors for greatest team, but I think it's more of an 80s Celtics or Lakers vs those Bulls.

[@Harerazer]

86 Celtics over 96 Bulls in 6 games with home court, 7 games without.

[@SpiderellaWebette]

95-96 Chicago Bulls GOAT🔥🔝 💯✅

[@bbkyjohnson]

As good as this team was can you imagine with Len bias and his athleticism how much better they would have been? No team in history would have touched them!! There would be no debate. Bias would have been the second best player in the league behind Jordan surrounded by the best supporting cast.

[@johnnoone4323]

I am an LA Lakers fan and would agree the Boston Celtics team of 1985-86 may be the best ever. I also believe the Celtics made a mistake in trading Cedrick Maxwell and even Gerald Henderson. The Celtics were much stronger with McHale and Ainge coming off the bench, and that combination is what won the 1984 NBA Finals against the Lakers - and as a Lakers fan that loss really hurt.

[@joeldriver3971]

Jordan scored 63 points in a playoff game against that team and he was so much better than anybody else on the court that it was almost laughable. Yeah the Bulls still lost that game in double overtime because MJ didn't have the talent around him yet but it was already clear at that point that he was by far the best player in the league. I still have that game recorded on a VHS tape that I've about worn out watching it so many times. It was truly historic.

[@FuShengAlex]

Puhleeze Hakeem getting less scoring and rebounding help took this same Boston team to 6 games

[@zeppelinmexicano]

I think we've all heard of MJ, no? This thread isn't about one talent or another, it's about teams. Besides that, James Worthy said he would rather guard MJ than Larry. Why would that be? James said it best - it was about the mental game.

[@merlball8520]

No one in the 80s feared Jordan. Jordan was a ball hog that required rule changes and star privileges from the refs to win in the Playoffs. His way of monopolizing the ball was as often a detriment to his team as much as it was a contribution.

[@icetraydemartini3963]

Definitely maybe number 2. 98 Bulls is hard to argue against.

[@justinmunson1412]

They literally had all the white guys that could play good in the NBA on one team at that time. Chief and DJ were both underated

[@xsjado_anon]

DJ is, in my opinion, the single most underrated player of all time. And I usually talk down the rest of that team, as I believe most of them were only great because Bird set them up for success, including McHale, but DJ was amazing on his own already and watching him play with Bird is an amazing privilege.

[@justinmunson1412]

@@xsjado_anon he was great on both ends led the Sonics to back to back finals winning in 79 with MVP honors. Was the second most important player on the Celtics for his second and possibly for the third

[@justinmunson1412]

How good would Greg kite be in today's NBA?

[@phoule76]

ha, sounds like a funny idea for a video

[@P-Atonement]

This years Celtics need a Greg Kite.They are soft

[@manatangitau7830]

The 2001 NBA World Champions Los Angeles Lakers is definitely the greatest team of all time. They SWEPT 3# 50 or more wins teams in the western conference. They went 15-1 in the post season. The one loss came in overtime in game 1# of The 2001 NBA Finals.

[@OoRockstarkoO]

When it comes to teamwork though, there’s nothing more startling than a team with such a fluid passing game. No matter how good your superstar is, throwing quick assists like that would throw off any team for the extra split second they need during a play to get the point

[@lalamido2323]

I think they were amazing for 86. I highly double the way game moved forward that could beat Durant,Curry,Klay,Igudala and the rest of the Warriors. I also think they would struggle with Miami with Lebron,Wade,Bosh. Its just different era. Dudes jump higher, run faster, they are stronger etc. It also depends on the rules, if we play 86 or new rules.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Didn't Larry put an end to valuing how high you can jump? Don't play that card. Don't play the card that says that today's game is better or today's players are better. Stylistically, the ball they played in the 80s was as rough as we've ever seen, so you gonna dumb down the rules to give your teams the advantage? Man up and see what happens.

[@KClouisville]

That Golden State team better be hitting 50-60% from 3 every game of the series....because they would be decimated on the inside. Klay and Green would not be able to handle anyone in Bostons front line....they would get eaten alive....I mean like historically bad points given up in the paint.

[@Zionsol777]

there have been better players on teams, but never a better team of players. i was a sixers fan and got sooo pissed watching them make my team look like noobs.....

[@jrakesgodson189]

Celtics 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@steveclapper5424]

The ball hardly ever hit the floor.

[@christopherkettler8727]

Do the best Lakers squad with magic

[@Kashed]

1. 96 Bulls 2. 86 Celtics 3. 87 Lakers Honorable mention to the 94 and 95 Houston Rockets teams. The Piston’s were dirty. Period!

[@lotuslife3239]

96 Bulls just not tall enough to stop those guys in the post. It would be a very close game, and it would forsure come down to who is more clutch between Bird and MJ. Though I Think the Bulls will have better defenders for Bird than vice versa, Mike's gonna have to score a lot because even with Rodman they are getting outrebounded and outpassed. Len Bias added to that on a rookie contract would have meant certain doom for everyone else for a number of years

[@Kashed]

@@lotuslife3239 In 96 the Bulls swept the Magic with Shaq and Horace Grant in the post. They would have no problem vs that Celtics team.

[@merlball8520]

@@Kashed Horace Grant isn't in the same tier as Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, Larry Bird, and '86 Walton. Shaq was a sh** passer at that point, and the '86 Celts blocked way more shots, stole the ball more, made a higher % of their shots, and were way better passers than either the Bulls or Magic that year. And they did it against tougher competition than either the Bulls or Magic faced. By the mid-90s the league was starting to decline in talent and gameplay. The Bulls stood out because they were the closest thing to 80s and early 90s level talent and gameplay the league had in the second half of the 90s. Regardless, the Bulls wouldn't have been as successful if they didn't get as much privilege from the refs as they did, especially on behalf of MJ and Rodman.

[@j.wright8157]

Jordan/Pippen/Rodman/Kukoc...the BEST ever!🏀

[@theotherview1716]

Curry, Durant, green, klay

[@craigostopovich4860]

No way?.😂😂

[@TruthHasSpoken]

'86 Celtics were outstanding. As were ten years later, the .... 96 Bulls.

[@jameslivingston7159]

Always good to have a gigantic voodoo priest for your center.

[@philosoraptor2285]

They were a great team no doubt at all but the best ever? That accolade belongs easily to the 96 Bulls.

[@captainbluegill3357]

Larry never lost to Jordan end of story

[@Ascending11]

I feel Larry Legend is THE GOAT, followed VERY VERY closely by MJ.

[@theotherview1716]

I feel that 4.5 is more than 4.7

[@dougnewman3935]

86 Celtics would have beat anyone…including those Bulls teams. No one had an answer for their front court and MVP level healthy Bird was the ‘X’ factor.

[@josephvitielo1693]

Think a healthy Walton that year was the x factor 10 pts 9 rbs 2 or 3 blks that why they were great in 86

[@bucksatanII]

God came down to play the 86 Celtics and lost. I would say that makes you the best team ever

[@wannabein619]

Even Basketball Jesus needed disciples to win in the playoffs

[@Proudathiest1]

I don’t believe in god but Larry bird is just as good as god so he can be my god cause I definitely believe in him

[@JamesHardenoverKobe]

This is the year where they hung a black doll from the Boston Garden during the Finals. Funny how nobody talks about this.

[@elizahhoward6810]

@@JamesHardenoverKobe I can't find it anywhere on the internet...that really happrned?!

[@JamesHardenoverKobe]

@@elizahhoward6810 Yes this really happened.

[@martysomoco]

The 1986 Celtics were a very good team. A dynasty - no. A consecutively repeating championship team - no. A record-setting NBA winning franchise - no. Bill Russell's Celtics achieved so many milestones that the 1980's Celtics did not even approach. Let's give recognition to the Celtic teams who achieved the so-far unequaled: 8 NBA Championships in a row. 11 NBA Championships in 13 years - with 5 time NBA MVP Bill Russell.😊

[@FrankBarter]

Bird

[@bobjones7233]

This was when basketball was basketball. Now with all these 3 point BS shots there are no fast breaks, no technical fouls because nobody plays defense and as Walt Frazier would say "Another UFO!!" AKA air ball

[@tombrad9950]

There definitely in the argument even if steven a smith doesn't want to talk about them or the 80s best teams take your pick the 83 76ers the 85 or 87 lakers or the 89 pistons don't beleieve the hype of the bulls 90s era a lot of those same players wasn't good enough to make a nba finals in the 80s and forget about golden state 2000s era same thing a bunch of hype. That 86 celtic team with a healthy bill walton missing len bias r i p other generations better bring it!

[@dlhvac1]

I watched them nobody was playing like that

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[@Noname-ni1dy]

The Bulls were not going to win a title until the Lakers and Celtics got old. The same goes for the Pistons, they would never beat those two teams in their prime.

[@mattn6591]

If Walton would've been 1977-78 Walton, i say yes. But 86 Walton was still competent. Hard to say what would happen if they faced the 73 game Warriors or 72 game Bulls. I do think they do have a slower foot speed which worked for that time, but might give them problems if facing a modern team. How is McHale gonna pop out to the 3 point line to guard a modern forward, Parish wasn't the quickest either. Dennis Johnson looks slow by todays standards; They were a great defesive team for the time, around the paint, with Walton and Parish shotblocking , McHale too, but as the game has gotten more spread out, it they may not be as effective. Also Pippen might be able to do a decent job on Bird, Rodman could take McHale, Jordan could cover DJ. The defensive ability of Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman might make it difficult for that 86 Celtics team to do the kind of passes they were accustomed to doing. The 86 celtics do have size, rebounding, but its no certainty they would win, in fact I'd still take the 86 Bulls. With 1977 Walton in his prime, I think they would find a way to win though.

[@craigostopovich4860]

Lol..Rodman cannot cover McHale on his post...😂😂😂😂

[@direkramseychikboy9102]

Still wondering today why did they parted ways with Cedric Maxwell?

[@josephvitielo1693]

Think Bird thought he gave up in 85

[@Mrd9960]

​@@josephvitielo1693Yeah supposedly he had an injury and kept saying it was bothering him or something like that and most thought he was just collecting his paycheck while sitting on the bench.

[@jab1289]

The only people that say the 96 Bulls are better than this team are Jordan Jockers. Mike Greenberg (Greeny) said in the mid-00s (on the Who's #1 show at the end about Best NBA Teams Ever) that the teams from the 80's would wipe the floor with the 72-win Bulls (he would know. Mike covered those Bull teams every day). Also, another team I see overrated online is the 2001 Lakers. Child, please. They had no talent outside of Shaq and Kobe. They didn't beat anyone in the playoffs. They beat a fading Blazers team, a Kings team pre-Bibby, a Spurs team that had some injuries, and one of the worst Finals participants ever.

[@localwear1]

Tell me, please tell Me how this plays out …::86 Celtics vs 96 bulls. Jordan gets his no doubt. However after that , I just feel the Celtics have advantage at every other position, no?

[@armandop9082]

Celtics in 6, Jordan gets his points but Bird, McHale and Parish destroy Bulls interior, Pippen would be in foul trouble most of series guarding Bird and McHale would dominate, plus Walton off the bench whos gonna guard him luc Longley lol

[@rock801]

Hey Sean, look at 8:19! This is no way defense.

[@cindyknudson2715]

Part of the reason that defenses looked like that is because of the excellent passing. Will he pass or shoot? Which one of them is going to score the points?

[@theoneandonlykyle9800]

I think the 86; would have beat the 96 bulls but it's hard to say.

[@mrsteve4313]

The 1986 Celtics would've destroyed the Bulls, they might've won 1 or 2 games in a 7 game series, but never the series!!!