Sun Feb 23 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Celtics Star Tatum Names Larry Bird, Not Bill Russell, as Greatest Celtic Ever
**Boston, MA** – Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has declared Larry Bird the greatest Celtic of all time, a bold statement considering Bill Russell’s record-breaking 11 championships with the franchise. While acknowledging Russell’s unparalleled championship success, Tatum cited Bird’s offensive prowess and overall impact as the reason for his choice.
“Wearing a Celtics uniform comes with a lot of pride,” Tatum stated. “The best Celtic ever is Larry Bird, and even if I never reach that – maybe I do, maybe I don’t – you aspire to chase that guy.”
Tatum, who recently won his first championship with the Celtics, is using Bird’s legacy as motivation in his pursuit of greatness. He aims to etch his own name into Celtics lore, striving to become the franchise’s all-time best. This season, Tatum is averaging impressive numbers, scoring 26.8 points, grabbing 8.7 rebounds, and dishing out 5.7 assists per game. His performance underscores his ambition to achieve legendary status in Boston. The debate over the greatest Celtic ever continues, but Tatum’s declaration adds a new layer to the ongoing discussion.