1946-1950: The Founding Years

Founded in 1946 as one of the BAA's original 11 teams.

The Boston Celtics were formed on June 6, 1946, by Boston Garden-Arena Corporation president Walter A. Brown as one of 11 charter teams in the Basketball Association of America.

Quick Facts

Founded: 1946
Original league: Basketball Association of America (BAA)
Home arena: Boston Garden
Franchise owner: Walter A. Brown
Era championships: 0
Turning point: Red Auerbach hired in 1950

Lore & Background

In 1948, the team earned its first playoff appearance, only to lose to the Chicago Stags 2–1 in a best-of-three first round. In 1949, the team missed the playoffs, fifth in the Eastern Division. Then, on August 3, 1949, the team became part of the National Basketball Association following the merger of the BAA and rival National Basketball League. In 1950, the Celtics drafted Chuck Cooper, making him the first black player ever drafted in the NBA. Chuck Connors of The Rifleman fame joined the Celtics later in the 1946–47 season, but was not on the original roster at the team's formation in June 1946.