When you think of the Boston Celtics, you think of banners. You think of legends. You think of a franchise steeped in history, tradition, and greatness. So when a player accomplishes something that only three Celtics in history have ever done, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate it.
Only three players in Celtics history have averaged 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists per game over the course of a full season. That elite trio? Larry Bird, John Havlicek, and Jayson Tatum. Three eras, three stars, one standard of excellence.
Let’s break it down.
Larry Legend
First up is the one and only Larry Bird. The heart and soul of the 1980s Celtics dynasty, Bird wasn’t just a scorer—he was a complete player. During the 1984-85 season, Bird averaged 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, all while shooting 52% from the field and 43% from deep. He was as versatile as they come, with the vision of a point guard, the toughness of a power forward, and the clutch gene of a cold-blooded killer.
Bird defined the “do-it-all” wing long before it became common. His combination of skill, intelligence, and competitive fire made him a nightmare for opponents and a dream for Celtics fans. He was the engine behind three titles and earned back-to-back-to-back MVPs from 1984–86. That stat line? Just one of many testaments to his brilliance.
Hondo the Hustler
Before Bird, there was John Havlicek. “Hondo” was a model of consistency, toughness, and endurance. He was the bridge between the Bill Russell era and the 1970s Celtics squads, and he carried the team on both ends of the floor. During the 1970-71 season, Havlicek averaged 28.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game—numbers that rival modern-day stat-sheet stuffers.
What made Havlicek so special was his motor. He never stopped moving, never gave less than 100%, and was constantly involved in every play. He wasn’t flashy, but he was relentless. That triple-threat stat line shows just how much he meant to the Celtics—not just as a scorer, but as a playmaker and rebounder too.
The New Face: Jayson Tatum
Fast forward to the present, and the torch has been passed to Jayson Tatum. In the 2023-24 regular season, Tatum put up an impressive 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game—just shy of the 5-assist mark, but in earlier seasons (like 2022-23), he cleared that bar. And in multiple playoff runs, he’s met or surpassed those numbers when it matters most.
Tatum has grown into the undisputed leader of a Celtics team with championship aspirations. His scoring is polished, his rebounding has improved every year, and his playmaking has taken a big leap—especially as defenses throw double teams his way. Like Bird and Havlicek before him, Tatum has become the kind of player who can impact the game in every facet.
What’s even more exciting? He’s only 26 years old. Tatum has already established himself as a perennial All-Star and an All-NBA talent, and he’s still getting better. To see him in the same statistical company as two of the greatest Celtics ever is not just a sign of his talent—it’s a sign of his place in franchise history.
Only 3 players in Celtics history have averaged 25+ PPG, 5+ RPG and 5+ APG.
That’s a stat that cuts through eras and styles. Bird. Havlicek. Tatum. One Hall of Famer, one legend who redefined hustle, and one modern star carving his own path toward greatness.
Celtics fans, take note—you’re witnessing something special.
