The Boston Celtics, a team synonymous with success and dominance in the NBA, have cultivated both admiration and animosity through the years. From their impressive historical achievements to their current prominence, the Celtics have consistently been at the center of attention—and controversy.
In this article, we explore the top ten reasons why the Boston Celtics are among the most disliked teams in the league, delving into a mix of on-court strategies, off-court perceptions, and their fervent fan base.
10. Boston’s Overall Sports Success Creating Fatigue
Boston’s dominance across multiple sports has led to widespread “Boston fatigue.” The city’s teams, including the Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, and Bruins, have collectively won 12 championships since 2001. This sustained success has created resentment among fans of other cities, contributing to the Celtics’ status as a widely disliked team in the NBA.
9. Contentious Relationship with Referees
The Celtics’ ongoing battles with NBA officials have drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike. Players like Jaylen Brown have publicly called out referees for “weird” officiating, while coach Joe Mazzulla’s frustrations have led to technical fouls. This contentious dynamic has fueled perceptions of preferential treatment and unsportsmanlike conduct.
8. Accusations of Flopping and Embellishment
The Celtics have faced criticism for perceived flopping, with players like Marcus Smart often at the center of controversy. In 2016, Smart was fined $5,000 for violating anti-flopping rules during a playoff game against the Hawks. The team’s reputation for embellishing contact has led to frustration among opponents and fans alike.
7. Three-Point Heavy Playing Style
The Celtics’ reliance on three-pointers has drawn criticism from basketball purists. Leading the league in three-point attempts and makes, Boston’s strategy emphasizes perimeter shooting over traditional post play. This approach, while effective, is seen by some as less entertaining and a departure from classic basketball, fueling resentment among fans of more conventional styles.
6. Media Favoritism and Overexposure
The Celtics receive disproportionate media attention, often dominating national broadcasts and sports talk shows. Their frequent primetime slots and extensive coverage can irritate fans of other teams, who feel their own franchises are overlooked. This perceived favoritism fuels resentment towards Boston’s outsized presence in NBA discourse.
5. Rivalry with Other Popular Teams
The Celtics’ intense rivalries with popular teams like the Lakers, 76ers, and Heat fuel widespread animosity. Their historic battles with the Lakers, spanning decades and 12 NBA Finals matchups, have created a legion of anti-Celtics fans across the country. Recent playoff clashes with the Heat have only intensified this rivalry-based hatred.
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4. Perceived Arrogance of Players and Coaches
The Celtics’ confidence often comes across as arrogance to outsiders. Players like Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown have been criticized for their on-court demeanor and post-game comments. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s stoic sideline presence and blunt press conferences have also rubbed some fans the wrong way, fueling the perception of a team that believes it’s superior to others.
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3. Controversial Officiating in Recent Games
The Celtics have been at the center of several officiating controversies, fueling fan frustration. In a December 2024 game against the Bulls, coach Joe Mazzulla and player Jaylen Brown received technical fouls, leading to heated exchanges with referees. Brown later called the officiating “weird,” highlighting ongoing tensions between the team and NBA officials.
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2. Passionate (and Sometimes Obnoxious) Fan Base
Celtics fans are known for their intense loyalty and vocal support, which can be intimidating to opposing teams. However, this passion sometimes crosses the line, with instances of inappropriate behavior and language. A recent survey ranked Celtics fans among the worst-behaved in the NBA, particularly for their tendency to use foul language towards other fans.
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1. Historic Dominance and Success
The Celtics’ unparalleled success, with 17 NBA championships and 11 titles in 13 years (1957-1969), breeds resentment among other fanbases. Their recent resurgence, including a record 18th championship in 2024, only fuels the animosity as they continue to dominate the league.
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