Boston Celtics: The 25 Most Hated Opponents

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Basketball: NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Bob Cousy (14) in action, layup vs St. Louis Hawks Bob Pettit (9). Boston, MA 3/30/1957–4/13/1957 CREDIT: Richard Meek (Photo by Richard Meek /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X4483 F18 ) /

25. The St. Louis Hawks

The Celtics traded with the then St. Louis Hawks to acquire the rights to draft Bill Russell in 1956. It would become perhaps the most impactful transaction in the history of pro sports after the sale of Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The move cost Boston a solid center in Ed Macauley and rookie Cliff Hagan. But Red Auerbach got his man in Russell. The Hall of Fame center would win 11 championships for Boston in 13 seasons.

The Celtics and Hawks would meet in the NBA finals four times, with the Celtics winning in 1957, ’60 and ’61. The 1957 finals featured 10 players who become Hall of Famers, in addition to Auerbach. McCauley and the Hawks would beat Boston for the team’s lone NBA title in 1958. The Hawks would relocate to Atlanta 10 years later.

Next: No. 24 -- Nique

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