Celtics Owner 1979

The Boston Celtics: A Rich History and Legacy

From the Nickname to the Mascot

The nickname "Celtics" and the team's iconic mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun, are both nods to Boston's historically large Irish population. The name was originally suggested by a sportswriter in the 1920s, and it has stuck ever since.

A Season of Turmoil

The 1979 Boston Celtics season was a turbulent one. Coached by Tom Sanders and Dave Cowens, the team posted a dismal 2-12 record before Sanders was fired. Cowens took over as player-coach and led the Celtics to a slightly improved 27-41 record, but it wasn't enough to make the playoffs.