Which Celtics Big 3 is Better: Bird, Parish, McHale or Garnett, Pierce, Allen?

The history of the Boston Celtics is replete with legendary teams, each with its own unique mix of superstars. Two such teams stand out: the 1986 Celtics, featuring Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, and the 2008 Celtics, comprising Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. This article delves into an in-depth comparison of these two trailblazing trinities to determine which is superior in terms of overall impact and performance.

1986 Celtics Big 3: Legend, Paragon, and Postman

The 1986 Celtics boasted a formidable frontcourt, with Larry Bird being arguably the greatest small forward ever and the second or third greatest player in the history of the NBA. Kevin McHale excelled in the post, likely ranking among the top 5 post players of all time, while Robert Parish provided a solid presence inside, maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout his career.

2008 Celtics Big 3: Scorer, Defender, and Leader

The 2008 Celtics had a trio that was equally impressive. Starting with Paul Pierce, the team's leading scorer, he brought a level of shooting and clutch play that complemented his predecessors. Kevin Garnett, meanwhile, stood out for his exceptional defense and leadership. In his prime, Garnett was among the top 3 power forwards in the league. Ray Allen brought his unparalleled three-point shooting, which was particularly noteworthy during his time with the Seattle SuperSonics.

Comparing the Players

A direct comparison of the individual players reveals stark differences. Larry Bird, despite his height (6'9"), excelled critically in the post, where he could leverage his exceptional skills and size advantage. Robert Parish, at 7'0", provided the ultimate defensive presence in the middle of the court, often neutralizing the opposition with his antics and physicality.

86 Celtics vs. 08 Celtics: Legacies and Impact

While the 2008 Celtics were undoubtedly great, with Pierce, Garnett, and Allen all in their primes by the end of their careers, they never quite reached the heights of consecutive championships that the 1986 Celtics achieved. The 1986 Celtics, with Bird, Parish, and McHale, won three titles together, making their collective legacy arguably more significant. Bird, with his unmatched skills and leadership, was clearly the star of the first Big 3, and his talent was a defining factor in the success of the Celtics during the 1980s.

Size and Mismatch Advantage

The 86 Celtics had a significant size and length advantage. Bird, as the smallest of the group, could still outmaneuver Ray Allen with his agility and skills. Allen, coming in at 6'5'', would often find himself at a disadvantage against Parish, who looms at 7'0''. This height difference often provided the 1986 Celtics with a mismatch advantage in crucial games.

Prime versus End of Prime

Another factor to consider is the stage of their careers at which each Big 3 played together. The 1986 Celtics had the advantage of playing together in their primes, whereas the 2008 Celtics played at various stages of their primes. Garnett, while still great, was considerably past his peak compared to the fabulous years of Bird. This difference in prime performance significantly skewed the overall impact of each team.

In conclusion, the 1986 Celtics, with Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, are consistently considered the superior Big 3 due to their combined prime performance, unparalleled success in the playoffs, and lasting legacy in the annals of NBA history.