Boston Celtics: Constructing Perfect Player Using Best Assets of All-Time Greats

What if Bill Russell had the jump shot of a Larry Bird, or Bob Cousy had the arms of a Kevin Garnett?

When taking a look at the history of a franchise like the Boston Celtics, one can appreciate the league-leading 17 championships, the numerous Hall of Fame inductees and the tradition of winning basketball. Yet, what if the very components, the players who made this happen, could be combined into one?

Crazy, right?

Let's have some fun, shall we? Here we will take different assets of several Boston Celtics greats and combine them to create what would be the most complete player in team history.

The Eyes of Bob Cousy

If we have to take the eyes of a Celtics talent, Bob Cousy might be the guy we would take them from.

Cousy had tremendous vision whenever he had the basketball, making intelligent passes and understanding when and when not to pass the ball. Not to mention, he had a solid ability to score the ball, making him that much more difficult to stop.

Once Rajon Rondo of today's Celtics team develops more of a jump shot, he could be that much more difficult to guard. It also might improve his passing ability as well, as it will force defenders to play up on the perimeter.

Cousy's 6,955 assists for his career came in just 924 games as a member of the Boston Celtics.

The Arms of Larry Bird

If the team needs a set of arms for a jump shot, you have to figure Larry Bird is the guy you would take it from.

Larry Legend was arguably the best scorer in Boston Celtics history, as he was as smooth a shooter as any to play in the league. His shot was no Ray Allen jump shot, but it was just as good in its own right. He looked to score a lot more and was the main go-to guy on offense.

You're talking about 24.3 points per game and 10 rebounds a contest—while shooting nearly 87 percent from the free-throw line and 49.7 percent from the field?

Sorry, Larry, the arms are going to have to go.

The Legs of Ray Allen

Head coach Doc Rivers said Allen was the most in-shape player of any on the team last year.

That's a big statement to make, as Allen is a player in his mid-30s.

Allen is as in-shape of an athlete to play the game, as he is always keeping his body in top shape and continues to be able to play over 30 minutes a contest.

Allen is also arguably the best shooter in Boston Celtics history, as his legs are essential to what make him such a consistent shooter.

His quick release has very much to do with his legs, as he is always getting off his shots and leaping above defenders to get the shot off.

The Hands of Rajon Rondo

If you're talking about hands, Rajon Rondo is the one Celtics player you cannot look past.

I mean c'mon, the guy was on ESPN's Sports Science for his hands.

Rondo uses his bigger hands to his advantage on both ends, as he consistently places in the top five in steals per game and assists per game. Offensively, he is also making behind-the-back moves with the basketball that allow him to palm the ball at full speed, something a lot of players can't do.

Not to mention his passing game is on point.

The Body Frame and Brain of Bill Russell

Bill Russell was a long, lean, rebounding machine who made his living off of rebounding and scoring the rock. His body would be the best of any Celtics great in constructing the most complete player in team history.

Russell dominated during his time in the league, winning 11 championships in 13 seasons—and eight of those came consecutively. For his career, he averaged an unheard-of 22.5 rebounds per game, while managing to also score just over 15 points per game as well.

His shot-blocking and rebounding abilities were apparent, as his big frame and long arms were one of the big reasons he was so effective in these two regards.

It would also be necessary to take Russell's brain as well, as his basketball intelligence was unmatched by many to ever play the game. Knowing where to be on both ends and dominating at his position were key in bringing home nearly a dozen titles to the city of Boston.

The Heart of Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett has only been a member of the Boston Celtics for four seasons, but one cannot deny his heart and overall passion for the game of basketball.

At age 35, Garnett is still going strong, fighting for loose balls and playing lockdown defense on some of the more talented power forwards in today's game. Night in and night out, there is not one opponent Garnett feels he doesn't stand a chance against, despite the fact he is an aging veteran in the league.

His intensity on the defensive end has helped the Celtics over the last four seasons to play tough, lockdown defense. The impact Garnett has helped make on that end of the floor is even more apparent with the departure of Kendrick Perkins. Without Perkins last season, the team was able to put together the No. 1 defense in the league, and Garnett was the big reason why.

Not to mention the guy is a scoring threat from the three-point line down into the paint on any given night. If you're talking about a guy playing with heart, KG's has to be the heart we take in putting together the perfect player in Celtics history.

Luis Batlle is a Featured Columnist with Bleacher Report and specializes in NBA (Boston Celtics), NFL, International Soccer and Tennis.

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