Celtics Honor the Past, Dominate the Present in Inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic
BOSTON - The TD Garden has always been more than just a basketball arena - it’s a living museum of Celtics greatness. But on Sunday afternoon, the banners and parquet floor had some company. Celtics legends - and the families who carry their legacies forward - returned to the spotlight during the NBA’s first-ever Pioneers Classic, a celebration of the league’s trailblazers and a reminder of the Celtics’ deep roots in basketball history.
The game, a 107-79 blowout win over the Milwaukee Bucks, was just part of the story. The real headline was the gathering of basketball royalty, brought together to honor the 75th anniversary of Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, and Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton - the NBA’s first Black players.
Cooper, who was drafted by the Celtics in 1950, became the first Black player selected in the NBA Draft. Lloyd and Clifton, while not Celtics, played pivotal roles in integrating the league.
The Celtics didn’t just acknowledge history - they embraced it. The organization welcomed descendants of some of the most iconic names in franchise history.
Julie Auerbach Flieger, granddaughter of legendary Celtics executive Red Auerbach, was in attendance. So was Karen Kenyatta Russell, daughter of the incomparable Bill Russell.
And on a day built around honoring pioneers, it was fitting that Tom “Satch” Sanders - a Celtics Hall of Famer and one of the game's great ambassadors - was also celebrated.
The families of K.C. Jones and Sam Jones, who combined for 18 NBA titles in green and white, were on hand to witness a modern-day Celtics star carry the torch. Jaylen Brown led the way with a game-high 30 points and 13 rebounds, delivering a performance that felt as much like a tribute as it did a statement.
"It's an honor to speak on the behalf of some of our legends."
— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2026
Jaylen Brown, joined by family members of Chuck Cooper, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, and Earl Lloyd, addresses the crowd ahead the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/4vzfwELFN7
“It was awesome,” Brown said postgame. “I think it was pretty cool to be able to pay homage to people of the past… To know where you're going, you got to know where you came from.”
Brown wasn’t just referencing the league’s pioneers - he was speaking directly to the legacy of Bill Russell, a man who redefined winning and leadership, both on and off the court. After the game, Brown shared a moment with Russell’s daughter, reflecting on how the Celtics legend continues to influence him.
“His legacy here in Boston, everything that he stood for, his experiences as well, have contributed to how I use my platform in 2026 and so forth,” Brown said.
That platform has grown over the past decade, and Brown has used it with intention. His legacy in Boston isn’t just about playoff appearances - though he hasn’t missed the postseason once in his 10-year career.
It’s not just about accolades - though he did hoist the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy after leading the Celtics to a championship in 2024. It’s also about impact - in the locker room, in the community, and in the conversations that matter.
The Celtics welcome back the legendary Tom “Satch” Sanders, who won 8 titles with the C’s: pic.twitter.com/4mVzLEfvdR
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) February 1, 2026
“On top of winning, [legacy] is also how you affected the community,” Brown said. “Two things that I take pride in - being able to win basketball games, win a championship - hopefully more - and being able to affect my community in a positive way.
That’s what you invest in. That's what I invest in as a player, that's my investment as a Boston Celtic and as a member of my family.”
That dual focus - excellence on the court and purpose off it - is something Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla champions as well. He’s made it a point to keep the team grounded in its history, reminding players that the privilege of wearing green comes with responsibility.
Jaylen Brown wins the Bill Russell Trophy as the 2024 #NBAFinals MVP! ☘️ pic.twitter.com/ePINrAOdx4
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2024
“We're fortunate enough, working for the Celtics, we just have history around us all the time,” Mazzulla said. “This job wouldn't be what it was, and this team wouldn't be what it was, if the people before you didn't leave it better than they found it. And so, you have the responsibility to do the same.”
That message isn’t falling on deaf ears. Brown and Mazzulla have helped guide the Celtics to a 31-18 record, good for third in the Eastern Conference. Sunday’s win marked the fifth straight loss for the Bucks - a statement victory for Boston in more ways than one.
“History is one of my favorite subjects,” Brown added. “A lot of history [here].
A lot of great players have played for this organization. So, it's an honor to continue that.”
Joe Mazzulla on the first NBA Pioneers Classic and speaking to Bill Russell’s daughter and seeing Satch Sanders at TD Garden today:
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) February 1, 2026
“We just have history around us all the time.” pic.twitter.com/Z8f1Trp0TX
The Celtics won’t have much time to dwell on the past, though. They’re heading straight to Texas for a back-to-back against the Mavericks and Rockets. But even as they shift their focus to Luka Dončić and Jalen Green, the lessons of Sunday will travel with them.
As Brown put it, “Build intergenerationally. Being able to connect with people who came before gives you information, gives you wisdom, so as you move forward, you know exactly what you need to do.”
In Boston, legacy isn’t just something you inherit - it’s something you build on. And right now, Jaylen Brown and the Celtics are doing just that.