There are plenty of NBA franchises with passionate fanbases, but few, if any, match the loyalty and pride of Boston Celtics fans. Moreover, because the Celtics are the most successful franchise in the league’s history, expectations are always high for their players.
Naturally, fans assume that when a star who was once kept at a high pedestal by the Cs dares to finish their career somewhere else, that would rub the fans the wrong way. Robert Parish debunked this notion. In fact, the Chief recalled the overwhelming love he received from Celtics fans during the last campaign when he was a Chicago Bull.
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Robert on how the Celtics fans respected him
Parish’s arrival in Boston sparked one of the team’s most dominant stretches. With him operating as the team’s primary center, the Celtics reached the NBA Finals five times in seven years, made seven conference finals in eight campaigns, and lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy thrice. He was a huge reason for that success, as evidenced by the Chief registering seven All-Star nods during that span (two more later), while averaging a double-double in eight of the 14 total seasons he represented the franchise.
So when Robert returned to Boston in his farewell campaign as a member of the Chicago Bulls, Parish expected little awkwardness. Instead, as he shared on the “Run It Back” show, he was greeted with nothing but love.
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Even though when he played the Celtics in the Garden on November 1st, ’96, he scored merely six points and then on March 11th, ’97, he managed to register two points against his name, his performance or numbers didn’t matter— the crowd inside the Garden rose to their feet because they wanted to acknowledge the contribution Parish had made for them.
“There was all love. When the Bulls went back to the Boston Garden, I got a very warm reception. Matter of fact, they stood up. I was like ‘Woah!’ You know it’s respect when they stand up for you,” Parish said. “So I just felt like they’re just showing appreciation for what myself and the rest of teammates did for the city of Boston- a team to be proud of.”
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Celtics fans are passionate
Of course, Celtics fans are known for their high standards. If players do not meet certain standards set by the legends of the past, they won’t hesitate to voice their frustration. However, when a player seemingly gives his all to help the team succeed, fans recognize that wholeheartedly.
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That is why, whether it was Parish in the ’90s or even Marcus Smart in the modern-day times, Celtics fans truly recognize the hard work put in by players and regardless of whether the media or league gives them the attention or individual accolades, fans know how to back those athletes who have constantly shown effort and hard work.
That is why fans in Boston have truly been the catalysts behind their players’ championships in almost every decade and a huge part of the reason why the Celtics franchise is so highly regarded in NBA history.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.