Kevin McHale (left), Robert Parish and Larry Bird are among the top 5 block leaders in franchise history.
Throughout their nearly 80-year history, the Boston Celtics have been home to some of the NBA’s most dominant defenders. The franchise’s all-time leaders in blocks showcase a mix of legendary talent and defensive grit, with several members already enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
1. Robert Parish, 1980-94 (1,703 blocks)
Nine-time All-Star Robert Parish was a vital piece of the Celtics’ success in the 1980s, providing consistent production on both ends of the floor. The 7-foot-1 center used his size effectively, starting his Boston career with back-to-back seasons averaging 2.6 and 2.4 blocks per game. Over his 14 seasons with the team, Parish maintained a presence in the paint, recording at least 1.1 blocks per game in 11 of his final 12 campaigns.
2. Kevin McHale, 1980-93 (1,690 blocks)
Kevin McHale came close to surpassing his long-time frontcourt partner Robert Parish on this list, but his career ended just shy of the mark. At 6-foot-10, McHale was a dominant shot-blocker in his own right, averaging at least 2.1 blocks per game in five seasons. Though his role shifted in his later years, McHale remained effective, with his only season below 1.0 blocks per game coming in 1992–93, his final campaign.
3. Larry Bird, 1979-92 (755 blocks)
While Larry Bird’s legacy is built on his offensive brilliance and rebounding prowess, he also contributed defensively as a shot-blocker. Although it wasn’t his primary strength, Bird managed to record at least 1.0 blocks per game in two seasons and averaged 0.9 blocks per contest in four others. His all-around versatility remains a hallmark of his Hall-of-Fame career.
4. Paul Pierce, 1998-2013 (668 blocks)
Paul Pierce, known for his scoring and clutch performances, quietly climbed this list through longevity and consistent effort. While blocks weren’t a standout part of his game, Pierce did manage to average 1.0 blocks per game in two seasons. His greatest contributions came in other areas, but his defensive effort helped cement his place in Celtics history.
5. Kendrick Perkins, 2003-11 (646 blocks)
Kendrick Perkins made his mark as a defensive anchor for the Celtics, despite not becoming a starter until his third season with the team. Perkins developed into a reliable rim protector, averaging 1.5 blocks per game in 2005–06 and consistently recording between 1.3 and a career-high 2.0 blocks per game during his final four full seasons in Boston. His physical presence in the paint was a key element of the team’s defensive identity.
