With a payroll exceeding $200 million, it’s no surprise that the Boston Celtics spared no expense on their 18th championship ring, which the players received before beating the visiting New York Knicks, 132-109, in the opening game of the NBA season on Tuesday.

The official price hasn’t been revealed, but these kinds of things typically cost between $10,000 and $40,000 apiece — and the ones handed out Tuesday in Boston seemed to be on the high end of that spectrum. Regardless, Celtics spokespeople declined to reveal the cost of the rings when contacted by DailyMail.com.

The centerpiece of the ring is a shamrock and the “Celtics” on a field of emeralds. The top can be removed to reveal a piece of the famous floor, painted green and white with the 106-88 score from the deciding June 17 game against the Mavericks. An image of the championship banner, surrounded by the engraved numbers of each player on the roster, is also revealed.

The outside of the ring is surrounded by years of the franchise’s 18 NBA titles. On one side is a depiction of the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the team’s 80-21 overall record in 2023-24; on the other, the player’s name, number and the slogan “Whatever It Takes” on a parquet pattern background engraved in gold.

The rings feature 15 carats of white diamonds in total to represent the 15 Eastern Conference teams. There are 16 emerald-cut diamonds for the team’s 16 playoff victories, as well as the words “WORLD CHAMPIONS” on the interior bezel. There are 80 white diamonds on the ring to honor the Celtics’ regular season and playoff win totals.

Celtics stars (left to right) Porzingis, Tatum, Horford and Brown show off their new jewelry

There are 80 white diamonds to honor the Celtics’ win total in the regular season and playoffs.

The face of the ring peels away to reveal the team’s final banner, the 18th overall.

The outer bezel features 18 larger diamonds for the team’s 18 titles, one more than the Lakers won in Los Angeles and Minneapolis.

After the Celtics received their diamond, emerald and parquet-encrusted championship rings and before the franchise’s final banner was raised to the rafters, Jayson Tatum grabbed a microphone to say a few words to the crowd geek.

“Enjoy this moment together,” he told the fans who filled TD Garden for the Celtics’ first meaningful game since their Game 5 victory over Dallas in the NBA Finals, which clinched their 18th title unprecedented. “Let’s do it again.” »

The Celtics then gathered where so many of their predecessors had gathered and raised the “2024 World Champions” banner to the packed rafters. Minutes later, they took the floor for the season opener against the Knicks and Tatum scored a 3-pointer to start the quest to become the first Celtics team to repeat since Bill Russell and John Havlicek won the franchise’s 11th title in 13 years in 1969.

Celtics raise 2024 championship banner ahead of Tuesday’s season opener in Boston

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum leads Knicks forward Mikal Bridges on Tuesday

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Six-time champion Bob Cousy and 1981 NBA Finals MVP Cedric Maxwell were on hand for the pre-game ceremony, exiting to applause before Paul Pierce – accompanied by fellow 2008 champions Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen – presented the trophy 2024. It was placed on a table surrounded by championship rings.

Owner Wyc Grousbeck handed out the balls, while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver congratulated the players as they emerged between the numbers of a giant, golden “18.” Coach Joe Mazzulla knelt down to kiss the floor before receiving his ring.

The packed house arrived early to see the Celtics take the field, wearing special gold-trimmed warm-up jackets, with 18 championship trophies embroidered on the sleeve. Some players paused their filming to watch the video chronicling their journey to the title, from the selection of Jaylen Brown and Tatum to the acquisition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

Another video featured highlights of titles won by Havlicek and Russell in the 1950s and 1960s, through the pandemonium of the team’s victory parade last spring.