How many Celtics jerseys are retired? This question often piques the interest of basketball enthusiasts and fans of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, one of the most successful and storied franchises in the NBA, have a rich history of retired numbers, each representing a legendary player who has left an indelible mark on the team’s legacy.
The Boston Celtics have a proud tradition of honoring their great players by retiring their jersey numbers. Since the team’s inception in 1946, the Celtics have retired a total of 19 jersey numbers. This impressive list includes some of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA court, such as Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce.
Bill Russell, the first player to have his number retired by the Celtics, wore the iconic No. 6. As the team’s dominant center for 13 seasons, Russell won 11 NBA championships, a record that still stands today. His defensive prowess and leadership were instrumental in shaping the Celtics’ dynasty during the 1950s and 1960s.
Larry Bird, another retired No. 6, joined the Celtics in 1979 and quickly became a cornerstone of the team. Known for his scoring ability, passing, and defensive skills, Bird won three NBA championships and was named NBA MVP three times during his 13-year career with the Celtics. His number, along with Russell’s, was retired in 1980.
Another retired number is No. 33, worn by the legendary Celtics point guard, Bob Cousy. Cousy, who played for the Celtics from 1950 to 1963, was a five-time NBA champion and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His retirement of No. 33 in 1963 marked the first time a player’s number was retired by the Celtics.
Other retired Celtics jerseys include No. 8, worn by Hall of Famers John Havlicek and Ray Allen, and No. 34, worn by Kevin Garnett. Havlicek, known as “Hondo,” was a three-time NBA champion and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983. Allen, who played for the Celtics from 1996 to 2013, won two NBA championships and was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. Garnett, who spent his entire 20-year career with the Celtics, won one NBA championship and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Additionally, the Celtics have retired the No. 12, worn by the late great Satchel Paige, who played for the team in 1946. Paige, who was the first African American player to play for the Celtics, was a Hall of Famer in his own right and is often credited with breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
In conclusion, the Boston Celtics have retired a total of 19 jersey numbers, each representing a remarkable player who has contributed to the team’s storied history. As the Celtics continue to compete for championships, the legacy of these retired numbers will always be remembered and cherished by fans and players alike.
