The Boston Celtics are a franchise dripping with history, culture, and an undeniable legacy in the NBA. From the moment they were born in the Basketball Association of America (what we now call the NBA), the Celtics have been home to legends, role players, and gritty underdogs—all of them united under the iconic green-and-white jerseys. Over the decades, players have donned 68 different jersey numbers, not counting three one-offs that don’t even fit the normal numbering system. That’s well over 500 players, each bringing their own story, their own spark, and their own memories for Boston fans.
Now, here’s the fun part: out of all those numbers, 25 have been retired, permanently hanging in the rafters at TD Garden. That tells you something about the magnitude of greatness that’s passed through this franchise. But what about the players who didn’t reach that immortalized status, the ones who wore the numbers that don’t always get talked about in highlight reels or documentaries? Those stories matter too.
One of those players is Brandon Bass, the 12th man to wear the Celtics’ No. 30 jersey. And while his name may not instantly pop up on the same level as Larry Bird or Paul Pierce, his four seasons in Boston carved out a solid chapter in Celtics history—one that deserves a closer look.
Setting the Stage: Brandon Bass Before Boston
Bass grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a place where toughness is baked into the culture. After shining at LSU, he declared for the NBA Draft in 2005 and was taken with the 33rd overall pick by the then–New Orleans Hornets (today’s Pelicans). For a second-rounder, expectations are usually pretty modest, but Bass had something different in him. He wasn’t the flashiest, but he was built like a tank, worked hard on his mid-range jumper, and had the kind of quiet determination that every coach loves to see.
His early years in the league saw him bouncing around a bit. He spent time with the Dallas Mavericks and the Orlando Magic, showing glimpses of his potential but never quite locking down a long-term role. That all changed in 2011 when he found himself heading north to Boston—a city that thrives on players who bring effort, grit, and a no-nonsense approach to the game.
Wearing the Green: Bass as a Celtic
When Bass slipped on the Celtics’ No. 30 jersey, it wasn’t just another number. He became a reliable workhorse in Boston’s rotation. In four seasons with the team (2011–2015), he delivered steady production:
-
10.6 points per game
-
5.5 rebounds per game
-
1.1 assists per game
Nothing about those numbers screams superstar, but if you watched him play, you’d know the box score only told part of the story. Bass wasn’t a headline guy—he was a glue guy. He was the kind of player who did the little things: boxing out bigger opponents, hitting that reliable mid-range jumper when the offense stalled, and bringing physicality on defense when the Celtics needed a spark.
For a Boston team in transition after the glory days of the Big Three era (Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen), Bass was exactly the type of player who helped keep the team competitive while they rebuilt.
Why Brandon Bass Mattered
If you think about Boston sports fans, they love their superstars, but they also love the grinders—the players who leave it all on the floor without needing constant recognition. Bass fell right into that category.
-
Consistency: He wasn’t streaky. You knew he’d give you effort every single night.
-
Physical Presence: At 6'8" and built solid, Bass could bang with bigger players in the paint.
-
Mid-Range Game: His jumper from about 15–18 feet became a go-to option in Boston’s offense.
That reliability is why Bass connected with Celtics fans. He wasn’t just passing through; he was contributing to the team’s culture during a time when Boston was finding its new identity.
A Career Shift: Moving On to the Lakers
In 2015, Bass signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. For Boston fans, it was bittersweet. His four years in green weren’t marked by championships, but they were full of moments where he gave the team stability and professionalism. He wasn’t the kind of guy to make headlines for off-the-court drama—Bass just worked.
And while his move to L.A. might have looked like just another veteran switch, it underscored what he meant to Boston: players like him don’t always get the credit they deserve until they’re gone.
Zooming Out: Celtics’ Jersey Number Legacy
Now let’s step back for a second. The Celtics’ approach to jersey numbers is something special. With 25 numbers already retired, Boston has one of the most decorated rafters in sports history. That means when someone like Brandon Bass pulls on No. 30, he’s stepping into a lineage. He becomes part of a story that stretches across generations.
Think about it this way: every Celtics jersey number tells a story. Some are tied to legends like Bill Russell (No. 6) or John Havlicek (No. 17). Others belong to solid pros who might not be household names but who still left fingerprints on the franchise. That’s where Bass fits in—he represents the unsung guys who gave their best, night after night.
What Fans Remember
Ask Celtics fans about Bass, and you’ll probably hear things like:
-
“He was tough.”
-
“That mid-range shot was money.”
-
“Reliable—always showed up to play.”
Those aren’t flashy descriptions, but they’re genuine. And in Boston, authenticity matters just as much as highlight-reel dunks.
Wrapping It Up: The Quiet Impact of No. 30
So, was Brandon Bass a Celtics legend? Probably not in the way we talk about Bird, Pierce, or Russell. But his time in Boston mattered. He kept the team competitive during an important transition phase, gave fans a reliable presence to root for, and carried the spirit of what it means to wear the green.
When you zoom out and look at the Celtics’ history of 68 different jersey numbers worn by over 500 players, it’s easy to focus on the big names. But stories like Bass’s remind us that the Celtics’ legacy isn’t just about banners and MVPs. It’s also about the steady, hardworking players who help build the foundation, year after year.
And for four years, Brandon Bass wore No. 30 with pride, effort, and the kind of blue-collar energy Boston fans will always appreciate.
✅ Key Takeaways:
-
Celtics history spans 68 jersey numbers and 500+ players.
-
25 jerseys are retired, showing the greatness of the franchise.
-
Brandon Bass wore No. 30, averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists in Boston.
-
Known for his mid-range shot, physical play, and consistency.
-
Not a superstar, but a reliable presence during a transitional era for the team.
Login