Let’s take a nostalgic dive into a fascinating corner of Boston Celtics lore—the legacy behind the jersey numbers. Since the franchise's birth back in the dawn of the Basketball Association of America (BAA)—which eventually morphed into the NBA we know today—the Celtics have suited up more than 500 players, each wearing one of 68 different jersey numbers. And if you're a real die-hard, you know that three of those jerseys didn’t even fit the traditional numerical sequence.
With 25 numbers already hanging high in the rafters, the Celtics don't just retire jerseys—they preserve legends.
In this deep-dive series by Celtics Wire, every single number and its wearer is getting its rightful tribute. And today, we zoom in on one iconic name that once wore the No. 20 jersey for Boston: Hall of Fame guard Gary Payton Sr.
The Glove Comes to Beantown
Now, if you’re scratching your head and thinking, “Wait, Gary Payton was a Celtic?”—you’re not alone. While Payton is mostly known for his legendary days in Seattle, his stint in Boston, though short-lived, added a unique chapter to both his career and the Celtics' timeline.
Gary Payton, famously nicknamed “The Glove” for his defensive prowess, was born and raised in Oakland, California. His basketball journey took flight at Oregon State University, where he quickly became one of the top collegiate players in the nation. That explosive potential led the Seattle SuperSonics to grab him with the second overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft.
And boy, did Seattle strike gold.
Before Boston: An All-Star Legacy
Over the years, Payton established himself as one of the premier point guards in the NBA—an absolute menace on defense, and a slick playmaker on offense. He spent 13 electrifying seasons with the SuperSonics, forming a dynamic duo with Shawn Kemp and helping Seattle become a Western Conference powerhouse in the '90s.
After his Seattle chapter closed, Payton bounced around the league. He had stops with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, the latter being part of the 2003-2004 "superteam" alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Karl Malone.
Then, in 2004, Boston came calling.
Wearing Celtic Green
Gary Payton joined the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2004-2005 NBA season. Though his time in Boston only spanned one single season, it was a meaningful one. Not only did he bring veteran leadership to a fairly young Celtics squad, but he also brought the swagger and grit that Boston fans absolutely eat up.
Suited up in jersey No. 20, Payton put up solid numbers during his Celtics tenure. Here's a quick glance at his season averages:
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Points per Game: 11.3
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Assists per Game: 6.1
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Rebounds per Game: 3.1
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Steals per Game: 1.1
Not bad for a player entering his mid-30s.
What stood out wasn’t just the numbers—but the way he controlled the floor. Payton’s voice was always heard, guiding younger Celtics like Paul Pierce and Al Jefferson, setting the tone defensively, and orchestrating plays like the veteran floor general he was.
A Trade Twist: Atlanta Detour That Wasn't
Despite being a steady contributor for Boston, Payton's time with the team hit a twist late in the 2005 season. The Celtics traded him to the Atlanta Hawks, a move that stunned many fans. But the twist? He never played a single game for Atlanta.
That’s right—Atlanta waived him almost immediately, and before you knew it, Payton found himself back in familiar territory. He rejoined the Miami Heat, the team he’d go on to win an NBA championship with in 2006—a crowning achievement for a Hall of Fame career.
The Jersey Number Legacy: No. 20
Now, Payton was just the 25th of 31 total players to rock the No. 20 jersey in Celtics history. That number may not be the most legendary in Boston lore—compared to the likes of 33 (Larry Bird) or 6 (Bill Russell)—but it's had its fair share of notable occupants.
From sharpshooters to glue guys, No. 20 has quietly built its own legacy, and Payton’s brief tenure gave it a veteran’s touch—an NBA icon lending his flair to the franchise for a season.
When you think of No. 20 in Boston, don’t overlook "The Glove." He may have only worn it for 77 games in the regular season, but that stretch carried weight, especially for younger Celtics finding their footing in a transitional era for the team.
Why This Matters
Sure, it’s easy to gloss over one-year stints when you're looking at players with decade-long runs, but Payton's time in Boston was a quiet bridge between generations. He brought with him:
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Championship experience
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Elite-level basketball IQ
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A legacy of elite defense
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Leadership in the locker room
Even after he left, echoes of his influence lingered. His mentorship was a piece of the puzzle that eventually helped Boston rebuild toward its 2008 title team.
Final Thoughts
In a franchise as storied as the Boston Celtics, every jersey number holds a story—sometimes a full novel, sometimes a powerful short story. Gary Payton’s No. 20 run falls into the latter category, but it’s no less significant.
He didn’t come to Boston to set records. He came to contribute, guide, and compete—and that’s exactly what he did.
While you might remember him as a Sonic or a Heat champion, Celtics fans will always remember the time “The Glove” lent his hands—and voice—to the green and white.
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