Boston Celtics Jersey Chronicles: A Look Back at Jim Loscutoff and the Legacy of No. 18
If you're a Boston Celtics fan, you probably know the team has one of the richest and most storied histories in all of professional sports. From legends like Bill Russell to modern icons like Paul Pierce, the Celtics have never lacked for talent—or memorable jersey numbers. But did you know that since the team's inception way back in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), over 500 players have suited up in 68 different jersey numbers? Yeah, you read that right. Sixty-eight! And that's not even counting three special cases that didn’t follow the usual numbering system.
Now, that's what we call deep roots.
To celebrate this legacy, Celtics Wire has been doing something pretty cool—they’re diving into the full history of each jersey number ever worn by a Celtics player. Think of it as a walk through time, jersey by jersey, honoring every player who made a mark (big or small) on the hardwood while wearing Boston green.
🔥 Here's a Quick Snapshot:
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Over 500 players have worn the Celtics jersey.
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68 official numbers have appeared in games.
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25 jerseys are now retired, forever honoring Boston legends.
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The Celtics started this journey way back with the BAA, which would eventually become today’s NBA.
One of the most fascinating parts of this retrospective is revisiting the careers of lesser-known but deeply impactful players—guys who may not have had Hall of Fame numbers, but whose grit and determination helped define an era. Enter: Jim Loscutoff, one of the original enforcers in Celtic green.
Who Was Jim Loscutoff?
Born in San Francisco, California, Jim Loscutoff was a rugged forward who didn’t back down from anyone. He played with a bruising, physical style that made him a perfect fit for head coach Red Auerbach’s no-nonsense system. After a standout college career at the University of Oregon, the Celtics scooped him up with the fourth overall pick in the 1955 NBA Draft.
Back in those days, the NBA was a far cry from what it is now. There were fewer teams, less flash, and a whole lot more grind. Loscutoff fit that mold perfectly. While he was never the guy filling up the stat sheet, he was the kind of teammate every winning team needs.
“Loscy”: More Than Just a Role Player
Nicknamed “Loscy,” Jim played his entire nine-season NBA career with the Celtics—and he made every minute count. Though he came off the bench for much of his tenure, he helped Boston capture a jaw-dropping seven NBA titles during his career. Let that sink in: seven championships in nine years. Not bad for a guy who averaged just over 6 points and 5 rebounds per game.
But as anyone who watched him play will tell you, stats didn’t define Jim Loscutoff. It was his hustle, toughness, and tenacity that made him so valuable. He was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's toughest forwards, and he never shied away from physical contact. In a league that didn’t exactly hand out easy wins, Loscy earned every ring he wore.
A Unique Honor: The Unretired Retired Jersey
Here’s a fun fact that even some die-hard Celtics fans don’t know: Jim Loscutoff’s No. 18 jersey isn’t technically retired—but it kind of is.
Let us explain.
When the Celtics wanted to honor Loscutoff’s contributions to the team, he actually asked them not to retire his number so that future players could wear it. Instead, the Celtics hung a banner in the rafters that simply says “LOSCY,” his nickname, to commemorate his impact.
Talk about selfless.
Ironically, the number 18 would later be made famous again by another Boston legend—Dave Cowens, a Hall of Famer in his own right who did end up having No. 18 officially retired in his honor. So, technically, the number is retired—but it carries the legacy of two great Celtics, not just one.
Celtics Culture: Built on Players Like Loscutoff
In many ways, guys like Jim Loscutoff are the unsung heroes of dynasties. Everyone remembers the MVPs, the All-Stars, the stat leaders—but championship teams are built from the ground up. They're built by players who dive for loose balls, set hard screens, and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty for the win.
Loscutoff was the kind of guy who would crash the boards, make the extra rotation on defense, and stand up for his teammates without a second thought. That’s the Celtics way—and it’s one of the reasons Boston has more banners hanging than nearly any other franchise in sports.
More Than a Number: The Story Behind No. 18
There’s something special about jersey numbers in sports. For fans, they’re a symbol. For players, they’re an identity. And for the Boston Celtics, each number tells a story. The No. 18 is no exception.
Worn by seven different players over the decades, No. 18 now hangs high in the rafters at TD Garden. But it's more than a number—it’s a tribute to Jim Loscutoff's heart and Dave Cowens' talent. It symbolizes grit, hustle, teamwork, and legacy. It’s a number that reminds fans what Celtics basketball is all about.
Fast Facts: Jim Loscutoff’s Career at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of Loscutoff’s contributions:
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Drafted: 4th overall in 1955 by the Celtics
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Career span: 1955–1964 (entirely with Boston)
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NBA Titles: 7 (yes, seven)
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Career averages: 6.2 points, 5.6 rebounds per game
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Jersey number: No. 18 (unretired but honored)
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Legacy: “LOSCY” banner hangs in TD Garden
Final Thoughts: A Celtic Through and Through
Jim Loscutoff might not have the same name recognition as Larry Bird or Paul Pierce, but to true Celtics fans, his legacy is cemented in team history. He was the muscle behind the finesse, the guy who did the dirty work so others could shine.
In today’s NBA, where flash and finesse often take center stage, it’s important to remember players like Loscy—men who gave everything they had to the team, year after year, with no desire for the spotlight.
And as Celtics Wire continues their deep dive into every jersey number ever worn by a Boston Celtic, it’s clear that every number has a story, and every player has a place in the franchise’s legendary history.
So here’s to No. 18. Here’s to Jim Loscutoff. And here’s to a legacy that’s written not just in stats, but in sweat, sacrifice, and seven hard-earned championship rings.
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