When you think of iconic jersey numbers in Boston Celtics history, No. 28 might not immediately ring a bell. But every digit worn in Celtics green has its own story, and some of those tales are hidden gems just waiting to be revisited. Let’s shine a spotlight on one such moment—when former No. 1 overall draft pick Si Green wrapped up his NBA journey wearing that number for one of the league’s most legendary franchises.
To appreciate the significance of No. 28, you have to understand the context. The Boston Celtics, since their humble beginnings during the formation of the Basketball Association of America (BAA)—which later became the modern NBA—have been a beacon of excellence and tradition. Over the decades, more than 500 players have worn the green and white, sporting a staggering 68 different jersey numbers, not counting a few honorary exceptions. And here’s the kicker: 25 of those jersey numbers are now retired, hanging high above the parquet floor as tributes to Celtics greatness.
The Celtics' approach to honoring their legends is unrivaled. Their retired jersey count alone speaks volumes about the franchise's impact on basketball history. And for Celtics fans or diehard hoop heads diving into the team's lineage, the backstories behind every jersey number are like breadcrumbs leading through the rich forest of NBA history.
🟢 Quick Celtics Fun Fact:
-
The Celtics have the most retired jerseys in the NBA.
-
Their iconic green jerseys have been worn in over 7 decades of basketball history.
-
Players have worn jersey numbers from 00 all the way up to the high 90s—including quirky, memorable digits like 28.
Now, enter Willie "Si" Green, a name that might not dominate Celtics trivia night, but one that deserves its own spotlight.
Green wasn’t just another player passing through. In fact, back in 1956, he was the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft—a pick made by the Rochester Royals, who would eventually relocate and become the Sacramento Kings. Talk about a winding road. From being the most coveted college prospect out of Duquesne University, Green's career took him on a journey across the league that included stints with:
-
The St. Louis Hawks (now Atlanta Hawks)
-
The Chicago Packers/Zephyrs (both now defunct, but part of the Washington Wizards’ lineage)
-
The Baltimore Bullets (which also evolved into the modern-day Wizards)
-
And finally, the Boston Celtics, where he closed out his professional journey in the 1964-65 season
Let’s not ignore the poetic twist of fate here. After bouncing around with several franchises, it was Boston—a team steeped in championship pedigree—that would become Green’s final NBA destination. Even though his time on the Celtics roster was brief, he became part of a dynasty that was already shaping the DNA of the modern NBA.
🟩 Si Green's Boston Celtics Snapshot:
-
Jersey Number: 28
-
Season: 1964-65 (his final year in the NBA)
-
Stats: Averaged 3.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game
-
Role: Veteran guard providing depth during Boston’s dominant run
While these stats may not scream "superstar," Green's contributions added experience and a professional touch to an already well-oiled Celtics machine. And let’s not forget—Boston during that era was stacked with Hall of Fame-level talent like Bill Russell and John Havlicek. Green was the kind of role player who provided quiet support in the shadows of giants.
Even with a stat line that was modest, Si Green's presence in Boston gave him the honor of being one of only 14 players ever to wear the No. 28 jersey for the Celtics. That, in itself, is a badge of honor. In fact, Celtics Wire’s ongoing project aims to chronicle every jersey number in team history, and players like Green help add unique color to the timeline.
🟢 Interesting Career Nuggets About Si Green:
-
Military Service: Like many players of his era, Green served in the military, delaying his NBA debut by one season.
-
All-American: Before going pro, he was a consensus All-American at Duquesne and widely recognized as one of the best college players in the country.
-
Position Versatility: Though listed primarily as a guard, Green often took on swingman duties, playing forward roles depending on the team’s needs.
Now, while Green’s Celtics chapter was just a blip in a longer career, it was the final stop in a basketball journey that touched nearly every corner of the pre-merger NBA. Imagine the culture shock—transitioning from cities like St. Louis and Baltimore to Boston during one of its most competitive eras in basketball. Even if the numbers weren't eye-popping, the experience and locker room influence of a player like Green can’t be dismissed.
💡 What Does Wearing No. 28 Mean in Celtics History?
-
It’s not the most famous number in Celtics lore, but it’s been worn by a variety of players, including:
-
Journeymen trying to make a mark
-
End-of-the-road veterans like Si Green
-
Role players looking to fit into Boston’s rigid and championship-driven system
-
Numbers like 28 may not get retired or featured in Hall of Fame speeches, but they carry the grit and grind of those who wore them. These are the digits of guys who contributed in the margins, played through injuries, and sometimes, simply closed out their careers with dignity on one of the league’s most historic teams.
🔚 Final Thoughts:
So next time you see a highlight reel of Boston legends or walk past those iconic retired numbers in TD Garden, take a moment to remember players like Si Green. His was not a story of superstardom, but one of perseverance, adaptability, and finishing a solid pro career wearing the green and white of the Boston Celtics.
Thanks to platforms like Basketball Reference, we can trace these stories and appreciate the full spectrum of players who've passed through Boston's locker room. From MVPs to journeymen, every jersey has a tale—and No. 28 is no exception.
Login