The Boston Celtics have an incredible history when it comes to their jerseys. Over the years, a whopping 68 different numbers have been worn by players who have stepped onto the court representing the franchise. And if that wasn't impressive enough, there are three other jerseys outside of any numerical series! Since the Celtics were established at the dawn of the Basketball Association of America (BAA)—the league that eventually became today's NBA—well over 500 players have suited up for the team, each leaving their mark in some way.
One of the most iconic aspects of the Celtics' history is their tradition of honoring the legends who played before. A total of 25 jerseys have been officially retired, paying tribute to some of the greatest players who ever donned the green and white. That means those numbers will never be worn again, serving as a permanent reminder of the impact these athletes had on the franchise.
To celebrate the deep history behind each jersey number, Celtics Wire has been diving into the past, covering every number ever worn by a Boston Celtics player. From the very first team members to the most recent additions, this series takes a look at all the players who sported each number and the stories behind them.
And that brings us to today’s feature: Oshae Brissett. Brissett is the 35th out of 36 players to ever wear the No. 12 jersey for the Boston Celtics. While his time in Boston was short, his journey to the team and beyond is worth talking about.
Brissett’s path to the NBA was anything but traditional. After playing college basketball at Syracuse, he entered the 2019 NBA Draft but went unselected. However, that didn’t stop him. He landed a deal with his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors, proving that hard work and persistence pay off.
The Toronto native spent his rookie season with the Raptors before making his way to the Indiana Pacers, where he showed glimpses of his potential. Then, in 2023, he found himself wearing Celtics green. Though his stint in Boston lasted just one season, Brissett made the most of his time, wearing the No. 12 jersey and contributing 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
While Brissett’s time with the Celtics was brief, it was a part of a larger journey. After leaving Boston, he continued his career by joining the Brooklyn Nets’ G League affiliate. It’s a reminder that every player, whether they spend years with the Celtics or just a single season, adds another chapter to the franchise’s storied history.
With so many players having worn No. 12 before him, Brissett’s time with the jersey is just a small piece of the puzzle. Still, his determination and resilience stand out, embodying the spirit of what it means to be an NBA player fighting for a place in the league.
So, as we continue exploring the vast history of Celtics jersey numbers, we celebrate not just the legends whose numbers hang in the rafters, but also those like Brissett—players who came, played, and left their mark in their own way. Stay tuned for more as we uncover the stories behind the numbers and the players who wore them!
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