When it comes to NBA history, few teams can boast the kind of rich legacy that the Boston Celtics have built over the decades. From championship banners to legendary players, this franchise has left an undeniable mark on the game of basketball. One fascinating way to explore this storied past is by looking at the jerseys players have worn over the years. Since their founding at the beginning of the Basketball Association of America (BAA)—which later evolved into today's NBA—the Celtics have had players don an impressive 68 different jersey numbers. That’s not even counting three others that don’t follow any numerical sequence!
This journey through Celtics history isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the legendary athletes who gave meaning to them. Over 500 players have represented the team, leaving their mark on the franchise with memorable performances and championship moments. To honor these players and the numbers they proudly wore, Celtics Wire has been diving deep into the stories behind each jersey number in team history.
Among the 68 different jersey numbers, a remarkable 25 have been retired—immortalizing some of the greatest players to ever wear Celtics green. Retiring a jersey is one of the highest honors a franchise can bestow, a permanent tribute to the impact a player had on the team and the sport. This means that no other player can ever wear those numbers again, making them symbols of excellence, leadership, and dedication to the game.
One such number, worn by a total of 29 players over the years, is the No. 11 jersey. And among those who have had the honor of wearing it, few have been as polarizing and talented as former Celtics guard Kyrie Irving. Irving was the 27th player to suit up in the No. 11 jersey for Boston, and while his tenure with the team was brief, it was certainly eventful.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Kyrie Irving's basketball journey took off in the United States. After a standout high school career, he played a single season of college basketball at Duke before declaring for the 2011 NBA Draft. His talent was undeniable, and he was selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, setting the stage for an incredible career.
Irving spent six seasons with the Cavaliers, where he quickly became one of the league’s elite point guards. His dazzling ball-handling, clutch shooting, and ability to score from almost anywhere on the court made him a nightmare for defenders. But it was in 2016 that he cemented his place in NBA history, hitting one of the most iconic shots of all time—his Game 7 three-pointer in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. That shot helped deliver Cleveland its first-ever championship and solidified Irving as one of the best guards in the league.
Despite the championship success, Irving's time in Cleveland came to an unexpected end in 2017 when he requested a trade. The Boston Celtics swooped in, acquiring him in a blockbuster deal that sent Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Žižić, and a first-round draft pick to the Cavaliers. Celtics fans were ecstatic—Irving was a bona fide superstar, and his arrival signaled that Boston was ready to compete for a championship.
During his two seasons in Boston, Irving put up impressive numbers, averaging 24.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His offensive skill set was a perfect fit for the Celtics’ system, and his ability to take over games in crunch time made him a thrilling player to watch. Night after night, he dazzled the TD Garden crowd with his lightning-quick crossovers, ridiculous finishes at the rim, and deep three-pointers.
However, Irving's time in Boston wasn't without controversy. While his talent was undeniable, his leadership and commitment to the team were often questioned. In his first season with the Celtics, he suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss the playoffs. Despite his absence, the young Boston squad—led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Terry Rozier—made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals, pushing LeBron James and the Cavaliers to seven games.
When Irving returned for the 2018-19 season, expectations were sky-high. He famously told fans at a preseason event that he planned to re-sign with the Celtics when his contract expired. But as the season unfolded, tensions grew within the team. Boston struggled with chemistry issues, and their playoff run ended disappointingly in the second round at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks. Irving’s leadership was called into question, and rumors swirled that he was considering leaving in free agency.
In the summer of 2019, those rumors became reality when Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets, ending his time in Boston after just two seasons. His departure left many Celtics fans feeling betrayed, as his initial promise to stay had raised hopes of long-term success. But in the grand scheme of Celtics history, Irving was just one of many great players to wear the No. 11 jersey.
While Irving’s legacy in Boston remains complicated, his time with the team was undoubtedly impactful. His electrifying performances, clutch moments, and undeniable skill made him one of the most exciting players to ever don the green and white. Even though his tenure ended on a sour note, there’s no denying that his time with the Celtics was an important chapter in both his career and the franchise’s history.
The Boston Celtics have seen countless players come and go, each leaving their own mark on the team. The No. 11 jersey, like so many others, has been worn by a variety of players throughout the years, each with their own story. Whether it's the legends whose numbers hang in the rafters or the stars who had brief but memorable stints with the team, every jersey number holds a piece of Celtics history.
As we continue to explore the legacy of Celtics jersey numbers, it's clear that each one tells a unique story. From championship heroes to unforgettable moments, the history of this franchise is woven into the very fabric of those jerseys. And while some numbers may one day be retired, never to be worn again, each one carries the memories of the players who wore them with pride.
So, whether you remember Kyrie Irving’s time in Boston with admiration or frustration, one thing is certain—his time in Celtics green was anything but forgettable.
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