The Crowded Rafters: Are the Boston Celtics Running Out of Numbers?
The Boston Celtics are the gold standard of NBA history, boasting a record 18 championships. However, that unparalleled success comes with a unique logistical problem: the team is literally running out of jersey numbers. With 24 retired numbers hanging from the rafters at TD Garden, the Celtics have the most retired jerseys of any franchise in North American professional sports. For incoming players, the search for a traditional "star" number has become a game of musical chairs where most of the seats are already taken.
While most teams retire a handful of jerseys for their Hall of Fame legends, Boston’s "retirement rate" is in a league of its own. Here is how they stack up against the other franchises with the most retired numbers:
Note: Bill Russell’s #6 was retired league-wide in 2022.
Perspective of former captain Marcus Smart:
The debate over whether the Celtics have "too many" retired numbers is a constant talking point in Boston. Critics argue that retiring role players from the 1960s makes it difficult for modern stars to build their own "number brand."
However, former Celtics captain Marcus Smart offers a different view. Smart famously wanted to wear #3 (Dennis Johnson) or #33 (Larry Bird), both of which were retired. He eventually settled for #36, being the only player to wear the number league-wide.
"I say leave it for the simple fact that that’s our past. They’re the ones that started the tradition of the championships in Boston", Smart said. "When you barely have enough numbers for your players, it shows a lot about your success. At the end of the day, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got."
Note: Image doesn't include Paul Pierce #34 which was retired in 2019.
The Aesthetic Shift: Historically, NBA players prefer single digits or numbers in the 20s. In Boston, we now see players in #99 (Chris Boucher), #77 (Amari Williams), and #88 (Neemias Queta).
The "Loscy" Solution: Some suggest the Celtics should adopt the Jim Loscutoff model. Loscutoff, a 7-time champion, asked the team not to retire his #18 so future players could wear it. Instead, the team hung a banner with his nickname, "LOSCY." (Ironically, the team later retired #18 anyway for Dave Cowens).
Our Verdict: A High-Class Problem:
While it may be frustrating for a rookie to find their preferred "attractive" number is unavailable, the crowded rafters serve a greater purpose. Every retired number represents a brick in the foundation of the most successful team in basketball. As Marcus Smart puts it: "The number don’t make us. You’ve still got to go out there and play."
