How Many Celtics Numbers Are Retired And The Milestones
How many Celtics numbers are retired
The Boston Celtics have a long-standing tradition of honoring players and contributors by retiring jersey numbers, and as of June 2026, the franchise has 23 numbers officially retired in the rafters. This tally places the Celtics among the NBA's most storied clubs for commemorating exceptional service and impact on the organization. Franchise honors reflect the Celtics' commitment to preserving their rich history and inspiring future generations of players and fans.
Official roster of retired jersey numbers
The Celtics' retired numbers span multiple eras, from the founder-era legends to modern-era stars. While some entries are numbers, others are honored as names on banners to recognize players who defined Celtic culture. The list below provides a concise overview of the retired identifiers and the players associated with them. Rafter banners symbolize a club-wide standard of excellence that transcends individual seasons.
- 00 Robert Parish
- 1 Walter Brown
- 2 Red Auerbach
- 3 Dennis Johnson
- 5 Kevin Garnett
- 6 Bill Russell
- 10 Jo Jo White
- 14 Bob Cousy
- 15 Tom Heinsohn
- 16 Tom Sanders
- 17 John Havlicek
- 23 Frank Ramsey
- 24 Sam Jones
- 25 K. C. Jones
- 32 Dennis Schröder
- 34 Paul Pierce
- 35 Reggie Lewis
- >34 (name banner honors)
- >44 (name banner honors)
- >55 (name banner honors)
- >36 (name banner honors)
- >11 (name banner honors)
- >13 (name banner honors)
Key notes on interpretation
The Celtics' retirement practices include both retired numbers and honorary banners for legacy figures. The club's tradition emphasizes both on-court achievement and contributions to the team's community and culture. In recent years, discussions around retirements have highlighted the distinction between a player's jersey number being retired versus a banner recognizing broader legacy with the club. Legacy recognition remains central to how the Celtics honor their history.
Frequently asked questions
Illustrative table
| Retired Identifier | Player/Entity | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | Robert Parish | Legend of the '80s Celtics era |
| 1 | Walter Brown | Founder and early executive |
| 2 | Red Auerbach | Iconic coach/pool of championships |
| 3 | Dennis Johnson | Key guard in championship years |
| 5 | Kevin Garnett | 2008 championship impact |
| 6 | Bill Russell | Centers many championships and league-wide honors |
Everything you need to know about How Many Celtics Numbers Are Retired And The Milestones
[How many Celtics numbers are retired?]
As of mid-2026, the Celtics have 23 retired numbers or banners honoring players and contributors, reflecting a deep history of excellence and impact on the franchise.
[Who are the most iconic Celtics with retired numbers?]
Iconic figures include Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Larry Bird (33, not retired as a number but celebrated on banners), and Paul Pierce, among others, each representing a distinct era of Celtics dominance.
[Why does the number 34 appear on multiple lists?]
34 is associated with Paul Pierce, one of the franchise's most celebrated players; discussions around similar banners can occur due to updates in memorials or reclassifications as part of franchise branding and history projects.
[Where can I see the retired numbers in person?]
Retired identifiers and banners are prominently displayed at the Celtics' home venue, reflecting the organization's ongoing commitment to public-facing history and fan engagement. Fan engagement is a core element of how the club communicates its legacy during games and events.
[How does the Celtics' retirement practice compare with other franchises?]
The Celtics rank among the NBA leaders in retired numbers, underscoring a longer, more expansive history of on-court success and cultural impact compared with many peers. This position reinforces the team's reputation for honoring its legends in a transparent, registrable way. Franchise record positions the Celtics at the forefront of tradition in the league.
