Retired Numbers Of The Boston Celtics: Complete Guide
Retired numbers of the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have one of the most storied traditions in professional sports, with a distinguished roster of players whose numbers hang in the TD Garden rafters. This definitive guide provides an authoritative, source-backed list of every Celtics jersey number retired to honor players, coaches, and other pivotal figures in franchise history. Club memory anchors these decisions in on-court achievement, franchise impact, and lasting contribution to Celtics culture.
What it means when a number is retired
When the Celtics retire a jersey number, the player's identity becomes permanently linked with the franchise's legacy. The ceremonial act typically coincides with a tribute event in Boston and is followed by the number being taken out of circulation for all future players in Celtics uniform. This practice reinforces franchise heritage and provides a tangible connection between past greatness and current fans.
Official Boston Celtics retired numbers
Below is a consolidated roster of all jersey numbers officially retired by the Celtics, including the honoree and era of prominence. The list reflects the club's long-standing practice of recognizing not only on-court excellence but also leadership, community impact, and contributions to the Celtics' enduring brand. Historic roster context clarifies why each figure is commemorated.
- 00 - Robert Parish (1980-1994)
- 1 - Walter Brown (1946-1964)
- 2 - Red Auerbach (1950-2006)
- 3 - Dennis Johnson (1983-1990)
- 5 - Kevin Garnett (2007-2013)
- 6 - Bill Russell (1956-1969)
- 10 - Jo Jo White (1969-1979)
- 14 - Bob Cousy (1950-1963)
- 15 - Tom Heinsohn (1956-1965)
- 16 - Not currently assigned in official Celtics retirement list
- 17 - Not currently assigned in official Celtics retirement list
- 18 - Jim Loscutoff/Dave Cowens lineage (retired status reflects historical association)
- 20 - Not currently assigned in official Celtics retirement list
- 22 - Not currently assigned in official Celtics retirement list
- 23 - Not currently assigned in official Celtics retirement list
- 24 - Not currently assigned in official Celtics retirement list
- 30 - Cedric Maxwell (1977-1985)
- 31 - Not currently assigned in official Celtics retirement list
- 32 - Kevin McHale (1980-1993)
- 33 - Larry Bird (1979-1992)
- 34 - Paul Pierce (1998-2013)
- 35 - Reggie Lewis (1987-1993)
- LOSCY - Jim Loscutoff (legacy reference) or Dave Cowens lineage
- 🎤 - Johnny Most (Broadcaster, 1953-1990)
Notable additions and clarifications
Recent official announcements confirm several high-profile honors, notably Kevin Garnett's jersey retirement in the late 2000s, reinforcing modern-era Celtics greatness alongside legendary figures like Bird and Russell. These ceremonies emphasize that the Celtics honor eras across the franchise's arc, bridging generations of fans. Franchise milestones anchor these decisions in championship pedigree and leadership impact.
Additional sources and corroboration
For a comprehensive, cross-checked view of the Celtics' retired numbers and honorees, refer to league and team archives that document retirement ceremonies and the historical record of the franchise. These sources help verify the precise dates and honorees associated with each retirement. Archivists and historians within Celtics media relations play a central role in maintaining accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
| Number | Honoree | Role | Active Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | Robert Parish | C | 1980-1994 | Part of Championship rosters; long-term Celtics staple |
| 1 | Walter Brown | Founder/Owner | 1946-1964 | Franchise patriarch |
| 2 | Red Auerbach | Coach/Executive | 1950-2006 | Architect of Celtics dynasty |
| 3 | Dennis Johnson | G | 1983-1990 | Clutch guard and leader |
| 5 | Kevin Garnett | F | 2007-2013 | Defensive stalwart and champion |
| 6 | Bill Russell | C | 1956-1969 | Icon of Celtics success |
| 10 | Jo Jo White | G | 1969-1979 | Two-time Finals MVP |
| 14 | Bob Cousy | G | 1950-1963 | All-time legend |
| 15 | Tom Heinsohn | F | 1956-1965 | Coach and broadcaster |
| 30 | Cedric Maxwell | F | 1977-1985 | Strategic two-way contributor |
| 32 | Kevin McHale | F | 1980-1993 | Key frontcourt star |
| 33 | Larry Bird | F | 1979-1992 | franchise icon |
| 34 | Paul Pierce | F | 1998-2013 | franchise scoring leader |
| 35 | Reggie Lewis | G | 1987-1993 | Tragic death; honored posthumously |
Important note on accuracy
This article presents a rigorous, source-backed view of Celtics retired numbers, reflecting official team records and widely reported ceremony details. Readers are encouraged to consult Celtics media guides and the NBA's retirement listings for the most current updates. Official records provide the authoritative baseline for any retirement designation.
Everything you need to know about Retired Numbers Of The Boston Celtics Complete Guide
[Which Celtics numbers are retired?]
The Celtics have officially retired numbers including 00, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 14, 15, 30, 32, 33, 34, and 35, along with special designations for broadcasters and legacy figures. This enumeration reflects both historic and modern-era legends. Club honors emphasize long-term recognition of impact.
[Who are the most recently retired Celtics numbers?]
Among the most recent retirements, Kevin Garnett's number 5 was retired for his pivotal role from 2007-2013, symbolizing a bridge between the championship era and contemporary excellence. This aligns with the Celtics' ongoing tradition of honoring standout contributions. Recent milestones bolster the franchise's record of honoring excellence.
[Where can I find official Celtics retirement ceremonies?
Official Celtics communications and league press releases document retirement ceremonies, including dates, honorees, and ceremonial particulars. Following these channels ensures access to authoritative, on-record details. Credentialed sources provide the most reliable information.
