Celtics' retired numbers: Whose numbers are retired for the Celtics?

Celtics' retired numbers: Whose numbers are retired for the Celtics?

Kevin Omuya
updated at May 22, 2023 at 2:58 AM

The Boston Celtics have an unparalleled record in the NBA, with no other team having won more titles. Unsurprisingly, Celtic's retired numbers are more than any other franchise as a tribute to the players who worked tirelessly to earn those coveted banners.

Celtics retired numbers
Paul Pierce (34) of the Boston Celtics against Ron Artest (37) of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 3, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Lisa Blumenfeld
Source: Getty Images

How many numbers have the Celtics retired? With an impressive 23 retired jersey numbers, the club stands out as a valid symbol of excellence in sports. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the club's mystique, masterfully crafted by the legendary Red Auerbach.

What numbers have been retired by the Boston Celtics?

Boston Celtics is the club with the most retired numbers in NBA. Below is a list of All Celtics retired numbers.

1. Jim Loscutoff

What numbers have the Boston Celtics retired?
James Loscutoff (18) of the Boston Celtics poses for a mock action portrait circa 1955 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: NBAE
Source: Getty Images

Jim Loscutoff, known by his nickname "Losczy," had his jersey number No. 18 retired by the team. Loscutoff played for the team from 1955 to 1964 and was known for his toughness and defensive prowess. He was a vital member of the club's dynasty in the 1960s, winning seven NBA championships with the team.

2. Robert Parish

Boston Celtics most retired numbers
Boston Celtics' centre Robert Parish (00) stands sweating on the court. Photo: Focus on Sport
Source: Getty Images

His jersey number, No. 00, hangs in the rafters of the TD Garden alongside other club legends. Robert Parish played for the team from 1980 to 1994 and was an integral part of the team's success during the 1980s. He won three NBA championships with the team in 1981, 1984, and 1986.

3. Reggie Lewis

What Celtics numbers are retired?
Reggie Lewis (35) of the Boston Celtics during an NBA basketball game circa 1991 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Focus on Spor
Source: Getty Images

The Boston Celtics have indeed retired the number 35 in honour of Reggie Lewis. Reggie Lewis played for the club from 1987 until his tragic death in 1993. He was a talented and promising player known for his scoring ability and defensive skills.

4. Paul Pierce

What numbers have the Boston Celtics retired?
Paul Pierce (34) of the Washington Wizards during the game against the Utah Jazz at the Verizon Center on December 14, 2014, in Washington, DC. Photo: G Fiume
Source: Getty Images

Paul Pierce, a key player for the club, had his jersey number No. 34 retired by the team. Pierce played for the team for 15 seasons from 1998 to 2013 and was an integral part of its success, particularly during their championship-winning season in 2008. He is considered one of the greatest players in the club's history and had a memorable career with the team.

5. Larry Bird

Boston Celtics most retired numbers
Larry Bird (33) of the Boston Celtics stands with a Celtics executive before a game played in 1981 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: D. Raphael
Source: Getty Images

Larry Bird, one of the greatest players in NBA history, had his jersey number No. 33 retired by the Celtics. Bird played his entire professional career with the club from 1979 to 1992 and led the team to three NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and won numerous awards and accolades, including three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards from 1984 to 1986.

6. Kevin McHale

All Celtics retired numbers
Kevin McHale (32) of the Eastern Conference All-Stars stands during the 1988 NBA All-Star Game on February 7, 1988, at the Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein
Source: Getty Images

Kevin McHale, a Hall of Fame forward, had his jersey number No. 32 retired by the Celtics. McHale played his entire career with the club from 1980 to 1993 and was a vital member of the team's success in the 1980s. He won three NBA championships with the team in 1981, 1984, and 1986 alongside Larry Bird and other teammates.

7. Cedric Maxwell

Boston Celtics retired numbers
Cedric Maxwell, (31) of the Boston Celtics, during an NBA basketball game circa 1979 at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Photo: Focus on Sport
Source: Getty Images

Cedric Maxwell's number has yet to be officially retired by the Boston Celtics. Although Maxwell had a successful career with the club, including winning two NBA championships in 1981 and 1984, his number (No. 31) has yet to retire officially.

8. KC Jones

All Celtics retired numbers
Boston Celtics K.C. Jones (25) in action vs Cincinnati Royals at Boston Garden. Photo: Fred Kaplan
Source: Getty Images

KC Jones' number has been retired by the Boston Celtics. KC Jones, a vital club member during the 1960s, had his jersey number No. 25 retired by the team. Jones played for the team from 1958 to 1967 and was known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership on the court. He won eight NBA championships with the club as a player and coach. Jones was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989.

9. Sam Jones

Boston Celtics too many retired numbers
Boston Celtics Sam Jones (24) in action vs Cincinnati Royals at Boston Garden in March 1966. Photo: Walter Iooss Jr.
Source: Getty Images

Sam Jones' number has been retired by the Boston Celtics. Sam Jones, a legendary shooting guard, had his jersey number No. 24 retired by the team. Jones played for the Celtics from 1957 to 1969 and was integral to the team's success during the 1960s. He won a remarkable 10 NBA championships with the team, making him one of the most decorated players in NBA history.

10. Frank Ramsey

What numbers have the Boston Celtics retired?
Frank Ramsey (23) of the Boston Celtics dribbles for a mock action portrait in the 1950s. Photo: NBA Photo Library
Source: Getty Images

Frank Ramsey's number has been retired by the Boston Celtics. Frank Ramsey, a key player for the club during the 1950s and early 1960s, had his jersey number No. 23 retired by the team. Ramsey played his entire professional career with the club from 1954 to 1964 and was known for his scoring ability and tenacious defence. He won seven NBA championships with the team.

11. Ed Macauley

What numbers have been retired by the Boston Celtics?
Ed Macauley (22) and Bob Cousy (14) of the Boston Celtics pose with Celtics' owner Walter Brown in 1951 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Basketball Hall of Fame
Source: Getty Images

Ed Macauley, a skilled centre/forward, had his jersey number No. 22 retired by the team. Macauley played for the Celtics from 1950 to 1956 and was one of the franchise's early stars. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and helped lead the Celtics to their first NBA championship in 1957.

12. Bill Sharman

List of All Celtics retired numbers
Bill Sharman (21) of the Boston Celtics poses for a mock action portrait of 1960 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: NBA Photos
Source: Getty Images

Bill Sharman, a Hall of Fame shooting guard, had his jersey number No. 21 retired by the Celtics. Sharman played for the Celtics from 1951 to 1961 and was a vital member of the team's early success. He won four NBA championships with the Celtics and was known for his sharpshooting and defensive skills. Sharman was a seven-time NBA All-Star and later had a successful coaching career in the NBA.

13. Don Nelson

What Celtics numbers are retired?
Don Nelson (19) of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait in 1974 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: D. Raphael
Source: Getty Images

Don Nelson, a highly influential figure in the history of the Boston Celtics, had his number 19 retired by the team. Nelson's impact on the Celtics' organisation extends beyond his playing career. He was one of the few bridges between the Celtics’ heyday of the 1960s and their two titles in the 1970s. Nelson won five banners with Boston in his 11-season career with th

14. Dave Cowens

How many numbers have the Celtics retired?
Dave Cowens (18) of the Boston Celtics shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during a game played in 1975 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo by D. Raphael
Source: Getty Images

Dave Cowens, a talented centre, centres jersey number No. 18, retired from the team. Cowens played for the Celtics from 1970 to 1980 and was an instrumental player during the 1970s. He won two NBA championships with the Celtics in 1974 and 1976 and was known for his fierce competitiveness and all-around skills on both court ends. Cowens was a seven-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1973.

15. John Havlicek

Celtics retired numbers list
Boston Celtics' Hall of Famer John Havlicek (17) looks to shoot during a game in 1973. Photo: Focus on Sport
Source: Getty Images

John Havlicek, one of the greatest players in Celtics history, had his jersey number No. 17 retired by the club. Havlicek played his entire career with the club from 1962 to 1978 and was vital to the team's success. He won eight NBA championships with the club and was known for his versatility, scoring ability, and relentless work ethic. Havlicek was a 13-time NBA All-Star and is widely regarded as one of the best small forwards in the history of the NBA.

16. Tom Sanders

Boston Celtics retired numbers
Tom "Satch" Sanders (16) of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait in 1972 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: D. Raphael
Source: Getty Images

A versatile forward, Tom Sanders had his jersey number No. 16 retired by the team. Sanders played for the club from 1960 to 1973 and was a vital member of the club's success during the 1960s. He won eight NBA championships with the Celtics and was known for his strong defensive skills and team-oriented play. Sanders was an integral part of the team's dynasty during that era.

17. Tommy Heinsohn

All Celtics retired numbers
Tom Heinsohn (15) of the Boston Celtics is guarded by Jerry West (44) of the Los Angeles Lakers during a mid circa 1960s NBA basketball game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Focus on Sport
Source: Getty Images

Tommy Heinsohn, a legendary player, and coach, had his jersey number No. 15 retired by the Celtics. Heinsohn had a remarkable career with the club, playing for the club from 1956 to 1965. He won eight NBA championships as a player, was a six-time NBA All-Star, and was known for his scoring ability and tenacious rebounding. After retiring as a player, Heinsohn went on to have a successful coaching career with the team, winning two additional championships as a head coach.

18. Bob Cousy

Boston Celtics too many retired numbers
Boston Celtics Legends game, Bob Cousy. Photo: John Blanding
Source: Getty Images

Bob Cousy, a Hall of Fame point guard, had his jersey number No. 14 retired by the team. Cousy played for the club from 1950 to 1963 and was one of the most influential players of his era. He won six NBA championships with the team and was known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, playmaking ability, and flashy style of play. Cousy was a 13-time NBA All-Star named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1957.

19. Jo Jo White

What numbers have the Boston Celtics retired?
Jo Jo White (10) of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 6, 1974, at the Milwaukee Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Vernon Biever
Source: Getty Images

Jo Jo White, a talented guard, had his jersey number No. 10 retired by the team. White played for the club from 1969 to 1979 and was crucial to the team's success during the 1970s. He won two NBA championships with the team in 1974 and 1976 and was known for his scoring ability, versatility, and strong defence. White was a seven-time NBA All-Star and played a significant role in the Celtics' backcourt alongside other legends like John Havlicek.

20. Bill Russell

What numbers have been retired by the Boston Celtics?
Bill Russell (6) of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait in 1969 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: D. Raphael
Source: Getty Images

Bill Russell, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketballers of all time, had his jersey number No. 6 retired by the team. Russell played for the club from 1956 to 1969, winning 11 championships with the franchise. He was known for his dominant defence, shot-blocking ability, and exceptional leadership skills. Russell was a 12-time NBA All-Star and won five Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards throughout his career.

21. Kevin Garnett

Boston Celtics most retired numbers
Kevin Garnett (2) of the Brooklyn Nets before the game against the Boston Celtics on January 7, 2015, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler
Source: Getty Images

Kevin Garnett had a considerable influence during his tenure with the Celtics (2007-2013). He was instrumental in the team's 2008 championship run. The team and the fans highly regarded Garnett's ferocity: defensive prowess and leadership. While many renowned basketballers have had their numbers retired, it is ultimately up to the team's administration and ownership to make that call.

22. Dennis Johnson

What Celtics numbers are retired
Referee Earl Strom (12) follows Dennis Johnson (3) of the Boston Celtics during an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers circa 1984 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Focus on Sport
Source: Getty Images

The Boston Celtics have retired the number of legendary No. 3 guard Dennis Johnson. Johnson was a vital team member throughout the 1980s as he appeared for the club from 1983 to 1990. In 1984 and 1986, he helped lead the club to title victories with his tenacious defence and game-winning efforts. Johnson played with Larry Bird in the backcourt and was a five-time NBA All-Star.

23. Red Auerbach

How many numbers have the Celtics retired?
Boston Celtics general manager Red Auerbach poses for a 1980 photo at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: D. Raphael
Source: Getty Images

Traditionally, the Celtics have honoured their team's most outstanding players by retiring their jersey numbers. But Red Auerbach's impact on the squad and the sport of basketball is universally acknowledged. After coaching the team to nine NBA titles, he was promoted to general manager and president, earning him automatic entry into the Hall of Fame.

Is number 23 retired for the Celtics?

Ramsey appeared in 623 games in the NBA and averaged 13.4 points per contest with 8378 total points scored. In 1981, he was honoured by being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Celtics have honoured him by retiring his number 23, which he wore during his career.

Which NBA team has the most retired numbers?

There are presently 25 retired jersey numbers for the Boston Celtics. The Boston Celtics are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA championships. This explains why they have so many retired numbers in their possession.

Celtics' retired numbers symbolise the franchise's excellence, tradition, and success. Each number represents a legendary player, coach, or team executive who contributed to the Celtics' history. From Bill Russell's dominance to Larry Bird's brilliance, the Celtics have showcased some of the most extraordinary talents the NBA has ever seen. These retired numbers serve as a reminder of the franchise's commitment to greatness and inspire future generations of Celtics players and fans.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.