The Boston Celtics have had players suiting up in a total of 68 different jersey numbers (and have three others not part of any numerical series) since their founding at the dawn of the Basketball Association of America (BAA -- the league that would become today's NBA), worn by well over 500 players in the course of Celtics history.
To commemorate the players who wore those numbers, Celtics Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith 25 of those jerseys now retired to honor some of the greatest Celtics to wear those jerseys, there is a lot of history to cover.
April, 1973; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics guard Paul Westphal (44) in action against the Atlanta Hawks during the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals at The Omni. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsAnd for today's article, we will continue with the first of 14 people to wear the No. 44, Hall of Fame Boston guard alum Paul Westphal. After ending his college career at USC, Westphal was picked up with the 10th overall selection of the 1972 NBA Draft by the Celtics.
The Torrance, California native would play the first three seasons of his pro career with Boston (winning a title in a reserve role in 1974) before he was dealt to the Phoenix Suns in 1975.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDuring his time suiting up for the Celtics, Westphal wore only jersey No. 44 and put up 7.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics jersey history No. 44 - Paul Westphal (1972-75)
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