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.
BOSTON - 1986: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a jump shot against Danny Ainge #44 of the Boston Celtics during an NBA game played in 1986 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1986 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)And for today's article, we will continue with the fourth of 14 people to wear the No. 44, Boston guard alum Danny Ainge. After ending his college career at BYU, Ainge was picked up with the 31st overall selection of the 1981 NBA Draft by the Celtics.
The Eugene, Oregon native played parts of the first eight seasons of his pro career with Boston (winning two titles with them), coming to an end when he was dealt to Sacramento Kings in 1989.
During his time suiting up for the Celtics, Ainge wore only jersey No. 44 and put up 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAll stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics jersey history No. 44 - Danny Ainge (1981-89)
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