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.
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With 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.
Oct 26, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Shaquille O’Neal (36) works the ball during the second half against Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh (left) at the TD Garden. The Celtics defeated Miami 88-80. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
And for today’s article, we will continue with the first of two people to wear the No. 36, Hall of Fame Boston big man alum Shaquille O’Neal. After ending his college career at LSU, O’Neal was picked up with the first overall selection of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.
The Newark, New Jersey native also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers before signing with Boston for the final season of his NBA career in 2010.
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During his time suiting up for the Celtics, Shaq wore only jersey No. 36 and put up 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks 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. 36 – Shaquille O’Neal (2010-11)