Exploring the Evolution of Boston Celtics Jersey Number 4
The Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the NBA, have seen a total of 68 different jersey numbers worn by over 500 players since their inception in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later evolved into the NBA. To honor the legacy of these players, Celtics Wire is delving into the history of jersey numbers and the players associated with them throughout the team’s existence.
Among the 68 jersey numbers, 25 have been retired to commemorate some of the greatest Celtics in the team’s history. Today, we focus on the fourth player to wear the No. 4 jersey, Tony Lavelli, who gained fame not only for his basketball skills but also for his halftime accordion performances.
Hailing from Somerville, Massachusetts, Lavelli played college basketball at Yale before being selected as the 16th overall pick by the Celtics in the 1949 BAA draft. Lavelli made an immediate impact, scoring 26 points in a game against the defending champion Minneapolis Lakers in his rookie season. Known for his musical talents, Lavelli entertained fans at halftime with his accordion performances during Celtics games.
After one season with the Celtics, Lavelli moved on to join the New York Knicks in 1950. During his time with Boston, he averaged 8.8 points and 0.7 assists per game, showcasing his versatility on the court. While detailed statistics were not as prevalent during his era, Lavelli’s contributions to the team were notable.
For fans interested in more Celtics content, podcasts like “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” and “Celtics Lab” offer in-depth discussions on the team and its history. These podcasts, along with others covering New England sports, are available on the CLNS Media network.
To explore further Celtics discussions, listeners can tune in to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The rich history of the Boston Celtics and their iconic players continue to captivate fans and enthusiasts of the game.
This exploration of Celtics history, focusing on Tony Lavelli and his time with the team, sheds light on the diverse talents and legacies that have shaped the franchise over the years.