Boston Celtics Jersey History: No. 4 Kenny Rollins (1952-53)
The Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the NBA, have a rich history of players donning various jersey numbers since their inception in the Basketball Association of America. Over the years, more than 500 players have worn the Celtics jersey, with a total of 68 different numbers used, including three that do not belong to any numerical series. To honor the legacy of these players, Celtics Wire is delving into the team’s history of jersey numbers and the players associated with them.
Among the numerous jerseys worn by Celtics players, 25 have been retired to commemorate some of the greatest athletes in the team’s history. In this exploration, we focus on Kenny Rollins, the fifth player out of 31 to wear the No. 4 jersey for the Celtics.
Kenny Rollins began his basketball journey at the University of Kentucky before being drafted by the Fort Wayne Pistons in the 1948 BAA draft. However, he never played for the Pistons and instead joined the Chicago Stags for his first two seasons in the league.
After a brief stint in the National Professional Basketball League with the Louisville Alumnites, Rollins made his way to the Boston Celtics in 1952 as a free agent. During his single season with the Celtics, Rollins exclusively sported the No. 4 jersey. He contributed an average of 2.3 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.1 assists per game during his time with the team.
Rollins’ legacy lives on as a part of Celtics history, representing a chapter in the team’s journey through the NBA. His contributions on the court, though brief, left an indelible mark on the franchise and the fans who continue to celebrate the players who have worn the green and white.
As Celtics Wire continues to explore the history of jersey numbers and the players associated with them, each story serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of talent that has graced the Boston Celtics organization over the years. The legacy of players like Kenny Rollins is a testament to the enduring spirit of the team and its commitment to excellence on and off the court.