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.
MIAMI - DECEMBER 21: Udonis Haslem #40 of the Miami Heat blocks Jiri Welsch #44 of the Boston Celtics on December 21, 2004 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. The Heat defeated the Celtics 108-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)And for today's article, we will continue with the third of 14 people to wear the No. 44, Boston wing alum Jiri Welsch. After starting his pro career abroad, Welsch was picked up with the 16th overall selection of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Pardubice, Czechoslovakia native played the first season of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors after a draft night deal, and was dealt to Boston via the Dallas Mavericks in 2003. His stay with the team would span parts of two seasons, coming to an end when he was dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDuring his time suiting up for the Celtics, Welsh wore only jersey No. 44 and put up 8.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals 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 - Jiri Welsch (2003-05)
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