Whether you love or hate the team, the Boston Celtics’ uniforms are hard to deal with. The classic green and white combination is one of the cleanest looks in professional sports. During the 2022 NBA Playoffs, you might have noticed a new addition to the jersey. No, we’re not talking about the Vista Print logo.
On the left shoulder of each jersey, Celtics players currently wear a black ribbon and the number 24. While this may seem like a somewhat random inclusion, longtime sports fans will recognize it as a sign of respect for being late. Legend: Sam Jones.
The Boston Celtics added the number 24 to their jerseys after the death of Sam Jones
Over the years, the Boston Celtics have had a lot of high profile players wearing their famous uniforms. While he may not have the same global recognition as Bill Russell or Larry Bird, Sam Jones has certainly earned his place in history.
The guard came to Beantown in 1957 and eventually earned a spot on the Red Auerbach course. Jones has won ten championships over the years, but he hasn’t been all the way through. The team often walked in scoring, averaging 17.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per outing across 12 professional campaigns, and earned All-NBA honors on three separate occasions.
Jones’ role in Celtics history was so significant that the club retired his number on March 9, 1969. The sniper scored 16 points after being honored before a tip-off and retired at the end of the season.
Despite all of these accomplishments, Jones was still a human being. He eventually died on December 30, 2021.
The Celtics paid tribute to the late legend on January 5, 2022. Since that night, they have been wearing a black band on their shirts, emblazoned with Jones number 24.
Winning the 2022 NBA title would be a fitting tribute to the great Boston Celtics
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While Jones may not have as many rings as Bill Russell, he still has more than just anyone else in NBA history. Through this lens, the Celtics have the perfect opportunity to honor his legacy during the post-season 2022.
Boston, of course, entered the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite their misfortune to draw the Brooklyn Nets in the first round — you’d never want to meet Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in an elimination position — the Celtics have a relatively favorable game. They’ve been in great shape since the All-Star break, have two legitimate talents in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and can handle their work at the defensive end of the floor.
While things won’t get much easier (hypothetically) after beating the Nets, those strengths mean Boston is also able to go toe-to-toe with the Bucks, followed by either the Heat or the 76ers. The 538 playoff predictions, whatever their value, also give Boston the highest chance (35%) of winning the title.
Although sentiment rarely overshadows rooted interests – Boston is unlikely to become a favorite of neutrals at this point in the season – it would certainly be fitting if they win their 18th title with 24th Sam Jones on their shoulders.
Stats courtesy of Basketball Reference
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