RJ Hunter and PJ Dozier both picked some popular jersey numbers to showcase to Celtics fans if/when they do see the floor this year.
The Boston Celtics used their open two-way contract slot on former first round pick RJ Hunter, signing him to rejoin his old team and possibly contribute down the line.
Hunter was the 28th pick of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Celtics, and he wore No. 28 during his first season with the team. He was cut in favor of James Young before the start of his sophomore campaign.
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Now back in Boston, Hunter will wear No. 4, formerly worn by Isaiah Thomas. Thomas was famously traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a package for Kyrie Irving before last season. Thomas played two-and-a-half seasons with the Celtics, leading them as far as the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017. He also averaged nearly 29 points per game that season, marking one of the best offensive campaigns in Celtics history.
Hopefully that magic can return for Hunter, who probably won’t see much playing time at first, but could carve out a rotation spot with good defense, shooting and playmaking. All of which Hunter is capable of, and with Jabari Bird most likely out for the foreseeable future with a pending legal case, Hunter has a chance at a full time roster spot.
In other jersey number news, PJ Dozier, Boston’s other two-way contract player, has changed his number from No. 50 to No. 35. 35 is notable because Reggie Lewis was the last to wear the number. The number was retired in 1995 following Lewis’ death in the summer of 1993.
Dozier is Lewis’ cousin and will now wear the number to honor him. A pretty cool sentiment for a player that might have a future on Boston’s full time roster as well.
The Celtics like the 6-6 guard, who is averaging 21.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and seven assists with the Maine Red Claws. His jump shot is still a work in progress, but his versatility as a playmaker at that size is an interesting combination the Celtics could utilize if Terry Rozier is not on the team next season. Hopefully we’ll get to see these two players get some game action so we get a look at these jersey numbers we’ve grown attached to as Celtics fans.