ESPN SERIOUS: Boston Celtics Jersey History — No. 27: A Brief but Impactful Stint
In a franchise brimming with legendary names and iconic jersey numbers, it’s easy to overlook the digits that don’t immediately come to mind when thinking of Celtics greatness. But today, we take a thoughtful look into Jersey No. 27, a number that, while not retired in the rafters, carries a unique weight thanks to a player whose brief but impactful tenure in Boston left a lasting impression on the fans and the culture of the team.
That player? Jordan Crawford.
Yes, Jordan Crawford’s time in Boston may not have spanned multiple seasons or included a championship parade, but his sparkplug performance during the 2013–2014 season wearing jersey No. 27 was nothing short of electric. He didn’t just fill a roster spot — he lit up the Garden with fearless energy, audacious confidence, and a surprising ability to take over games when it mattered most.
A Season to Remember
Traded to the Celtics in 2013, Crawford arrived in Boston during a transitional phase. The Big Three era had ended. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were gone. Rajon Rondo was injured. And the Celtics were searching for identity amid the rebuild. In the midst of that, Jordan Crawford became an unlikely centerpiece — a scoring guard known for his fearless shot selection, creative playmaking, and unshakable self-belief.
Wearing the No. 27 jersey, Crawford averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds over 39 games during the 2013–14 campaign. His production, however, only tells half the story. What made his stint unforgettable was the energy he injected into a struggling team. In December 2013, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week — a stunning accolade that reflected just how dominant and disruptive he could be when locked in.
> “I just play my game,” Crawford once said. “If you’re scared to fail, you’re already defeated.”
That mindset made him a fan favorite. Even in games where the team fell short, Crawford gave fans something to cheer about — a deep pull-up three, a crafty assist, or a moment of sheer audacity. He played with a flair rarely seen in Celtics green, but one that was appreciated during those turbulent times.
A Footnote in Stat Sheets, A Flame in Memory
Jordan Crawford’s No. 27 might not hang in the rafters next to 33, 6, or 34 — but for the real Celtics faithful, it represents something meaningful. It represents resilience during a rebuild. Creativity during chaos. Entertainment during a time when victories were scarce.
His Celtics career may have only lasted half a season before being traded to Golden State, but his impact remains etched in memory.
> “Jordan Crawford gave us hope when we needed it,” one longtime fan tweeted. “Number 27 — never forget the spark he brought.”
The Legacy of No. 27
In the grand Celtics legacy, the jersey No. 27 may not carry the weight of dynasties or Hall of Fame lore. But it tells a different kind of story — one of underdogs, surprise heroes, and the power of presence, even in short doses.
Jordan Crawford wore it with pride. And though his time was short, the impact was real.
Because in Boston, every jersey number tells a story — and No. 27 is no exception.
