The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in the history of professional basketball, with a jersey collection that reads like a Hall of Fame directory. Each number worn by a Celtics player carries its own legacy, whether long and illustrious or brief but memorable. Among the lesser-worn numbers in Celtics history is No. 28, a number that holds a short but significant place in the team’s timeline thanks to forward/center Jim Barnes, who wore it from 1968 to 1970.
Jim “Bad News” Barnes was a talented and powerful big man who made a name for himself in college before entering the NBA. He was the first overall pick in the 1964 NBA Draft, selected by the New York Knicks after a dominant collegiate career at Texas Western (now UTEP), where he averaged more than 20 points and 20 rebounds per game. Barnes entered the league with high expectations and showed promise early, averaging 15.5 points and 9.7 rebounds in his rookie season.
By the time Barnes landed in Boston in 1968, he had already played for the Knicks, Baltimore Bullets, and Los Angeles Lakers. Though injuries had begun to impact his athleticism, Barnes still had a valuable role to play on a veteran Celtics roster. In Boston, Barnes wore the No. 28 jersey—a number that remains relatively obscure in the annals of Celtics history due to its rare usage.
Barnes joined the Celtics during a transitional time, as the team was beginning to shift from the Bill Russell-led dynasty of the 1960s toward a new era. While Barnes never played a starring role for Boston, his contributions were steady, particularly on defense and in rebounding. His physical presence in the post helped provide depth behind the team’s frontcourt stars.
During his two seasons with the Celtics, Barnes appeared in 75 games and averaged modest numbers, but his presence was felt more in his toughness and locker-room leadership. He was known as a hard-nosed competitor, the kind of player who did the dirty work without seeking headlines. Though he wasn’t part of a championship-winning roster in Boston, his time with the team added veteran depth and grit that helped maintain the Celtics’ competitive edge.
No. 28 has rarely been worn since Barnes’ time, making his stint in green unique and somewhat symbolic of a bridge era for the Celtics. Barnes retired from the NBA in 1971 and passed away in 2002, but his story remains a reminder of how each player, regardless of their time on the roster or their stat lines, contributes to the rich tapestry of Celtics lore.
In reflecting on Barnes’ time in Boston, the No. 28 jersey may not hang in the rafters, but it serves as a quiet emblem of perseverance, resilience, and the unsung players who helped uphold the Celtics’ proud traditions during years of change.
