10 Basketball Players who Played for Cavaliers and Celtics
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Cavaliers and the Celtics.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “Shaq,” was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. His career spanned from 1992 to 2011, featuring stints with several teams including the Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics.
His career achievements include four NBA Championships (three with the Lakers and one with the Heat), three NBA Finals MVP awards, a regular-season MVP award in 2000, and 15 All-Star game appearances. O’Neal’s career totals include 28,596 points, 13,099 rebounds, and 2732 blocks.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Beyond his playing career, O’Neal has also had a successful run as a sports analyst, businessman, and even a DJ.
O’Neal Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Lakers, Magic, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics)
- MVP (Lakers)
- All-Star (Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Heat)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Heat)
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is known for his exceptional ball-handling and scoring ability. Drafted as the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Cavaliers, Irving quickly made an impact and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
He played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA Championship win, hitting a crucial three-pointer in the closing moments of Game 7. However, after the 2016-17 season, Irving requested a trade and was subsequently dealt to the Celtics. Irving then spent time with the Nets and is now with the Mavs.
Irving has been selected to multiple NBA All-Star games and has been named to the All-NBA Team multiple times. He also won the gold medal with Team USA in the 2016 Olympics.
Irving Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Cavaliers)
- All-Star (Cavaliers, Celtics, Nets, Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Cavaliers, Nets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Cavaliers, Celtics)
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 21st pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics. He quickly became a starter and vital component for the Celtics, helping them win the NBA championship in 2008 alongside the “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.
Rondo led the NBA in assists per game three times (2012, 2013, and 2016), and he’s recognized for his playoff performances, stepping up his game significantly in the postseason.
Rondo played for the Celtics until 2014, and since then he has had stints with the Mavericks, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, Lakers, and Hawks. His second NBA Championship came in 2020 with the Lakers, where his veteran experience and leadership proved pivotal.
Rondo Key Stats
- All-NBA (Celtics)
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Celtics, Lakers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Celtics, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans)
Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson was selected 4th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2011 NBA Draft. He quickly became a mainstay in the Cavaliers’ rotation, with his ability to grab offensive rebounds and provide second-chance opportunities standing out.
In 2016, Thompson, along with LeBron James and the rest of the Cavaliers, won the NBA Championship, ending Cleveland’s 52-year professional sports title drought by defeating the Golden State Warriors. Thompson’s defensive efforts and ability to match up against various opponents played a crucial role during this championship run.
After nearly a decade with the Cavaliers, Thompson moved on to the Boston Celtics and then bounced around with multiple teams (Kings, Pacers, Bulls) during his final season in the league.
Thompson Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Cavs)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Cavs)
Kendrick Perkins
Kendrick Perkins was selected in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft as the 27th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. He was subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics, where he began his career.
Perkins is best known for his time with the Celtics, where he played a crucial role as a strong and physical center. He was a part of the 2007-2008 Celtics team that won the NBA Championship.
During his career, he also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Orleans Pelicans. Perkins wasn’t a prolific scorer, but he made his mark as a tough rebounder and an intimidating defensive presence.
David Wesley
David Wesley began his professional career in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) after going undrafted in 1992. However, his talent and grit soon caught the eyes of the NBA scouts. He made his debut with the New Jersey Nets, and it didn’t take long for him to prove that he belonged in the NBA.
The bulk of Wesley’s career was spent with the Charlotte Hornets (later New Orleans), where he played from 1997 to 2005. In Charlotte, Wesley established himself as a reliable guard, capable of both scoring and playmaking. His backcourt partnership with Baron Davis is well remembered by Hornets’ fans.
After his stint with the Hornets, Wesley also played for the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Over his NBA career, he was known for his consistency, tenacity, and leadership both on and off the court.
Wesley Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Celtics, Hornets)
Jeff Green
Jeff Green has played for numerous teams in the NBA. He was initially drafted 5th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2007 NBA Draft, though he was immediately traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he spent the first part of his career.
Green has had a journeyman career, playing for 11 different teams in his 15-year career including the Thunder, Celtics, Grizzlies, Clippers, Magic, Cavaliers, Wizards, Jazz, Rockets, Nets, and Nuggets. He was a solid contributor to the Nuggets Championship this past season.
Green’s versatility and ability to play both inside and outside have allowed him to fit into various roles on different teams. He’s been both a starter and a valuable bench player throughout his career, contributing with his scoring, rebounding, and ability to defend multiple positions.
Wally Szczerbiak
Standing at 6’7″, Szczerbiak played as a forward and was regarded for his scoring ability, basketball IQ, and sharpshooting from beyond the arc.
Szczerbiak was selected 6th overall by the Timberwolves in the 1999 NBA Draft. During his time with the Timberwolves, he emerged as a significant offensive weapon alongside Kevin Garnett, culminating in an All-Star selection in 2002.
In addition to the Timberwolves, Szczerbiak had stints with the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Over his career, he averaged 14.1 points per game, 4.0 rebounds, and shot an impressive 40.6% from three-point range.
Jae Crowder
Jae Crowder is an NBA player known for his toughness and versatility. He was drafted 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2012 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he spent the first part of his career.
Crowder has been something of an NBA journeyman, playing for several teams including the Celtics, Cavaliers, Jazz, Grizzlies, Heat, Suns and Bucks. Despite changing teams frequently, Crowder has consistently been valued for his ‘3-and-D skills’ (three-point shooting and defense), as well as his ability to play both forward positions.
He has played crucial roles in deep playoff runs for several teams, including the Miami Heat in 2020, where he helped the team reach the NBA Finals, and the Phoenix Suns in 2021, also reaching the NBA Finals.
Scot Pollard
Scot Pollard brought a distinctive flair to the NBA, not just with his varying hairstyles and beards but also with his rugged play on the court. Drafted 19th overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, he made a more significant impact after joining the Kings.
With the Kings, Pollard became a key rotation player on teams that were perennial playoff contenders in the early 2000s.
Later in his career, he played for the Pacers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. His time with the Celtics was especially noteworthy, as he was part of their 2008 roster that won an NBA title, solidifying his career with a ring.
