8 Basketball Players who Played for Clippers 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 who have played for both the LA Clippers 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 Clippers and the Celtics.
Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin is known for his powerful dunking ability and versatile skill set. He was selected first overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Clippers and quickly made a name for himself, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2010.
In his first season, Griffin was also selected for the NBA All-Star game, becoming the first rookie All-Star since Yao Ming in 2003. He had an outstanding career with the Clippers, earning All-Star honors five times in total.
Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018, where he continued to perform at a high level, earning another All-Star selection in 2019. After Detroit, Griffin has played more of a reserved role with the Nets and Celtics.
Griffin Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Pistons)
- All-NBA (Clippers, Pistons)
- All-Star (Clippers, Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Clippers, Pistons)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Clippers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Clippers, Pistons)
Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce played the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics and became one of the franchise’s most iconic players, earning the nickname “The Truth” for his straightforward and effective style of play. Pierce was selected 10th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1998 NBA Draft.
Over his 15 seasons with the Celtics, he was named an NBA All-Star ten times. In 2007, the Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, creating a “Big Three” that led the team to an NBA Championship in 2008. Pierce was named the NBA Finals MVP for his outstanding performance in the championship series.
After his tenure with the Celtics, Pierce played for the Nets, Wizards, and Clippers before retiring in 2017. His contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Pierce Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Celtics, Clippers, Nets, Wizards)
- All-NBA (Celtics)
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Champ (Celtics)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Celtics)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (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)
Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson was selected 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2005 NBA Draft but was promptly traded to the New York Knicks. With the Knicks, he quickly became a fan favorite due to his energetic plays and ability to score against much taller opponents.
His time in New York showcased his talents, and Robinson became a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion in 2006, 2009, and 2010.
Throughout his NBA career, Robinson played for multiple teams (8 in total), including the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Denver Nuggets, among others. Regardless of the team, his fearless approach and knack for making big plays in crucial moments remained consistent.
Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell enjoyed a successful 15-season career in the NBA, known for his clutch shooting and leadership. Drafted 24th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1993 NBA Draft, Cassell proved instrumental in the Rockets’ back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995.
His tenure in the NBA saw him wearing jerseys for eight different teams, including standout stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite being traded multiple times, Cassell consistently produced on the court, averaging 15.7 points and 6.0 assists per game over his career. He was named an All-Star once, in 2003-04, while with the Timberwolves.
Cassell Key Stats
- All-Star (Timberwolves)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets, Bucks, Clippers)
Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins, renowned as “the Human Highlight Reel” for his extraordinary athleticism and dunking skills, is a celebrated former player. Wilkins primarily played for the Atlanta Hawks.
He was a nine-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA Team member, and was honored as part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Wilkins captured the NBA scoring title in the 1985-86 season and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Wilkins began his career with the Hawks after being traded by the Utah Jazz, who had drafted him third overall in 1982. He consistently scored over 25 points per game for ten consecutive seasons. Wilkins’ career highlights include winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice (1985, 1990).
Wilkins Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Hawks, Celtics, Spurs, Magic, Clippers)
- All-NBA (Hawks, Clippers)
- NBA All-Star (Hawks, Clippers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Hawks, Clippers)
Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups was known for his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, earning him the nickname “Mr. Big Shot”. Selected third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1997 NBA Draft, Billups had a productive career that spanned 17 seasons.
Billups’ career truly flourished when he joined the Detroit Pistons in 2002. With the Pistons, he was a key figure in their championship run in 2004, where he was named NBA Finals MVP.
Over his career, Billups was a five-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection. Known for his basketball IQ, leadership, and clutch performances, he was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice.
Billups Key Stats
- All-NBA (Pistons, Nuggets)
- All-Star (Pistons, Nuggets)
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Timberwolves, Pistons, Nuggets)
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.
