10 Basketball Players who Played for Heat 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 Miami Heat 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 Heat and the Celtics.
Ray Allen
Ray Allen was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the fifth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, he was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. In Milwaukee, Allen emerged as one of the league’s premier shooting guards, making multiple All-Star appearances.
In 2007, Allen was traded to the Boston Celtics, teaming up with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to form a “Big Three” that won the NBA Championship in 2008. Allen’s clutch shooting was a major factor in the Celtics’ success during this era.
In 2012, Allen joined the Miami Heat where he continued to play a vital role as a sharpshooter, including a memorable game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, a series the Heat would ultimately win. This marked Allen’s second NBA Championship.
*Allen was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 7)
Allen Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Bucks, Celtics, Supersonics, Heat)
- All-NBA (Bucks, Supersonics)
- All-Star (Bucks, Supersonics, Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Celtics, Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bucks, Supersonics)
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)
Antoine Walker
Antoine Walker was selected with the 6th pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Celtics. Walker spent seven seasons with the team, during which he made three All-Star appearances.
He was a versatile and dynamic power forward, averaging over 20 points per game in five of his seasons with the Celtics. His ability to stretch the floor was ahead of its time in an era when most power forwards primarily played inside.
Walker was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2003 and subsequently played for the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. One of Walker’s career highlights was winning an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Walker Key Stats
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Celtics)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Celtics)
Gary Payton
Gary Payton, often known as “The Glove” for his defensive prowess, is widely recognized as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Payton was selected second overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Payton spent the majority of his career with the SuperSonics, where he was a nine-time NBA All-Star and a nine-time All-NBA selection. He was known for his defensive skills, earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1996 and being selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times.
Payton was also great on the offensive end of the court, especially his scoring ability and his ability to create plays. He accumulated over 21,000 points and almost 9000 assists during his career. He won his only NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. Payton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Payton Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Supersonics, Heat, Lakers, Celtics, Bucks)
- All-NBA (Supersonics)
- All-Star (Supersonics)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Supersonics)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Supersonics, Lakers, Celtics)
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.
Joe Johnson
Joe Johnson, also known as “Iso Joe,” is remembered in the NBA for his scoring prowess and clutch performances. After being selected 10th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Johnson went on to play for several teams, including the Suns, Hawks, Nets, Heat, and Jazz.
He made his biggest impact during his time with the Hawks (2005-2012), where he was named an All-Star in six consecutive seasons. Known for his ability to create his own shot, Johnson earned a reputation as one of the game’s premier isolation players.
He scored over 20,000 points in his NBA career, underscoring his longevity and scoring ability.
Johnson Key Stats
- All-Star (Hawks, Nets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Hawks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Hawks)
Jermaine O’Neal
Jermaine O’Neal is most recognized for his time with the Indiana Pacers. A versatile center and power forward, O’Neal’s career spanned 18 seasons from 1996 to 2014, during which he played for multiple teams, including the Trail Blazers, Heat, Celtics, Suns, and Warriors.
Selected directly out of high school by the Trail Blazers in the 1996 NBA Draft, O’Neal spent his initial seasons in a limited role. However, upon being traded to the Pacers, he flourished and became a key player, earning six All-Star selections and being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for the 2001-02 season.
O’Neal’s prime years in Indiana were marked by consistent scoring and rebounding, as well as a robust defensive presence that earned him multiple All-NBA nods. Despite the individual accolades, team success eluded O’Neal, as the Pacers made several playoff appearances but never reached the NBA Finals during his tenure.
O’Neal Key Stats
- All NBA (Pacers)
- All-Star (Pacers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pacers)
P.J. Brown
P.J. Brown, a tenacious power forward and center, enjoyed a prominent NBA career, known for his defensive tenacity and leadership.
After being drafted 29th overall by the New Jersey Nets in 1992, Brown truly shone during his tenure with the Miami Heat in the late ’90s. His reputation as a physical defender grew, setting him apart as a key contributor during playoff runs.
After stints with the Heat and Charlotte Hornets, Brown played pivotal roles with the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. Arguably, his career highlight was with the Celtics in 2008, when his veteran presence and defense helped the team secure an NBA Championship.
James Posey
Selected 18th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1999 NBA Draft, James Posey’s journey in the league spanned a decade, playing for multiple teams and earning a reputation as a reliable “3-and-D” player before the term became widely popular.
The highlight of Posey’s career came during his stints with the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. In Miami, he played a pivotal role in the Heat’s 2006 championship run alongside stars like Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal.
As a key reserve for Boston, Posey provided crucial defensive stops and timely three-point shooting, helping the Celtics secure the 2008 NBA Championship. His ability to contribute significantly to two different championship teams attests to his value as a player who could impact games without necessarily being in the spotlight.
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
