10 Basketball Players who Played for Mavericks 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 Dallas Mavericks 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 Mavericks and the Celtics.
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)
Kemba Walker
After playing college basketball for the University of Connecticut, where he won a national championship in 2011 and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Kemba Walker was selected ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Walker emerged as the face of the Charlotte franchise, making three All-Star appearances during his time with the team. He holds numerous franchise records for the Hornets, including most points in a game (60) and most points scored in franchise history.
In 2019, he signed with the Boston Celtics, making another All-Star appearance in his first season with the team.
Walker Key Stats
- All NBA (Hornets)
- All-Star (Hornets, Celtics)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Hornets, Celtics)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Hornets, Celtics)
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)
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.
Michael Finley
Michael Finley spent the majority of his career with the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns in the NBA. Drafted 21st overall by the Suns in the 1995 NBA Draft, Finley quickly established himself as a reliable scorer and played a significant role in Phoenix.
After a trade to the Mavericks in 1998, Finley blossomed into one of the premier shooting guards in the league. Alongside Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, he helped form the core of a rejuvenated Mavericks team that became a regular playoff contender in the early 2000s.
During his time with the Mavericks, Finley was a two-time NBA All-Star. He was known for his scoring ability, three-point shooting, athleticism, and leadership. He averaged a career-high 22.6 points per game in the 1999-2000 season and consistently averaged around 20 points per game during his prime.
Finley Key Stats
- NBA Champion (Spurs)
- All-Star (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Mavericks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Mavericks)
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)
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)
David Lee
David Lee was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. Lee was known for his strong rebounding and scoring ability, making him a double-double threat on any given night.
In the 2009-10 season, he was selected for his first All-Star game while playing for the Knicks, after averaging 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.
In 2010, Lee was traded to the Warriors. He continued to produce strong performances and was again named an All-Star in 2013. However, Lee’s biggest accomplishment came during the 2014-15 season, when the Warriors won the NBA Championship, although his role was reduced due to the emergence of Draymond Green.
Lee Key Stats
- All-NBA (Warriors)
- All-Star (Knicks, Warriors)
- NBA Championship (Warriors)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Knicks, Warriors)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Knicks, Warriors)
Troy Murphy
Troy Murphy was known for his rebounding prowess and his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, a somewhat rare combination for big men during his era. Drafted 14th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, Murphy quickly became a key player for the team, showcasing his double-double capabilities.
After spending six years with the Warriors, Murphy also had a successful stint with the Indiana Pacers, where he continued his trend of being a consistent double-double performer.
He later played for teams like the Nets, Celtics, and Lakers. Throughout his NBA journey, Murphy’s unique combination of inside presence and perimeter shooting made him a valuable asset for the teams he played for.
Murphy Key Stats
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Warriors, Pacers)
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)
