10 Basketball Players who Played for Nets 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 Brooklyn Nets 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 Nets and the Celtics.
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of his generation. Garnett was selected straight out of high school as the 5th overall pick by the Timberwolves in the 1995 NBA Draft. He spent the majority of his career in Minnesota, where he earned NBA MVP honors in 2004.
In 2007, Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics, forming a “Big Three” alongside Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. This trio led the Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008, with Garnett playing a pivotal role. Following his time in Boston, Garnett had a brief stint with the Nets before returning to Minnesota to finish his career.
Garnett’s impact went beyond his on-court achievements. His leadership, fiery demeanor, and commitment to the game influenced a generation of players. In 2020, Garnett’s contributions to the sport were solidified when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Garnett Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Timberwolves, Celtics, Nets)
- NBA MVP (Timberwolves)
- All-NBA (Timberwolves, Celtics)
- All-Star (Timberwolves, Celtics)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Timberwolves)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Timberwolves)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Timberwolves)
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)
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 was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 2)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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.
Gerald Wallace
Gerald Wallace was known for his tenacious defense, athleticism, and all-around hustle on the court. Drafted 25th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2001 NBA Draft, Wallace’s initial impact in the league was limited. However, his breakout came when he was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2004 expansion draft.
In Charlotte, Wallace became the face of the franchise and earned the nickname “Crash” due to his fearless style of play, often leading to collisions and falls. In the 2009-2010 season, he was selected to his first and only NBA All-Star game, averaging over 18 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
After Charlotte, Wallace had stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics. Throughout his career, he was highly regarded for his defensive intensity, rebounding ability, and commitment to his team.
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)
