8 Basketball Players who Played for Pacers 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 Indiana Pacers 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 Pacers and the Celtics.
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)
Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon has made a name for himself in the NBA as a high-IQ player with solid all-around skills. Drafted 36th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2016 NBA Draft, Brogdon became a rare second-round pick to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
In Milwaukee, he became part of the “50-40-90 club” in the 2018-2019 season, shooting 50% from the field, 40% from the 3-point line, and 90% from the free throw line, a mark of elite shooting efficiency.
After Milwaukee, Brogdon has played with the Pacers and Celtics and continues to be an effective contributor, averaging almost 19 points and 3.6 assists during his time in Indiana.
Brogdon Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Bucks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pacers)
Jeff Teague
Jeff Teague, an NBA veteran with a career span of over a decade, was selected 19th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Known for his quickness and playmaking ability, Teague quickly rose to prominence as the Hawks’ starting point guard.
Perhaps his best season in Atlanta (and possibly career) was in 2014-2015 when he averaged 15.9 points, 7.0 assists per game, and was named an NBA All-Star.
Teague’s career, though characterized by frequent team changes, has been consistent in terms of his contributions on the court with career averages of 12.2 points and 5.6 assists per game.
Teague Key Stats
- All-Star (Hawks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Hawks, Pacers, Timberwolves)
Al Jefferson
Al Jefferson was drafted straight out of high school as the 15th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. He played three seasons in Boston before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a package deal for Kevin Garnett in the 2007 offseason.
In Minnesota, he had some of his best years, averaging over 20 points per game in multiple seasons. In 2010, Jefferson was traded to the Utah Jazz, where he continued to be a reliable offensive threat.
After three seasons in Utah, he signed as a free agent with the Charlotte Hornets (known as the Charlotte Bobcats in his first season with the team) in 2013. His first season with the Hornets was a standout, with Jefferson earning All-NBA Third Team honors.
Jefferson Key Stats
- All-NBA (Hornets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Timberwolves, Hornets)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Celtics, Timberwolves, Hornets)
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)
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.
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)
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.
