6 Basketball Players who Played for Suns 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 Phoenix Suns 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 Suns and the 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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
