New jersey numbers have meaning for Boston Celtics Two-Way players PJ Dozier and RJ Hunter

According to the Boston Celtics team site ( https://www.nba.com/celtics/roster ), the team’s Two-Way players have some new jersey numbers.

Recently signed R.J. Hunter, who is back for a second go-around with the Celtics, will wear jersey #4. In his first stint in Boston, Hunter had worn #28.

As most will remember, jersey #4 had most recently been worn by Isaiah Thomas. No one has donned #4 since Thomas was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the deal to bring Kyrie Irving to Boston.

Jersey numbers for the Celtics are a somewhat limited quantity, as the team has retired an NBA-high 22 numbers. Boston has also raised the nickname “Loscy” for Jim Luscutoff and a microphone for longtime radio play-by-play man Johnny Most.

Speaking of retired jersey numbers, the second update is related to a beloved retired number. P.J. Dozier is apparently changing from the #50 uniform he has worn since signing with Boston to don the #35 jersey. As most know, #35 is retired by the Celtics to honor the late Reggie Lewis, who tragically died while in the midst of his career.

There is meaning behind Dozier wearing #35, as he is the late Lewis’ cousin. While with the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, Dozier wore #35. Many saw this as a slight to former Thunder player Kevin Durant, who had previously left the team to sign with the Golden State Warriors. But as Dozier and the Thunder explained, he wanted to wear #35 to honor his late cousin.

Considering Lewis’ mother once gave the Celtics her blessing to un-retire #35 had Boston signed Kevin Durant, it should probably be well-received for a family member to don the retired number to honor a family member. Dozier has also been wearing #35 when he plays for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Gatorade League