Remember Erick Strickland? A Look Back at Celtics Jersey No. 20 and His Brief but Notable Run
A Forgotten Celtic: Erick Strickland and Jersey No. 20
The Boston Celtics boast a rich and storied history, filled with legendary players and iconic jersey numbers. While names like Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Paul Pierce immediately spring to mind, there are many players who, though less celebrated, contributed to the team's legacy. One such player is Erick Strickland, who briefly donned jersey No. 20 for the Celtics during the 2001-02 season. Let's take a look back at his time in green and white.
Strickland's Career Overview
Erick Strickland enjoyed a solid, if unspectacular, 11-year NBA career. Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1993, he showcased a versatile skillset as a guard, capable of scoring, passing, and defending. He played for several teams including the Hornets, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, and the Atlanta Hawks before arriving in Boston.
His Season with the Celtics (2001-02)
Strickland’s stint with the Celtics was relatively short, but he provided valuable depth to a team striving for contention. He wore jersey No. 20 exclusively during that season. While he wasn’t a star, his experience and ability to contribute in various roles made him a useful asset for coach Jim O’Brien. During his time in Boston, Strickland averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. These stats, while not eye-popping, reflect his role as a reliable role player within the team's system.
Why Jersey No. 20?
The story behind Strickland choosing jersey No. 20 isn't widely documented, but it's interesting to consider the history of that number within the Celtics organization. While not as iconic as some other numbers, it hasn’t been retired and represents a less-remembered chapter in Celtics history. It's a reminder that even players with shorter tenures can play a part in the team's overall narrative.
A Look at the Celtics That Season
The 2001-02 Celtics team featured a mix of veterans and young talent, including Antoine Walker, Paul Pierce, and Kenny Anderson. They finished with a record of 49-33, making the playoffs as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. While they ultimately fell short of a championship run, the season was marked by competitive play and the emergence of Pierce as a rising star.
Conclusion: Remembering a Role Player
Erick Strickland's time with the Boston Celtics may not be the most memorable in franchise history, but his contributions shouldn’t be forgotten. Jersey No. 20 represents a small but significant piece of the Celtics' past – a testament to the many players who have donned the green and white and helped shape the team's legacy. He was a solid professional who understood his role and contributed to a team striving for success. So, the next time you're reminiscing about Celtics history, take a moment to remember Erick Strickland and his brief but notable run in jersey No. 20.