The Los Angeles Lakers, a storied franchise in the NBA, have seen 506 players don their colors since their inception. Among them, Smush Parker holds a unique place in history. Exciting yet flawed, Parker's two-season stint with the Lakers in the mid-2000s showcased his potential, beginning with a promising start where he scored over 20 points in three of his first four games. However, inconsistency marred his performance.

Known for his athleticism but lacking polish, Parker's career peaked during a nail-biting playoff game against the Phoenix Suns, where he hit a crucial three-pointer that helped swing the game in favor of the Lakers. His averages with the Lakers include 11.3 points and notable contributions before being replaced in the starting lineup. His journey continued with stints at other teams, but his time in L.A. remains a blend of promise and unfulfilled potential.

Tony Parker’s illustrious NBA career, highlighted by four championships with the San Antonio Spurs, came to a bittersweet conclusion with the Charlotte Hornets. His stint in Charlotte, marked by a two-year contract, lacked the championship aspirations he was accustomed to. With the Hornets struggling for relevance in a league focused on superteams, Parker's role shifted from star player to mentor. He expressed the challenge of finding motivation within a team not built for playoff contention, ultimately leading to his retirement after just one season.

The Milwaukee Bucks have made significant moves in the offseason by waiving star point guard Damian Lillard, clearing space for free-agent center Myles Turner. This decision, backdated to July 6, allows the Bucks to stretch Lillard's $113 million contract over five years, lowering this year's cap hit to $22.5 million. Lillard's injury history, including a torn Achilles, influenced this move despite his impressive contributions, including an All-Star MVP title in 2024 and a 2025 NBA Cup championship.

Additionally, the Bucks waived Vasilije Micic, who was involved in multiple trades, and Chris Livingston, freeing up $2.2 million in salary cap space. These strategic decisions reflect the Bucks' intent to reshape their roster and bolster their championship aspirations moving forward.

The Boston Celtics are navigating a transformative offseason, aiming to redefine their team identity while managing their salary cap constraints. Recently, they welcomed Anfernee Simons, a sharpshooter from the Portland Trail Blazers, and Georges Niang, known for his perimeter shooting rather than defensive prowess. These additions raise questions about whether the Celtics will continue to prioritize an offensive-heavy strategy or if these moves represent a temporary pivot in their approach.

In a recent discussion on their 'Ticket and the Truth' podcast, Celtics legends Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce examined the implications of these roster changes and the potential evolution of the Celtics' competitive identity. As Boston seeks to assemble a contender, their insights may offer valuable perspectives on the balance between offensive firepower and overall team cohesion.

The Boston Celtics have seen their share of players don jersey No. 20, with Jabari Parker being the most recent to sport it during the 2021-22 NBA season. Drafted second overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014, Parker's career has taken him through teams like the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings before landing in Boston. During his time with the Celtics, he averaged 5.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, making a moderate impact on the court. The Celtics’ jersey history is rich, with 68 different numbers worn across generations, showcasing the talent and legacy of the franchise.