The Boston Celtics have seen a variety of players don the No. 21 jersey throughout their history, with Jack Foley being one of the less recognized. Drafted 18th overall in 1962 after a standout college career at Holy Cross, Foley had a brief stint with the Celtics, playing only five games before being traded to the New York Knicks. During his time with Boston, he averaged 4.8 points and 1.5 assists per game.

This exploration into the Celtics' jersey history reveals not only the notable stars who have worn No. 21 but also the lesser-known figures like Foley, illustrating the depth of talent that has passed through the franchise. The Celtics have had a total of 68 different jersey numbers worn by over 500 players, with 25 of those numbers now retired in honor of their legacy.

Larry Bird, a legendary force for the Boston Celtics, faced a series of injuries starting from the late 1980s that ultimately impacted his performance and career. Despite surgeries and a strong pain threshold, Bird struggled to maintain the level of excellence expected of him. Teammate Danny Ainge noted the toll these injuries took during critical playoff seasons, particularly in 1988 against the Detroit Pistons. The Celtics, without their star, found it challenging to advance and faced early playoff exits.

The 1980s marked a great era for the Celtics, but the signs of decline were evident as Bird's back issues and other injuries began to emerge. Although he attempted a comeback in 1989, it became clear that Bird's best days were behind him. His retirement in 1992 capped off a remarkable career, but also underscored the physical sacrifices made for success on the court.

Caitlin Clark is rapidly establishing herself as a dominant force in the WNBA, particularly in her second season with the Indiana Fever. NBA coach Doc Rivers has openly declared her as potentially the biggest superstar in basketball, citing her ability to elevate her teammates’ performance and her thrilling play style. Clark's influence was evident in a recent high-profile game against the New York Liberty, which attracted over 2.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched WNBA games. In her current season, she averages an impressive 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, leading the Fever in both points and assists.

Rivers's endorsement of Clark not only underscores her rising stardom but also reflects the increasing visibility and popularity of the WNBA. As the Fever continue to showcase Clark's talents, her performance could pave the way for more fans and players to engage with women's basketball. Clark's trajectory suggests she could become one of the most recognized athletes in the U.S., drawing comparisons to established stars in the NBA.

The 2025 NBA Draft is drawing near, and the Dallas Mavericks, after winning the lottery, are expected to select Cooper Flagg, the standout freshman from Duke, as the top pick. Following them, the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets will also be closely evaluating prospects. Speculation is rife, especially concerning the Hornets, as a projected lottery pick has stated he will not workout for them, citing concerns about playing alongside LaMelo Ball. While Flagg leads the list, other top prospects include Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and Tre Johnson. Ball's career has faced challenges primarily due to injuries, limiting him to only 231 games out of 400 in his five seasons.

The Philadelphia 76ers are strategically contemplating their No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, with a particular focus on standout prospects. Initially, Rutgers forward Ace Bailey was seen as the leading candidate. However, recent buzz suggests that Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe has become the frontrunner following a promising private workout with the team, leaving a significant impression on management.

Edgecombe's talents, including his impressive averages of 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during his lone college season, combine with his defensive prowess, marked by 2.1 steals per game. Experts believe his adaptability, especially in a fast-paced offense, could complement established players like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, enhancing the Sixers' offensive dynamic. While Bailey is still in the conversation, Edgecombe's recent rise indicates a shifting priority for Philadelphia, hinting at a possible pivot to secure talent with immense upside.