Imo we have far too many retired numbers. Call me crazy, but I would want us to have just 3 numbers retired : #6, #33 and #35.
I mean, the C's are the most successful franchise in NBA history having won a record number of 17 championships. They have had 2 GOAT candidates playing for them. It's not like they are a team with no history striving to create idols/heroes for their fanbase. No reason for the C's to retire a players number, unless he is widely considered to be an absolute legend
and had spent the vast majority of his career with the team (if not his entire career). Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for what PP, KG, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Hondo, Tommy, Bob Cousy and all former greats have done for the C's. Having said that, Russ and Bird were at least one level above all those guys. Jersey retirement should be the ultimate honor, reserved for the best of the best. There should be a way to distinguish the ultimate legends/GOAT candidates from the all-time greats.
What I'd want us to do is what we have already done with Loscy : no jersey retirement for PP-KG-Kevin McHale-Robert Parish-Hondo-Tommy-Bob Cousy etc. but their name should be in the rafters.
(I would also put Chuck Cooper's name in the rafters.)
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15118575/paul-pierce-wants-boston-celtics-retire-pioneer-chuck-cooper-jersey-nbaOf course, that's just me. I totally get why the C's have decided to retire Pierce's number.