Boston Celtics:Marquis Daniels Quest For a Jersey and The Number 13

A number is an arbitrary thing, but human nature forces us to place a significant amount of value into it.  There are celebrations for birthdays, anniversaries, numbers that have value only to that individual and special holidays that are celebrated world wide such as New Year's Eve.

Dictionary.com has so many meanings for the word number that it makes you wonder...Do we really need so many?

Numbers have, and always will be a part of the human psyche and the way we view things.

Rumour has it that Marquis Daniel's is looking for a number to wear after he signs with Boston.  The one number he should avoid is the number 13.

This number has been associated with mythological mysticism or holiness. More often than not its reputation for bad luck overrides any other significant meaning.

In Norse folklore it speaks of Loki's betrayal of the god Baldur (god of nobility).  Loki gave Hoor, who killed Baldur, the spear to complete the evil deed.  Loki was the uninvited 13th guest at Baldur's dinner celebration.

There are few players taken with the 13th pick whose names can jog a fan's memory.

The most recognized names taken at that position were Chuck Cooper, Mitch Kupchak, Hal Greer, Jim Cleamons, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Richard Jefferson.  Cleamons is mentioned only because of his association with Phil Jackson as an assistant coach.

Historically, the Boston Celtics have never had the 13th pick in the draft. The closest they have ever been is the 11th and 12th pick. 

They have had players who have worn the No. 13 jersey for the green.  None of which were all-stars.  The local Boston product Dana Barros has managed to make himself a quasi-celebrity in gang green circles.  He currently plays a role within the organization. 

The most unfortunate wearer of that number for the green was Charles Smith.  Smith was the precursor to Rondo.  A scatterbug of a guard who could get to the basket at will, cause havoc on the defensive end, and create for his teammates.  He was part of the hey-day of Hoya-mania at the University of Georgetown and made the First Team All- Rookie team during the 1988-89 season. 

A momentary lapse on the Boston University Bridge changed the course of his life and NBA career forever. He was sent to jail for vehicular manslaughter.

Delonte West would end up with the most freakish of injuries and Gabe Pruitt's tenure ended with the Celtics after declining to pick up his rookie option.

Marquis, Boston understands that it doesn't have many numbers for you to choose from.  There are other numbers still available to you such as: 7, 8, 26,  and 36 to name a few.  Just stay away from the now vacated number 13.