Brad Wanamaker is getting his first crack at the NBA after spending years playing overseas. Although Wanamaker is a newcomer for the Boston Celtics, he'll be wearing a familiar number.

Wanamaker will don No. 9 for the Celtics, but this has nothing to do with the Celtics legend Rajon Rondo. Wanamaker pointed out that he chose this number simply because it was available and it had nothing to do with Rondo, per A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston.

There was clearly no disrespect aimed at the newly minted Laker. But at the same time, maybe it should be. The Celtics and the Lakers are hated rivals and Rondo has officially signed with the enemy.

Regardless, the No. 9 will always be tied to Rondo. The four-time All-Star played the best basketball of his career while in Beantown. He helped the Celtics bring home a championship and he'll always be most closely associated with the Celtics.

But Wanamaker isn't the first player to wear No. 9 since Rondo's departure. Xavier Silas and Jarell Eddie wore the number during the 2018 season. Demetrius Jackson also sported No. 9 during his brief stint with the Celtics.

No one has yet to live up to the legacy of Rondo and it's unlikely that Wanamaker will.

Wanamaker is coming over from the Turkish club Fenerbahce where he was an All-Star and the Turkish League Finals MVP. The Celtics are hoping he can fill a role off the bench and improve their already deep lineup.

Brad Stevens always seems to be able to get the best out of every player. It's safe to assume Wanamaker will be no different.