Boston Celtics power forward Paul Pierce.
progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – Paul Anthony Pierce, also known as Paul Pierce, is a Boston Celtics legend. He was born in California on October 13, 1977. He played power forward in the NBA for 19 seasons, 15 of which (1998 – 2013) were with the Boston Celtics, wearing jersey number 34.
Paul Pierce began his professional career after being selected 10th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1998 NBA Draft.
In 2002, Paul Pierce led the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals before being defeated by the New Jersey Nets. His playing record at that time was averaging 24,6 points, 8,6 rebounds, and 4,1 assists in the playoffs. He was also selected to the All-Star team for the first time, averaging 26,1 points per game.
After a tumultuous 2007-2008 regular season, the Boston Celtics finally made it to the NBA Finals, winning their 17th championship. Paul Pierce averaged 21,8 points, 4,5 rebounds, and 6,3 assists in the Finals. He was also named the 2008 NBA Finals MVP in his first NBA Finals appearance.
Paul Pierce was also a ten-time NBA All-Star who tore apart the NBA for the Boston Celtics. His offensive game was flawless. He was a master at breaking through defenses, a threat from the three-point line, and a specialist in mid-range shooting. He was nicknamed “The Truth” by retired Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal after he scored 42 points against the Lakers in 2001.
Paul Pierce’s career was also marked by consistent excellence, steady improvement, and key moments of brilliance, as well as his pivotal role in reviving the Boston Celtics franchise.
He increased his scoring average in each of his first four seasons, culminating in his first All-Star selection in 2002 with an average of 26,1 points per game.
His impact was immediate, with rookie averages of 16,5 points and a 41% three-point shooting percentage. This signaled to the Boston Celtics that they had indeed found a gem in the first round of the draft.
Boston Celtics power forward Paul Pierce.
Paul Pierce is a complete offensive player with the ability to score from anywhere on the court. His ability to create his own shot, coupled with a lethal three-point shot and a knack for free throws, makes him one of the most difficult players to defend in the league. Pierce’s game isn’t just about scoring. He’s also a formidable passer and a strong rebounder for his position.
It’s no surprise, then, that he ranks in the top 10 in Boston Celtics history for total points, rebounds, and assists—a feat only four other players have matched in the history of this legendary franchise.
Paul Pierce even hit 13 shots to take the lead in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime throughout his career. This remarkable ability places him in the top 7 all-time.
With the Boston Celtics, he played a total of 45.768 minutes (including playoffs), making him the third-most in minutes played by a player behind only John Havlicek and Bill Russell.
In 2010, Paul Pierce led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals again, facing his idol team, the Los Angeles Lakers. They lost 3-4 in seven games. The Lakers eventually equaled the Boston Celtics’ record of 17 NBA championships.
After 15 seasons with the Boston Celtics, the 2,01 m tall- player was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013. A year later, he moved to the Washington Wizards and eventually joined the LA Clippers for two seasons before retiring.
Paul Pierce’s inclusion in the Boston Celtics’ 75th Anniversary All-Celtics Team also cemented his place in the franchise’s illustrious history. He stands alongside legends like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and John Havlicek as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Boston Celtics’ green.
Boston Celtics power forward Paul Pierce.
The journey from LA Lakers fan to Boston Celtics legend is a testament to his skill, adaptability, and competitive spirit. “The Truth” truly lived up to his nickname, leaving an indelible mark on the game of basketball and securing his place among the NBA’s all-time greats.
Paul Pierce recorded 26.397 points, 7.527 rebounds, and 4.708 assists over 19 seasons. At the time of his retirement, he ranked in the top five in more than a dozen statistical categories for the Boston Celtics.
As a token of gratitude, on Sunday night, February 11, 2018, the Boston Celtics held a special ceremony to retire his number 34 jersey before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Boston Celtics raised the number to the rafters to honor his service and to place it alongside the numbers of other Boston Celtics legends.
Afterward, Paul Pierce raised the Larry O’Brien trophy—the NBA championship trophy—he won in 2008 among the fans. The fans immediately cheered and chanted: “Thank you, Paul Pierce!”
“When you’re forever with the Celtics, you’re forever,” Paul Pierce said at the ceremony, as quoted by ESPN.
Paul Pierce became the 22nd player to have his number retired by the Boston Celtics. Now, his number 34 lives on the court as a recognized legend. Paul Pierce certainly has reason to be proud, as his service will be remembered forever. Los Angeles Clippers head coach and former Boston Celtics coach who led the team to the 2008 championship, Doc River knows this all too well.
“In basketball, I don’t think there’s any other place you’d choose to have your number retired. It’s definitely Boston,” River said at the time. (Bembo)
