Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce was selected by the Boston Celtics with the tenth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. Pierce was a standout at the University of Kansas, where he was named a consensus First Team All-American his junior year. After declaring for the NBA draft, Celtics fans were excited to have Pierce, nicknamed 'The Truth', join the storied franchise. Pierce rapidly became a key player for Boston, establishing himself as a strong forward with excellent scoring ability, and contributed to the team's success through steadfast performances.

On June 17, 2008, Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Pierce was named the NBA Finals MVP after putting up stellar performances, including a renowned Game 1 where he returned from a knee injury to lead the Celtics to victory. This championship was Boston's first in 22 years, and Pierce's leadership on the court played a pivotal role. His contributions were celebrated as he averaged 21.8 points per game throughout the series.

The Boston Celtics traded Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets on June 28, 2013, in a blockbuster deal that also included Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry. This trade marked the end of an era for the Celtics, where Pierce had been a central figure for 15 seasons. In exchange, the Celtics received several players and three future first-round draft picks. For the Nets, the acquisition of Pierce was aimed at creating a super team capable of contending for the title, but it was also seen as a financial gamble due to the players' salaries and ages.

On July 17, 2014, Paul Pierce, after spending a single season with the Brooklyn Nets, signed a two-year contract with the Washington Wizards. This move was seen as part of the Wizards' push to add veteran leadership and experience to their young roster. Pierce brought his championship pedigree and clutch playoff performances to a team looking to make deeper runs in the postseason. During his time with the Wizards, Pierce was known for his on-court wisdom and crucial contributions in key playoff games, reinforcing his reputation as 'The Truth'.

Paul Pierce joined the Los Angeles Clippers on June 27, 2015, reuniting with his former coach Doc Rivers. The Clippers signed him to bring experience and depth to their roster, hoping his veteran presence would enhance their playoff competitiveness. Pierce was excited to play in his native California after a long career on the East Coast. Though his athletic prime was behind him, Pierce still offered valuable mentorship to younger players and could provide needed scoring during pivotal moments due to his well-known clutch ability.

Paul Pierce officially retired from the NBA on July 17, 2017. He signed a ceremonial contract with the Boston Celtics, allowing him to retire as a member of the franchise where he spent the majority of his career. This gesture recognized his profound impact and contributions to the team over a glorious 19-year NBA career. Throughout his tenure, Pierce left an indelible mark on the Celtics and the league, celebrated for his iconic leadership, scoring talent, and ability to perform under pressure.

On February 11, 2018, the Boston Celtics retired Paul Pierce's jersey number 34 in a ceremony held at TD Garden. This honor celebrated Pierce's legacy as one of the greatest players in Celtics history. Over 15 seasons with the team, Pierce scored more than 20,000 points and played in ten All-Star Games. His contributions to the Celtics' 2008 Championship and numerous playoff runs solidified his standing as a franchise icon. The retirement of his number ensured that no Celtic will wear it again, immortalizing his legacy in Boston.

Paul Pierce was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on May 16, 2021. Known as 'The Truth', Pierce's career spanned 19 seasons in the NBA, highlighted by being a 10-time All-Star and the 2008 NBA Finals MVP. His influence on the game extended beyond statistics, as he was revered for his clutch play and leadership on one of the NBA's most storied franchises, the Boston Celtics. His Hall of Fame induction was a testament to his impact on basketball and affirmed his status as one of the all-time greats.