FV Flashback: Paul Pierce turns 40 years old
The Truth never had the explosiveness associated with most stars, but what he lacked in bounce he made up for with a crafty offensive arsenal and surprisingly seamless athleticism.
Paul Pierce was drafted by the Celtics in the first round of the 1998 draft and overachieved right from the beginning. He improved his game each year, learning to play with his back to the basket, create his own offense and beat defenders with unconventional handles.
From tenth overall to perennial Allstar, Pierce never gave up on the Celtics, even when they continued to usher in losing seasons year after year. His loyalty was finally rewarded in the 2007 offseason when Boston brought in superstars Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.
Together, the association’s premiere big three fit together like the pieces of a perfect puzzle and took the league by storm. Behind the leadership of the seasoned veterans, the Celtics won the title in the trio’s first year and cemented their place in NBA folklore.
Although they never found the same success they had in the 2007-2008 season, the triumvirate of stars led Boston to six straight playoff berths and two NBA Finals. Before the Celtics championship roster was disbanded, the Truth took home the 2008 Finals MVP, five Allstar appearances, two All-NBA team nominations, one NBA Three-Point Shootout Championship and the second most points in Celtics history with 24,021 points in 15 seasons.
Pierce retired this offseason, but he won’t soon be forgotten. The elite scorer’s Finals heroics and silky smooth moves will live in countless highlight reels forever.
Long live The Truth.
