The Ifs and Buts Sports Barbershop

NBA Talk, Uncategorized — admin @ 10:50 am

 

by Clint Lomax

I thought I’d write a quick article on Paul “The Truth” Pierce enlight of the 2 game mini sweep of the Miami Heat (so far). I probably would not have if it wasn’t for his recent tweet mocking Lebron’s infamous “The Decision” quote: “It’s been a pleasure to bring my talents to south beach now on to Memphis.” There has not been a day that I have not liked Paul Pierce since he hit the NBA. I followed him at Kansas, but he reminded me of Ohio State standout Evan Turner. With a bumper crop of Kentucky Wildcats already on the storied Boston Celtics (Antoine Walker, Ron Mercer, Walter McCarty), Pierce was the 3^rd leading scorer his rookie year with 16 points per game (ppg). For the next 11 years Pierce would go on to average 22.5 ppg along with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Pierce has been known as one of the most complete NBA players going today. Hence the nickname “The Truth”. I don’t know when he received that nickname, but in my opinion it fits!

On other little known fact is Pierce is one of only seven players to play more than 10 years with the same team as of 1995. The other players (off the top of my head): Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Adonal Foyle, Jeff Foster, and Michael Redd. I know what you’re thinking…….ADONAL FOYLE! LOL, I was thinking the same thing. As time went on for Pierce, he became the poster child for all that was wrong with the Celtics Win/Loss record. Even with all the clutch shots and ironman-type performances, he was being saddled as a superstar that will never win a ring.

Enter Doc Rivers and what would be known as the modern day “Big 3” (Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen). The first two season under Rivers, the Celtics did not break the 40 win mark! Going into the 07-08’ season, the choice was fire Doc Rivers or trade Paul Pierce to a contender for quality players. Thankfully for Doc Rivers and Boston Celtic fans, Danny Ainge pulled the trigger on a trades that brought Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to Boston. The rest is history!

 

 

The last thing I can leave you doubters with is….. don’t sleep on Paul Pierce!

 

Twitter: mjlover23