Fansided

Paul Pierce argues Celtics should trade No. 1 pick in NBA Draft

By Corey Francis

Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) kisses the parquet floor one last time during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) kisses the parquet floor one last time during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics won the NBA Draft Lottery, thanks to former player Paul Pierce. Now, he thinks they should trade the pick.

It is one of the rarest of feats to be accomplished in sports. On Sunday, the Boston Celtics, the top team in the NBA Eastern Conference, won Game 7 and moved on to the Conference Finals. Tuesday night, they received the top overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. All of this thanks to former Celtics great, Paul Pierce.

Yes. Credit Pierce, who has not played for the Celtics since the 2012-13 season, for the team’s continued success. At least for part of it. How? Well, because he left.

On July 12, 2013, the Celtics sent Pierce along with Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, and D.J. White to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, Boston received the 2016 and 2018 first round picks. This allowed the Celtics to draft small forward Jaylen Brown and James Young. Plus, it freed up cap space to go after Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford.

The Nets finished the 2016-17 season with the NBA’s worst record, winning only 20 games. That gave them the most chances to win the top pick in the draft lottery. They did. And, because of the trade, Boston used their option to swap with the Nets and take this year’s top selection.


But Pierce — nicknamed The Truth for his clutch performances — thinks the Celtics should trade the pick.

In a talking segment on ESPN’s The Jump on Wednesday, Pierce said the pick should be traded for Paul George, Jimmy Bulter, or Gordon Heyward. It is his belief that veteran players of the caliber mentioned are ready to perform and take the Celtics to their peak. Incoming rookies, like projected No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz, need time to adjust. Plus, do they really want to deal with LaVar Ball?

Next: 5 lottery teams that should be calling the Chicago Bulls about Jimmy Butler

You have to admit, The Truth speaks truth. With the Cleveland Cavaliers still considered the top team in the NBA Eastern Conference, the Celtics need players that have produced, and will continue to do so. Not sure any rookie will fit. The Celtics have a tough choice to make.

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