Here’s everything awesome from Paul Pierce’s jersey retirement ceremony (Video)
By Josh Hill
Paul Pierce’s jersey is officially in the TD Garden rafters, and everyone is paying respect to The Truth.
In all the debates about whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James is the best player in NBA history, a lot is lost in the shuffle. Kobe Bryant is an afterthought in the conversation despite being one of the best players to ever play the game.
Ditto for Paul Pierce, a guy who in twenty years will be remembered as fondly as Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and other legends we fawn over today.
On Sunday in Boston, there was no need for great lengths of time to pass for folks to appreciate Pierce and his accomplishments. His jersey was retired by the Boston Celtics, an honor that has been bestowed upon only the greatest players to play for one of the most storied franchises in basketball history.
After Boston was absolutely obliterated by the new look Cleveland Cavaliers, fans stuck around for an hour-and-a-half ceremony where Pierce was honored. Everyone came out for the occasion, including former teammates Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo. Doc Rivers, who coached Pierce for most of his career, was also on hand to honor the legend.
Doc Rivers paid his respect to Pierce as part of the Celtics video tribute on Sunday:
Hey Paul Pierce, your BIG moment is finally here pic.twitter.com/UV8ZC9zX0C
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) February 11, 2018
Of course, Pierce’s son managed to steal the show:
Paul Pierce's son continues to steal the show. pic.twitter.com/OslhXQz5co
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) February 12, 2018
When it was all said and done, PIerce’s jersey became just the seventh to be retired by the Celtics.
Paul Pierce’s No. 34 goes up to the TD Garden rafters pic.twitter.com/b985TrhfkV
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 12, 2018
That’s not to be taken lightly, considering how historic the franchise has been for so long. Pierce was instrumental in helping the team crawl out of the 90s dungeon and into an era of prowess in the 00s.
It all culminated in a championship that Celtics fans still can’t stop thanking Pierce for helping deliver.
I've watched him play thousands of times. Growing up in Boston, he was part of the heart of the city. He bleeds green. Most importantly, he is The Truth... Paul Pierce. Thanks for the years! 34 forever yours. Wish I was home to celebrate! #BostonStrong
— Roxy Striar (@roxystriar) February 11, 2018
Congrats Paul Pierce! Miss seeing you suit up for the Celtics but that ceremony was beautiful! Thanks for everything! #Celtics #34
— Josh Ober (@itsallober) February 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/andmaxwasall/status/962842022758506496
Bill Russell was my grandad's Celtic. Larry Bird was my dad's. @paulpierce34 was mine. Thanks, Paul. For everything. #PaulPierce
— 15201 Maple Systems Road (@ElDu) February 11, 2018
Even Lakers legend took time to thank Pierce for all he did for the game, including riving the Los Angeles-Boston rivalry.
"You're going up as a champion."
— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2018
Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant speak on Paul Pierce's impact on the game! #ThankYouPaul
📺: #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/kDJFB6xLor
Pierce won’t be in the debate about MJ vs. LeBron, but that doesn’t mean his time in the NBA wasn’t legendary. He’s one of the greatest players to ever put on a Celtics jersey, and the contributions he made not only to the franchise but to the league during his career can’t be repaid enough.
Hanging his jersey in the rafters is about as close as we can get to paying Pierce back for all the joy he gave basketball fans over the course of his career.