With the Boston Celtics 2012-2013 season opening next Tuesday, October 30th, against the reigning NBA Champion Miami Heat, it’s safe to assume most are excited about the season’s start. But this post is not about a start, rather a tale of Celtics great Paul Pierce’ career coming to a close. And it will be sooner than you think.
Unfortunately a sports career in Boston is not measured by blood, sweat, tears, determination, and heart. It’s primarily based upon numbers, accomplishments, awards, and, most importantly, championships. Luckily for Pierce, he’s given all the above and more to Beantown. Let’s recap what “The Truth” has revealed in his 14 year NBA career:
- NBA Championship in 2008 against “the team from LA who shall not be named”
- NBA Finals MVP
- 10 time NBA All-Star
- 2nd all-time in C’s history for points scored with 22,591 for his career trailing only the great John Havlicek (Pierce ranks 25th in NBA for All-time scorers)
- 2nd all-time for steals in C’s history with 1,499
- 5th all-time in C’s history for assists
- 7th all-time in rebounds for C’s with 6,164
- Has helped lead the C’s to the playoffs 9 times including two NBA Finals appearances (both coming against LA , losing to LA in 10′)
- 2,728 post-season points, 835 post-season rebounds, 175 post-season steals, 506 post-season assists
- 6 career triple-doubles (the last one coming against the Indiana Pacers on December 19th, 2010)
At 35-years-old and coming back from a sprained MCL from last year’s playoffs, Pierce will likely have one last season (this year) left in the tank. With that said, Pierce would be wise to hang it up after this season. Granted, this is just a prediction, as Pierce is under contract with the Celtics through the 2013-2014 season. I’m curious though, what do the fans think? Will Pierce retire one year early or will the “The Truth” be set free when his contract expires? Comment in the section below.
Boston Sports Blog 
I doubt he retires. He does have an option in his contract (which he already told NESN he intends to play out fully). The only way he does retire is if somehow KG opts out of his contract or he gets injured real bad. He deserves more than anyone to retire with the C’s but it won’t happen just yet. Even if Green becomes good enough to start, Paul Pierce could win 6th man of the year award and has more experience than anyone on our team other than KG.
They Didnt it make it to the finals in 09. They lost to the lakers in 2010.
Thanks for the heads up, we changed it
My apologies on the statistical error. Won’t happen again. Completely forgot the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic in 09′. Thanks for catching it. I hope you enjoyed the post. I personally hope Pierce plays out his contract and retires in a C’s uniform.