Chowder and Champions
Fansided

The 5 greatest Boston Celtics forwards of all time

By Dylan Woods

BOSTON - JUNE 17: A Boston Celtics flag is on the court after the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOSTON - JUNE 17: A Boston Celtics flag is on the court after the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Celtics Paul Pierce
(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

3. Paul Pierce 

Paul Pierce gets the edge over Kevin McHale because he was the focal point for 15 years. For over a decade, The Truth was the face of the Boston Celtics franchise. Through good times and bad, Pierce ultimately stayed in Boston and became the best player on an awesome championship team.

Other than Bird, Pierce was the most clutch Celtic of all-time. Per Elias Sports Bureau, he hit 156 buzzer beaters and 892 go ahead shots in the last minute. Opponents were terrified when No. 34 got the ball late.

Pierce also gets a bump because of the fact that these highlights will live on more than Heinsohn’s or McHale’s. All of his clutch shots will survive on YouTube forever whenever Celtics fans get a nostalgic twinge. Madison Square Garden 2010? *click*. 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7? *click*. It happens at least once a year.

Overall, Pierce lands at three because his Celtics only got one ring. As sad as it is to say, the Big Three+Rondo Celtics should have won more than one. Unfortunately, Ron World Peace and mistimed injuries created a different outcome.

Career achievements

Time spent with Celtics: 15 seasons.

Playoffs: 136 games, 20.9 PTS, 6.4 REB, 4.0 AST, 1.3 STL, 42 FG%, 34 3PT%, 1 ring, 2008 Finals MVP.

Post-Career: No.34 retired by Celtics, future front office role?

Memorable moments (take a deep breath): “The Truth“, dozens of clutch shots in the regular season, MSG game-winner over Stoudamire, 2009 Playoffs Game 5 game-winner  against Bulls, 2010 Playoffs game-winner against Heat, 4th quarter comeback in the 2002 ECF against the Nets, shot over Al Harrington in 2003 playoffs, “The Wheelchair Game“, leading huge comeback in 2008 NBA Finals Game 4 against Lakers, outdueling LeBron in 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7.

Raw stats: 1,102 games, 21.8 PTS, 6.0 REB, 3.9 AST, 1.4 STL, 45 FG%, 37 3PT%, 10-time All-Star, 3 3rd team All-NBA’s, 1 2nd team All-NBA.

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