The 5 greatest Boston Celtics forwards of all time
By Dylan Woods
Throughout Boston Celtics history, there have been dozens of great players and transcendent talents. Today, it’s time to decide the five greatest forwards in Boston’s illustrious 72 years as a franchise.
In 2018, the Boston Celtics put No. 34 in the rafters. Fifteen seasons and one championship later, Paul Pierce’s legendary career was immortalized alongside the other Boston greats. Now, Pierce’s name will be spoken in the same sentences as Bill Russell, Larry Bird, John Havlicek, Dave Cowens, Bob Cousy and Kevin McHale.
Naturally, the Truth’s jersey retirement served as an excuse to discuss memorable games, laugh over old stories, and most importantly create new angles on takes. Should Kevin Garnett get his number retired next? Does Ray Allen hate Paul Pierce? Did the Big 3 Celtics underachieve by only winning one title?
Somehow, none of these questions led to the hottest take of the weekend.
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Robert Parish, Boston’s starting center for 14 years in the 80s, had this to say about Paul Pierce in comparison to his once teammate Larry Bird.
"“I just feel like Paul was more creative. He was a better scorer then say Larry or John Havlicek. I think Havlicek and Larry and Paul were probably the best offensive players that the Celtics ever had. I think Paul tops that list, in my opinion."
Wow! Out of nowhere from the Chief!
Even in this day and age where shock value trumps all, I never thought I’d see the day when Parish turned to the dark side. No one is safe these days.
*Spoiler Alert* Paul Pierce was not better than Bird, not offensively and not defensively. Sorry Paul, but at least you have plenty of company. 99.9% of NBA players are not better than Bird.
Still, the question must be asked: Where does Pierce rank on the list of greatest Boston Celtics forwards of all time? Despite not being better than one of the greatest players in history, he had an amazing career. Sooner rather than later, the Truth will have another ceremony at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.