Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Selecting the Boston Celtics All-Time starting lineup

By Justin Trombino

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 13: A member of the Celtics dancers performs before the game between the Boston Celtics and the LA Clippers at TD Garden on February 13, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 13: A member of the Celtics dancers performs before the game between the Boston Celtics and the LA Clippers at TD Garden on February 13, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Paul Pierce (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Paul Pierce (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Paul Pierce – Power Forward

The Boston Celtics selected Paul Pierce 10th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft. Little did they know at the time, Pierce would end up becoming the C’s franchise player for the next 15 years.

Pierce spent his first 15 seasons with the Celtics and averaged 21.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game for his career in Boston. He is the franchise leader in 3-point field goals (1823), free throws (7979), and steals (1583).

“The Truth” is also one of three players in Boston Celtics history to surpass 20,000 carer points, including both Larry Bird and John Havlicek. He ranks top 10 all time in games (1102), minutes played (40,360), field goals (7,882), total rebounds (6,651), assists (4,305), blocks (668), and points (24,021).

Paul Pierce's 3 greatest games in a Celtics' uniform. light. Related Story

Pierce took over for Antoine Walker and became the face of the Celtics franchise for pretty much his entire career. Along the course of doing so, the former team Captain was a 10-time NBA All-Star (2002-2006, 2008-2012), NBA 3-point Shootout Champion (2010), and made the NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998).

It’s worth mentioning that Pierce was part of the early years of the Boston Celtics in the late 90’s that included Rick Pitino and Jim O’Brein as head coaches for 3 years each before Doc Rivers took over in 2004.

In the creation of the Big Three that brought Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to Boston in 2008, Pierce was responsible for bringing banner 17 to the rafters of the TD Garden. He earned Finals MVP by averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game in the Finals (six games).

Pierce, The Truth, and The Captain is who many people associate the Boston Celtics with. And rightfully so. He brought the last championship to Boston in ‘08, as well as the team’s last appearance in the Finals in 2010. But he will be remembered for being a fierce competitor until the end of his career.

Pierce’s No. 34 is retired by the Boston Celtics.

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