Paul Pierce

The Truth — Boston Celtics legend and one of the finest clutch performers in NBA history.

Paul Anthony Pierce was born in Oakland, California in 1977 and attended the University of Kansas before Boston Celtics selected him tenth overall in the 1998 NBA Draft. His 19-season career produced one NBA championship (2008) and Finals MVP in the same year. He spent 15 seasons with the Celtics — making him the franchise's second-longest tenured player behind John Havlicek — and scored 26,397 career points. He earned the nickname The Truth from Shaquille O'Neal following a 42-point performance against the Lakers in 2001. He was selected to 10 All-Star games. His 2007-08 season with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen produced Boston's 17th championship, ending a 22-year drought. He was named Finals MVP after averaging 21.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game against the Lakers. His late-career move to the Brooklyn Nets — alongside Garnett and Jason Terry — was intended to form another contender but injuries disrupted the project. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. His number 34 was retired by the Celtics.

Versatile scorer, clutch shooter, strong post game, leadership

Hall of Fame forward, Celtics legend, one of greatest clutch players

• NBA Champion
• Finals MVP
• All-Star 10x
• All-NBA Second Team 4x