Paul Pierce dominated the NBA during his prime, averaging 21.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on 44% shooting for the Celtics.
And while it has been years since Pierce played his final game, he is still finding ways to make headlines around the association.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, the Celtics legend spoke on a number of different subjects, including LeBron James, the Dallas Mavericks, and his infamous Instagram Live session that got him fired from ESPN.
“Come on, I didn’t do anything illegal,” the forward said. “These motherf—–s in the Hall of Fame, some did [cocaine], f—ing battery. What the f— did I do? I was just having a good time. All the people coming after me, half you motherf—–s do the same s—. You’re just hiding it. And you all are married while you’re doing it. I’m divorced. I’m retired. I’m having fun.”
He also talked about his former coach, Doc Rivers, who apparently wanted him to be a bit more passive during his run in Boston.
Speaking bluntly, Pierce described why he scoffed at the request.
“People wouldn’t believe how often we argued,” says Celtics star said He recalls countless meetings with Rivers and Ainge that led to heated arguments about his shot selection.
They were always telling me how to play,” says Pierce. “They wanted me to pass the ball more. Well, who did they want me to pass it to? Jirˇ i Welsch? S—, I’d rather take a bad shot than pass it to Jiri Welsch.”
Shaquille O’Neal nicknamed Pierce “The Truth” back in 2001 after being impressed by his amazing 41-point performance
“My name is Shaquille O’Neal and Paul Pierce is the motherf***ing truth. Quote me on that and don’t take nothing out. I knew he could play, but I didn’t know he could play like this. Paul Pierce is The Truth.”
Nowadays, “the Truth” can take on a different meaning.
Over the past few years especially, Pierce has not been shy about expressing himself and saying whatever’s on his mind.
In regards to his past, we’re finally understanding some of his motivations, and it’s clear he was never lacking in self-confidence.
