Where Does Paul Pierce Rank Among Greatest All Time Celtics?

Legendary Boston Globe Sports Writer Bob Ryan has called Paul Pierce the best pure scorer in the history of the Boston Celtics franchise. For many a Larry Bird fan, this would be consider blasphemy, since those who watched Bird over the years saw times when he simply scored at will and could completely control the game by his place.

Nevertheless, when looking at Paul Pierce's career, he is now second on the Boston Celtics career scoring list, behind only John Havlicek. So, the question remains, as an all-time Celts great where is The Truth?

Of course, when evaluating the all time Celtics players, one automatically thinks of Larry Bird. Bird personified the Celtics of the 1980s: hardworking and unselfish, the consumate teammate. Bill Russell for people of an earlier generation is the person who might be considered the greatest Celtic. Russell was the ultimate winner, not as flashy or prolific as Wilt Chamberlain, but a winner of 10 world titles, including 2 as player/coach after Red Auerbach retired from the bench.

John Havlicek belongs on the list as well. He was also a part of those great championship winning teams and was the first option scorer. There are a host of other great Celtics players like Bob Cousy, Dennis Johnson, Kevin McHale, Tiny Archibald, to name only a few.

Paul Pierce became the first scoring option on an NBA title winning team in 2008 and on a runner up team in 2010. He has been with the Celtics franchise for his entire career, a rare accomplishment in modern sports.

Because of the winning of Havlicek, Russell and Cousy, and the fact that Cousy and Bird were each generational players for the way the transformed and revolutionized the game with their innovative style, these four would likely be considered to be the four greatest Celtics. Paul Pierce comes in at number 5 on the list of greatest Celtics of all time.