Oh Captain, My Captain
by Greg Payne on Mar 25, 2010 7:19 AM EDT
in Boston Celtics Articles
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PrintPaul Pierce is my guy, through and through. I'm 20 years old, so I grew up during a time when it wasn't cool to be a Celtics fan. But when I was eight years old, a pretty cool thing did happen: The Celtics drafted Pierce. And that's when my experience as a Celtics fan really began. He was my first sports hero. My first superstar. And because he's basically defined my tenure as a fan of this team, he will never be topped in my mind. Sure, another young stud could crop up three years after Pierce retires, and I'll probably love watching him play as much as I love watching Rajon Rondo play right now. But no Celtics player, for the rest of my life, will compare to Paul Pierce. They say you never forget your first love. Well, in sports, I say you never forget your first superstar.
I bring this up only because Pierce put in another vintage performance against the Denver Nuggets last night: 27 points on 10-16 shooting, 7-7 from the free throw line, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a blocked shot. And I suppose, as I break into the third decade of my life, I'm really trying to appreciate performances like these, especially now, given the fact that we're ever so steadily glancing down the road towards the end of Pierce's career. He's 32, going on 33 later this year, so yes, the end is drawing closer, season by season. It's a horrific thought for me, personally, but it's something I'm going to have to come to terms with eventually.
But not right now. Because, at 32, he's clearly still more than capable of putting in these superstar performances. And I'm going to cherish every one of them. Because back when I was 10, 11, and 12, I obviously took performances like these from Pierce for granted. I expected them, and more often than not, he delivered. Retirement? What the heck is retirement? Surely, Pierce would play forever. And then, of course, as you get older, reality sets in.
But boy, did last night bring me back. It wasn't just the fact that he went toe-to-toe with Carmelo Anthony, and (in my eyes won the matchup) scored 27 points. It's how he did it. And it's always been about how he does it. Between getting out on the fast break and turning Rondo's assists into easy buckets, the put-the-shoulder-down relentless drives to the hoop - often culminating in a foul, a difficult layup and a foul, or a difficult layup and a lack of a call - and the myriad of step-back jumpers that are virtually unguardable, Pierce's game has been captivating to watch.
Sure, Denver isn't a great defensive team, but let's not belittle the fact that Pierce was absolutely in the zone from the opening tip last night. He scored 14 of his 27 in the first quarter, but at the rate he was scoring, it seemed like more than that - like he was just pouring in the points against any helpless defender the Nuggets threw at him. He stuck step-back jumpers in Melo's grill, scored on easy layups in transition, and made his free throws when he exploded to the hoop. It was classic Paul Pierce. And once you know he has at least six points, you start to keep the running tally in your head. Okay, he gets fouled. He makes the first. That's seven. He makes the second. That's eight. And on, and on.
So then he retreats to the bench for a break around the quarters, and if him scoring relentlessly isn't evidence enough of his will to win, he gets up on his feet and applauds the efforts of Glen Davis attempting to corral and eventually diving for an offensive rebound. That's another thing about Paul Pierce that makes him Paul Pierce. You never doubt his will to win. Ever. Not every kid had the privilege of growing up with superstars like that (see bitter fans of Carter, Vince).
And now you're just waiting for him to return to the game, because it's so much fun watching him just score, and score, and score. So he comes back in, blocks a Carmelo Anthony shot attempt, sprints down the middle of the floor, takes a Ray Allen pass, considers shooting a wide-open three-pointer, before deciding to stick his head down and make a tough drive to the hoop, where he puts in a contested layup.
But then of course, the referees come into play, and take Pierce out of it. He was called for his third foul of the game with 4:05 left in the second quarter. Based on the way he was scoring at that point (he had 16 at the time), there was no reason to think he couldn't put in 20-25 points by halftime. Which would have been great to watch. So, naturally, I erupt when I realize he's been called for his third foul. I scream, "NO!", and it's not a simple one-syllable burst. Instead, think Spider-Man 2 when Mary Jane Watson's about to get absolutely wrecked by the wall of that disintegrating building at the end, and Peter Parker screams, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Yeah, it was just like that. Here's a link to it. Fast forward to the 4:16 mark if you want to see for yourself.
And despite the three fouls, he still comes back in during the second half and manages to score 11 points over the final two quarters. Health is obviously playing a key role in this recent resurgence, and despite the somewhat surprising news about his most recent knee drainage, Pierce proclaimed after last night's game that he's as healthy as he's felt all season. And good thing to. Because the hindered Pierce - the one we saw for a few weeks following his return from the sprained thumb and other maladies - wasn't always pretty to watch. It was tough seeing him not be able to rise up high enough, or drive hard enough, or get enough lift to effectively launch his jump shot. And it's even more frightening to think that that could be the player we see a few years down the line - strictly due to age and a natural breakdown of his game.
But like I said before, I'm not worried about that just yet. It might linger in the air every so often, but for the time being, I'm focused on the present, and what Paul Pierce is doing for me right now. It's the same thing he's done for me and this team for his entire career. He's doing all he can to help his team win. And every once in a while, helping his team win means coming up with a vintage performance. And for someone like me, who's grown up witnessing, appreciating, and savoring Paul Pierce's game, there's nothing more exciting to watch.
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I agree
But I grew up when the Pats and Sox won EVERYTHING haha. So I was just “that guy” who liked the Celtics.
Always the Truth.....
Just get ready to sit back & enjoy another memorable Pierce playoff performance in the near future.
Paul is "Money!"
He`s been “money” since the day he fell into Boston`s lap during the `98 draft.
He ranks amongst the very greatest who have ever worn The Green!
I know how you feel
I was 8 yrs old when we drafted Larry Bird :)
that’s why Paul is my second favorite Celtic of all time.
So great to see him playing like this the last couple of weeks. He looks ready for the playoffs to start.
by bewareofdware on Mar 25, 2010 7:48 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Great writeup Greg!...
I don’t know if this is an insult, but for some reason I always thought you were in the 40 to 50 age range lol.
I agree with both
It has always been cool….ya know why cuz we’re from Boston or even if your not from Boston its the history its the feelings its how no matter how the game goes your ALWAYS proud to be a Cs fan…………and I fail the same about Bird as you do Paul. I remember first watching Bird and I’ll always remember him and no one will compare so not to compare Paul to Larry but Paul is doing great and without him the team would be in hysteria. He along with the other five starters are pieces to a puzzle that without one it won’t work. Pierce and Rondo are the next two generations of Celtics fan love Superstars after Bird…Those two faces especially Rondo will be the ones they (the younger fans children not the 15-20something year olds because they have Paul) remember for a life time……………….and totally off subject how great was that last night Doc actually mixed up the lines so it wasn’t Starters 2nd unit Starters 2nd Unit. It was both units mixed I think thats going to be a huge part in us winning the BIG 18 along with KG getting a little more time and our 2nd unit getting their chemistry going especially the new pick up like Fin and N8 and for all you haters we have plenty of gas left in their tanks did you notice Denver didn’t play bad we just played better, That’s all just my opinion.
what does this picture remind you of?
look at the expression on paul’s face. omg, you’d think he was just shot. this is like watching premiere league soccer!
As Shaq said... "Paul is the M*Fking Truth"
Prime PP moment. His first play back on the court after he had his tooth knocked out. He called for the ball and went STRONG to the basket.
3 decades of Celtics and Paul has become the glue. When Gaston was being a jerk, it was Paul who as a player paid proper respect to Red. Relish these final years!
Great piece
I’m exactly twice your age, and I feel almost exactly like you do. My first “love” was Larry Bird, but Paul Pierce almost singlehandedly renewed by interest in, no my love for, professional basketball after the Disney, er, Jordan years. And he made the Celtics relevant again. Thanks, PP. Is it selfish to ask for about three more years of this?
Glad you liked the piece, Ersatz
I really wish I had gotten to see Bird play. Fortunately, I’ve got Pierce. And I don’t ever want it to end haha.
Thanks celty86
I think we definitely got lucky on draft night in ‘98. Pierce was apparently sick at a pre-draft workout in Chicago, and that’s one reason he fell so far, apparently. Good for us he was sick that week haha.
Awesome
I know exactly what you are talking about. I’m 39 and Larry Bird did the exact same thing for me. I will never forget the great memories of Bird and the ’80’s Celtics!! It was a magical time. And yes Pierce is my 2nd Favorite Celtic.. (Of course Russell was THE MAN, just not in my time). Pierce has been clutch ever since he arrived in Boston. He his the backbone and the heartbeat of today’s Celtics! The Captain, the Truth, whatever you wanna call him. He was born to be a Celtic!!! Let’s go Celt’s!!! Ready for the playoffs!!! Banner #18!!!!!!
I feel the exact same way about Paul Peirce. He’s my first superstar: although I do have to add to this that whevever it becomes the one on one game, Paul Peirce usialy doesn’t score more points, but he’s always alot more efficent then his opponent:
by Pmartin60 on Mar 25, 2010 8:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I love Pierce and what he has given to the Celtics.
Nice piece Greg. It’s fantastic to see PP returning to the form he has shown for more than a decade.
I agree with nazzbo above who I quote here:
" the c’s go nowhere without good games from pp and kg. paul is so strong. he has lost a step and some hop, but he plays smarter and doesn’t have to dominate the ball. the big thing for me is rebounding. for the c’s to really be in it pp has to give them 6-7+ a game."
My spirits for this team’s chances have grown lately in proportion to each time I see PP grab a board.
I’m much older than you are Greg, and I am fortunate to have been able to experience the same type of feelings for Celtics’ players more than one time as you do for PP. In my fifties now, I’ve been able to have multiple deja vu moments from Russell to Bird and of course now to Pierce. I’m not inclined to rank them, (though I would if asked) but I know they each were just as vital to their respective team.
Once again, nice article Greg. Whether it’s health, sense of urgency, or any combination thereof, I hope PP and company can keep this kind of focus for every game from here on out through the payoffs.
Thanks DrD
I envy you, honestly. Seeing all of those great players must have been a thrill. I’ve seen all the footage, but it can’t compare to seeing them live.
Paul's transformation & evolution has been a joy to watch
It really is interesting to see the difference between when Pierce arrived in boston 12 years ago, to the player he is now. Reminds me of the amazing article on here a few months ago (apologies, I forgot who wrote it) talking about how he is the last link to Red. He really has learned his history, and discovered what makes players in Boston not only succesfull but LOVED. Play hard, lead by example, defend every possesion, and most importantly, WINNING above everything. Its almost more gratifying seeing someone like Pierce who had to learn all this the hard way, get rewarded in the end, as opposed to Bird, who came in the league dominating and winning rings/awards/accolades. Pierce was just another lottery pick, and has gotten to the top through hard work and dedication.
Now that Pierce is playing the metaphorical “back nine”, part of his responsibility as captain and the last player directly linked to Auerbach is to make sure the same ethics are instilled in the younger players and future leaders. Don’t be mistaken, in 3-4 years this will be Rondo’s team, and we can only hope he follows in the footsteps of our venerable captain. He certainly seems to have the workrate & toughness of Paul, whether he can lead like Pierce will be one of the main storylines of the next decade. Pierce never had a Celtic player mentor to learn from, which made his accomplishment that much more impressive.
I started to reply
then your reply appeared and I felt I couldn’t match up so I’ll just say ditto.
Great Article Greg you’ve encapsulated my exact feelings with regards to Pierce.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
Thanks Birdbrain
I’m glad we share a similar appreciation of Paul. I’m seriously going to be in denial when he decides to retire.
Kansas!!!! Paul Pierce...
When i was eight years old I am not so sure Paul Pierce’s mother had been born….
He still shoots ill advised three’s….but I love the guy…..his number belongs in the rafters….no doubt about it….
Is it Soup Yet?
his # will be in the rafters
no one will wear #34 again on the green – it’s the only shirt my 5-year old wears
.
Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk
by mcpu40 on Mar 25, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
absolutely
i am in full agreement with you. the one mark on his resume was the ring and now that he has it he’s a sure bet to have his # retired.
pierce’s career celtic ranks:
points: (19,680) 3rd behind bird (21,791)
PPG: (22.54) 2nd behind bird (24.29)
rebounds: (5,362) 9th behind heinsohn (5,749)
assiss: (3,370) 7th behind johnson (3,486)
steals: (1,339) 2nd behind bird (1,556)
blocks: (556) 5th behind perkins (625)
FG attempts: (14,480) 4th behind cousy (16,465)
FG made: (6,432) 5th behind mchale (6,830)
FT attempted: (6,685) 1st
FT made: (5,356) 2nd behind havlicek (5,356)
3’s attempted: (3,947) 1st
3’s made: (1,460) 1st
playoffs in only 77 games:
pts: (1,713) 11th behind white (1,720)
PPG: (22.25) 2nd behind bird (23.76)
rebounds: (526) 13th behind cousy (546)
assists: (337) 10th behind jones (358)
steals: (109) 5th behind ainge (122)
SPG: (1.4) 5th behind walker (1.5)
blocks: (55) 6th behind cowens (56)
FGM: (530) 14th behind sharman (538)
FGA: (1,256) 13th behind sharman (1,262)
FTM: (533) 8th behind parish (537)
FTA: (651) 8th behind parish (739)
3PM: (120) 1st
3PA: (369) 1st
he’s also had 4 of the top scoring season in celtic history, 3 in PPG, 2 in steals, 6 in FTA, 6 in FTM, 2 in 3PM, 4 in 3PA, 1 in 3%
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
"…traded as many times this summer as a bad hooker’s phone number at a Vegas convention of Proctologists ."
by remembering9ergods on Mar 25, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
was there any doubt about his rafter worthiness?!
Really? you never seemed like a senior citizen! Ah, being young at heart is a good thing, though really I had you pegged in your 30’s.
by Warrior Spirit on Mar 25, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
V.Good Grasshopper
This is a very good article you wrote… it brought back memories of my first superstar.I would never guess you were only 20 because your articles are always of high quality.Keep up the good work.
Pierce in my top 3 favorite Celtics
John Havlicek is and alwys will be number 1 with me. Bird is #2, and Pierce is #3, although I have to admit he is closing in on Bird.
Hondo was my first superstar
The forgotten Cs of the 70s were my teams (I saw 69, but I was a little too young). I will argue he is the second greatest Celtic after Russell.
What I love about PP is that he is such a never say die player. Dirk may be more talented, but I will take Paul every day of the week and twice on Sunday, because he is a winner. He did so much with so little for so long, I am glad to see him with the support he got these last few years.
Great article.
Greg being only two years older than you I share the same sentiment with you when it comes to Pierce. Watching him play as I grew up was a fun ride and a memorable one. He was and is you could say our Celtic because he’s the one we’ll remember watching even years down the road when this team is no longer his. Great great, stuff.
Thanks Sami
I’m glad you share the same feelings about Pierce. Thank god we never traded him when times were tough.
loved the read greg!
.. and i have the kansas connection as well with pp! things about him that stand out for me are his will to win, the warrior in him relentlessly playing through injuries and that he just loves to have the ball in his hands at crunch time and comes through most of the times
I'm also 20...
and started watching the C’s in and out in 2002, as band wagoner fan, when they got to the ECF, and was able to watch PP play. He was good, but not having the talent we have now, he wasn’t able to do much. And he was more of a “me” player, and kinda immature, but look how he’s grown up, and became a team player!! PP’s jersey will definitely be in the rafters after he retires as a Celtic.. I know he’ll retire as a Celtic. This is his city…
BTW, Greg, I really thought you were in your 30-40’s, but nice to know there are some young people on here too! Your basketball knowledge and analysis on everything is so great.. :) Keep it up!!
I can because I will.. Makes sense?
Thanks very much Mizzy
Yeah I’m really curious how many of us “young” people there are on this blog. We gotta keep it going for years and years and years haha.
I was 18
when Bird was drafted!!! Hondo was my first favorite Celtic, Bird next. Oh those great Knick / Celtic games! Frazier, Monroe, Bill Bradley, DeBusschere, Reed, Cowens, Silas, Jo Jo, Duck, what memories!! I also remember draft night in 98 when Pierce kept sliding and I was crossing my fingers….. great work Greg!!!! Keep it up!
I was 15 1978.
And yeah, you have a good list Cowens was a beast, Bird, what can you say, I always loved watching McHale in the post and he was a great defender before his injuries and I loved watch Reggie Lewis. Wow, so many great Celtics. the list is long. I like this team a lot. They have to win at least one more championship. None of the other great Celtics teams only won it once. Come on 18!!
Thanks celty86
I think we definitely got lucky on draft night in ‘98. Pierce was apparently sick at a pre-draft workout in Chicago, and that’s one reason he fell so far, apparently. Good for us he was sick that week haha.
I was 10 in 84
That is when I fell in love with Bird. I guess I am more of an equal opportunity Superstar Lover as I feel exactly the same about Bird as I do about Pierce. I am starting to have those same feelings for Rondo now….
The same feeling from my perspective. I´m 22 and watching Paul Pierce was my first experience in green. He was the reason I´m a celtic. Then I studied our story and became a bigger fan. Paul Pierce what a player and Celtics what an incredible team. So proud for being a CELTIC
by Juan José Nieto on Mar 25, 2010 2:55 PM EDT reply actions
my man paul
Love him,definitly my favorite since bird I know that paul does not get the respect he deserves in general.but I also wouldn’t put him in the same sentence as bird that’s a bit too much .he can’t pass or rebound like larry and paul is a scorer for sure deadly as they come but larry could have put in 50 a night if he wantd to,like right after mchale scores 59 larry comes right back and takes that,he is what they call him a legend and he really did all he did in 8 seasons lost a year to injury and last four years were injury plagued couldn’t even walk at times.Larry’s top fifty ever I don’t think PP is there,all love and respect given to the captain
by reggie_35 on Mar 25, 2010 3:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Bill Russell will always be the #1 Celtic of mind and of all time
by Blue since 1952 on Mar 25, 2010 4:04 PM EDT reply actions
Sam Jones ,Larry Bird,Paul Pierce and Havechiek
by Blue since 1952 on Mar 25, 2010 4:07 PM EDT reply actions
Love charles and he says that because he doesn’t want to take anything away from tiny larry mchale parrish dj havilcek jones,and paul played on some bad teams he’s without a doubt top 10 top 5 would be a tough call.
by reggie_35 on Mar 25, 2010 5:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think it would be russell,bird,hondo,cousy,mchale,dj,PP,parrish,jones,somethin like that and paul could very easily take dj over at the number 5
by reggie_35 on Mar 25, 2010 5:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
And reggie regardless of longevity needs to be in there
by reggie_35 on Mar 25, 2010 5:30 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
as a 21 year old celtic fan....
i fully concur, paul is, was, and forever will be my favorite athlete of all time.. he has turned me into an NBA fanatic and i will forever be grateful for that!
thank you rick pitino.
all celtic fans should thank slick rick because we would never know paul pierce was a player thanks rick for drafting the truth and getting us banner #17 for us in the future..
i will never thank pitino
i just cant do it
After reading all of the comments, I feel as old as Methuselah
Man — some of you guys were not even born in 1986! Oh well, time to take come metamucil and head of to bed!
Wow...like many others I too am surprised that your only 20 Greg
From your incredible writing, great insight and knowledge you portray in your blogs I thought you were much older (sorry for that).
I am 19 and I’ll be honest that I haven’t exactly followed Pierce since he was drafted, but when I did start following the C’s…he became my instant favorite. From his stats to his game that he brings on the court and the heart of a competitor….PP in every aspect is a true celtic and as a fan I am proud that for so long he has carried the team and has been the face of the franchise.
You know best thing about PP’s journey as a Celtic is that…the same home court where he was once booed at was the same place where in 08 he held up his finals MVP trophy.
I knew you were 20
because you mentioned it before.
Great article. Writing talent does not know age boundaries.
I wish I was still (physically) 20. Don’t at all wish to give up what I’ve gained since I was 20 (mainly a beautiful family).
- is definitely destined for the rafters. Even if he doesn’t win another championship, he has been the face and heart of this franchise for a decade.
But I won’t be surprised if he wins another …
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