Paul Pierce headlines Naismith Hall of Fame class of 2021

During Kevin Garnett’s induction speech into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame yesterday, KG thanked Paul Pierce and said, “I expect to see you up here next year.”

Now, the Captain will officially join him.

Paul Pierce headlines the class of 2021 that also includes fellow players Chris Webber and Chris Bosh, but he won’t be the only Celtics legend in the building. Bill Russell will also be inducted as a head coach, the first African American coach of the NBA and a two-time champion as a player-coach in 1968 and 1969. Joining them will also be current Celtics play-by-play announcer, Mike Gorman. Gorman is a 2021 recipient of the Curt Gowdy Award, in large part to his nearly 40 years in the Boston broadcast booth with Tommy Heinsohn at his side.

Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

For Paul Pierce, his first ballot nomination is a no-brainer. His resume speaks for itself: 10-time All-Star, 4-time All-NBA, second all-time leading scorer, third all-time in games and minutes played, and all-time most threes, free throws and steals.

However, The Truth’s lasting achievement in green was hanging Banner 17 in the rafters as the 2008 NBA Finals MVP.

The 2021 induction ceremony will be on September 11th.