Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce seemed to take a jab at Kyrie Irving while talking about Kemba Walker.

Per Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, Pierce shared his thoughts on the sign-and-trade deal which sent Walker to the Celtics. He effectively replaced fellow guard Irving who went on to sign with the Brooklyn Nets.

“I mean, talent don’t always win,” said Pierce to Bulpett. “We’ve seen that plenty of times. It’s about fit. Who knows if Kemba’s going to be the right fit, because it’s always about more than basketball. It’s about how you get along with your teammates and how the chemistry is. And that’s a strength of Kemba’s, so hopefully it’ll work out.”

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Shaquille O’Neal throws shade at Celtics’ Jayson Tatum’s HOF credentialsZachary Howell ·
Jaylen Brown photoshopped in Spurs jersey
Spurs’ trade proposal for Jaylen Brown if Celtics blow it upBailey Bassett ·
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (middle left) and forward Tari Eason (middle right) hold towels on their faces during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Rockets ‘anticipating’ Celtics trade talksDavid Yapkowitz ·
image thumbnail
Celtics rumors: Will Boston target rising center prospect in NBA Draft?Owen Crisafulli ¡
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and center Al Horford (42) and guard Jrue Holiday (4) react in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Insider suggests Knicks could steal Celtics veteranMalik Brown ¡
image thumbnail
Celtics legend Paul Pierce gets last laugh with Knicks callout after ECF lossOwen Crisafulli ¡

Pierce was referring to the reported chemistry issues among the Celtics players last season. Despite the crop of talented players they had, Boston failed to make the most of it as evidenced by their sub-par regular season record and short playoff campaign. Reports reveal that there were off-court issues that spilled on over to their on-court performance.

And Irving, tagged as the leader of the team not just because of his superior skill but also because of his experience, was the one who got the blame. Some say that he simply failed as a leader.

Now, Boston has three-time All-Star in Walker who has tons of individual accomplishments in his resume but has yet to play for a contender. Also, they can finally move on from what was a relatively unforgettable year with Irving.