Future Hall of Famer Paul Pierce played his first 15 seasons in the NBA for the Boston Celtics and won a championship for the team in 2008 with him receiving Finals MVP honors.

As such, Pierce has become a local hero of sorts in Beantown, and whatever he says about the Celtics organization has to be taken rather earnestly. Jay King of Mass Live recently spoke with the 10-time All-Star on the recent comparisons between him and rookie Jayson Tatum, and Pierce had nothing but praises for the dynamic forward out of Duke:

“Man, that Tatum kid, he's going to be real — as long as he keeps working… He's got a lot of the tools. I like that kid.”

Although Pierce didn't address the similarities between him and Tatum, it's clear that he speaks of “The Truth” regarding the Celtics' bright future with the former McDonald's All-American as another remarkable cornerstone of the decorated franchise.

After signing a new deal in order to retire as a Celtic, Pierce is giving Boston fans a chance to witness an actual changing of the guard should the 39-year-old veteran get to share a few minutes on the court with Tatum this upcoming season.