Quite frankly, the Boston Celtics barely put up a good fight against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals this past season, as the Cavs needed just five games to eliminate the Celtics from playoff contention en route to their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

However, Boston made some deft moves this offseason to bolster its chances of finally ending Cleveland's three-year reign in the East. The team pulled out all the stops to acquire prized free agent Gordon Hayward and also picked up a superb prospect at this year's NBA Draft in Duke's Jayson Tatum, who's been regarded as the second coming of legendary Celtic Paul Pierce.

Speaking of Pierce, the former Finals MVP caught up with Jay King of Mass Live to discuss the Celtics' future with all their new pieces in place. Pierce was just as optimistic about the team's positive outlook as the Boston faithful, and even went as far as stating that the C's are ready to put an end to the Cavaliers and LeBron James‘ tyranny.

“I like the whole squad, man. It's time to dethrone LeBron in the East. We back. We back.”

Being a former NBA champion himself, Pierce knows what it takes to win titles, and this season's Celtics squad reminds him of his own days playing for Gang Green and the star-studded roster they brought to the table with the likes of him, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen running the show.

“The Truth” had just signed a new deal to retire as a Celtic, showing where his allegiance ultimately lies, and he is now expected to sign a deal with ESPN to become an analyst.

It's safe to say that it's clear exactly who Pierce will be pulling for if the Celtics and Cavs meet again in the playoffs.