His last game in the NBA may not have had a storybook ending, but Paul Pierce will leave a legacy that can't be measured based purely on statistics. Yes, he won a championship, is 15th on the all-time scoring list, and was a perennial All-Star during his prime, but the work ethic he showed everyday in practice and during games are just some of the more remarkable memories that won't be forgotten about him.
After the L.A. Clippers lost Game 7 of their first round series against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the former Finals MVP hugged his head coach, Doc Rivers, and slowly exited the court, with the fans chanting his name. He also received a touching tribute video via The Players' Tribune, which included messages from some of the game's legends, including Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Oscar Robertson, just to name a few.
Farewell to The Truth. pic.twitter.com/vskkO1qZJL
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) April 30, 2017
Although he rarely uses his Twitter account, the former Kansas Jayhawk and Boston Celtics great, made a series of posts to thank the people who have supported him throughout his legendary career. He acknowledged his family, former coaches, and the Boston faithful, who cheered him on for years.
THANKU TO ALL MY NBA BROTHERS AND SISTERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GAME A GAME IVE LOVED MY WHOLE LIFE BUT NOW TEADY FOR A NEW CHAPTER STAY TUNED
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
I'd like to thank the fans media members who followed me u made he who I am as a player the Poeple who loved and the people who hated me TY
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
I'd like to thank the fans media members who followed me u made he who I am as a player the Poeple who loved and the people who hated me TY
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
I gave this game all a had my whole life I'm thankful for that also to my family who seen it all from the beginning thanku
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
To my my brothers Steve and Jamal Hosey u guys where my inspiration my Mom I looked at all ur hard work for us to keep food on the table
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
And ur hard work and determination my heart my work ethic I got that from u Thanku
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
To all the coaches who helped me along this journey coach Jose smith coach Stevenson Pat Roy Roy Williams Mike Lewis Thad Mcgrew Heroldjones
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
I kno there's so many other people I'm missing when u go on a journey this long sometimes u forget some people who helped but thanku
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
Doc coach Obrian Rick Patino
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
Julie Pierce Prianna , Jazzy j Prince thanku
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
Oh Yeah city of Inglewood Stand Up !!! How can I forget my City
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
Can't leave my Boston fans out Thanku the ride was unreal 😍😍😍😍love y'all forever
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
With the plethora of congratulatory messages he received, it only goes to show the respect he has gained from around the league. Pierce will definitely go down as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, and is a lock to be named a Hall of Famer one day. His fans, as well as his coaches, teammates, and opponents, past and present, will all miss him, as they know there's only one player worthy of being called “The Truth.”
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