NBA's Greatest - Paul Pierce

"My name is Shaquille O'Neal and Paul Pierce is the motherfucking truth. Quote me on that and don't take nothing out. I knew he could play, but I didn't know he could play like this. Paul Pierce is The Truth."

As Paul Pierce plays his last game in Boston, tributes have been pouring in for one of the Celtics' all-time greats. 'The Truth' spent 15 years in Boston, winning the title in 2008. He also won the Finals MVP that same year and ended his Boston playing days as the second highest points scorer in franchise history. Pierce is also ranked fourth all time in three point field goals made in league history and is the 15th highest points scorer overall in the NBA.

Pierce was drafted 10th overall in 1998 by the famed Boston Celtics. At that time, the Celtics were a fading club, desperately in need of someone who could take them back to their glory days of the 60's and 80's. The Celtics were the most successful club at the time, but were getting very close competition by the Los Angeles Lakers, who were creeping up on their 16 titles. That is when Paul Pierce came into the picture and transformed this franchise once more.

The Celtics made the playoffs 10 times during his stay there, going on to the Finals in 2008 and 2010. His partnership with Antoine Walker in the early 2000's formed the back bone of the team and helped the Celtics into the post season 4 years in a row from 2002-06. In 2007, the Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, forming the big three which would lead the Celtics to their first title in over 20 years. Pierce remained the only constant on the side, willing the team on.

Pierce was never the flamboyant or flair man on the team. He was the hard worker, grinder and gave the team its soul. His leadership qualities and attitude formed the club and brought it out of its biggest drought. Pierce was always a good scorer, but he was underrated. He could guard anyone in the league and lock them down. He could shoot the threes at a good percentage and also score form inside. He has great moves and skills and in his prime was one of the most explosive players in the league. Add to that the fact that Pierce could also rebound and pass the ball, and you had the complete all rounder. Another factor is his performances in the Clutch. Pierce is one of the most Clutch players in the league's history and has repeatedly come up with big performances late in games, especially the playoffs. The bigger the stake, the better he player. With an ideal physique and size, Pierce was one of the best players in his position in the entire league for an entire decade. But for all the titles and statistics and records, it's his will to win, desire to succeed that really makes him stand out. Pierce never shied away from a challenge, and gave it his 100% each time he stepped on the court. A fierce competitor, he has been lauded by all his peers and considered one of the true giants of the Celtics franchise.

With his career nearing its twilight, Pierce will forever live on in the memory of all Celtics and NBA fans, as one of the most unassuming, under rated and yet genuine player to play the game of basketball.