The evolution of Paul Pierce

[exculpatory]

Great Post PP4Life. Outstanding. Every adjective you used fits the Truth. You hit the nail on the head several times.

In spite of the fact that he has always been a super star (even during the lean years when he had to carry bad teams) and now is a Finals MVP, is about to become the third leading scorer in Celtic history, is a lock for the HOF, and is only a smidgeon behind Kobe and Lebron as far as NBA wings are concerned, he does not get the kudos/national recognition that Lebron and Kobe get because 1) he is not as flashy or athletic as they are; and 2) as you aptly state, he was tarnished by having to play on bad teams without an appropriate supporting cast for 9 years (before the arrival of KG and Ray), and therefore fell into disfavor in the eyes of some long-time Celtic fans who were used to championship after championship in the past. As Tommy says: He is unquestionably the best scorer (not player - I put Russell and Bird in front of him as a player) in the history of the Boston Celtics (including Bird), a phenomenal rebounder for his size, passes very well and unselfishly (multiple last night by 100), and for the last 1 1/2 years playing with studs who have relieved some of his offensive burden, has shown what a great defensive player he is as well.

No matter what you and I, and many others on this board write, there will always be a Paul Pierce underappreciator clique. They are laying low these days for the most part - but they will surface again if Paul's current super star play diminishes. I accept this sad fact of life.

Nonetheless, as you state, we are blessed to have him, and hopefully, he (with KG and Ray and Rondo) will hang a couple more banners before he retires.

GO TRUTH. GO CELTICS FOREVER.

[Bigmiketruth]

Its funny, last night in the early going thought Paul took a couple difficult shots that he could have passed out. 5 years ago those and much worse were par for the course and I wouldn't have given 2nd thought to him taking them, much less when he made them anyway. Kudos to making a career out of hitting difficult shots and having the discipline not to take them anymore.

[PPAW4Life]

I will also like to 2nd Guy's contention that it is easier to be labled a "winner" when the quality of teammates are higher.

I will contend that great players, also make great players look even greater, not just regular teammates look good.

I love Perk, but if Paul or Rondo had Dwight Howard to throw the ball to....or if we had Jason Terry instead of Tony Allen as our 6th man...etc. etc.

I would love to see Bird win 2 more titles if he didn't have McHale, Parrish, DJ, Walton, etc. etc. etc. (this is not meant as a knock on Bird, more of a compliment to his teammates.)