August 11, 2010

A Great Recognizes Greatness

It stands to reason that because of the length of his career and the success it has brought back to the Boston Celtics franchise, Paul Pierce should be considered among the franchise’s all-time elite.

But one Celtics great believes that Paul belongs at the top of the list.

"Paul Pierce, the way he manufactures points, is the best player the Celtics have seen thus far," said Parish (Getty Images).

Robert Parish, a Hall-of Famer who helped the Celtics to three titles from 1981-1986 and ranks in the top 20 all-time in points told the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn that he believes that The Truth is the best offensive basketball player Boston has ever had.

"I think Paul Pierce, the way he manufactures points is the best player the Celtics have seen thus far," Parish told the Globe. "That's saying a lot because you are talking about John Havlicek, [who] was the best offensive player that the Celtics had, the way he manufactures points. But Paul Pierce has them all beat. He’s got the Sam Joneses, the (Don) Nelsons, the Tommy Heinsohns, Jones, Havlicek, (Larry) Bird, (Kevin) McHale, myself. Paul Pierce is the best offensive player the Celtics have seen thus far."

Parish, who donned a Boston uni for 14 seasons was adamant in telling the Globe that Paul’s number should one day hang from the rafters of TD Garden:

"[Pierce's] number will be retired once he retires. And if they don’t retire it, then it’s a travesty to justice."

The Globe also assembled a gallery of the Celtics all-time leading scorers, which can be found here.

RELATED STORIES
Parish: Pierce Celtics’ best offensive players (Boston Globe Celtics Blog, August 9, 2010)
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010...