Hall of Fame Debate - Paul Pierce

Fresh off his career defining playoff performance and Finals MVP honors for the world champion
Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce crossed over into new company. Spending his entire 10 year career
with the Celtics, Pierce has seen the best and worst of times in Boston. A 6 time all star, Pierce had experienced mild success in the playoffs in 2002, taking Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals, but this year, in his first trip to the NBA Finals, Pierce delivered. LayupDrill.com makes an argument on why Paul Pierce has now set himself into select company: NBA Champion, and Future Hall of Famer.

Keeping in mind that the Hall of Fame is not just based on your NBA career, you have to note the outstanding career Paul Pierce had at the University of Kansas. At one time then Kansas coach Roy Williams said Pierce was one of the most talented players he had ever coached. Pierce was the Big 12 Tournament MVP in 1997 and 1998, and entered the NBA draft, where he was selected 10th overall by Boston.

Pierce’s early years in Boston saw him team up with Antoine Walker, and together formed a formidable duo that competed for the playoffs year in and year out. After the Nets defeated the Celtics in 2002 NBA Playoffs, trade rumors began to swirl around in Boston. Danny Ainge took over a year later, and Pierce was unsure of the direction of the team. Give Ainge credit though, he believed in Pierce, and made him the cornerstone of the franchise, as he is the only player remaining that was there prior to Ainge taking over. It was Pierce who before the 2007 season went to the front office in Boston and let them know he needed help. That help was at first to come in terms of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Now just a year later, the Celtics are champions, Pierce is in the prime of his career, and there are no talks of slowing down now.

Many would argue that while Pierce has been a good player his entire career, and shown flashes of greatness, he never has been the best player or even 2nd best player at his position for any 1 season. Pierce has made the All NBA 3rd team 3 times, 2002, 2003 and last season. Whether all star appearances or regular season MVP trophies mean anything regarding being a Hall of Famer is debatable. One thing that is not is Pierce’s will to win, and willingness to putting the team ahead of any individual accolades. Those intangibles cannot be taught, and the type of leadership Pierce shows towards his teammates shows night in and night out.

Paul Pierce Career Stats
Points/Game - 23.1 (2nd in Celtic history to Larry Bird)
Rebounds/Game - 6.4
Assists/Game - 3.9
FG% - 44%
FT% - 79%

So what do you think? Is Paul Pierce a hall of famer in your eyes? Drop us a comment and let your voice be heard!