The 2016-17 season will be the last go-around for 18-year NBA veteran Paul Pierce. The ten-time All-Star announced his plans to leave the game in an open letter published by The Players Tribune on Monday, [September 26].
"This is it, my final season. It’s time to move on from the game of basketball. Just like any difficult decision, I think you’ve got to be at peace with yourself. I’m at peace with retiring, but I’ve got one more ride left. One more season. One more opportunity," Pierce wrote. He expressed his gratitude for the fans who've shown their support throughout his career, which began when he was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 1998 NBA draft. He also noted the significance of completing his career in the city that raised him, as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, and promised to commit his all in bringing the organization it's first championship title. "I’m going to enjoy every practice, every bus ride, every team dinner, every time running out through the tunnel. I’m going to do my part to give us a shot at the ultimate goal," wrote Pierce.
Pierce has traveled the league over the past three seasons, stopping in Brooklyn and Washington before landing in L.A. But his legacy was made in Boston, where over the course of 15 seasons he established himself as one of the team's all-time greats, leaving behind over a dozen Celtics records. Among Pierce's accolades are the franchise records for the most free throws made [5808], and the most 3-pointers made in a career [1578]. He is also the only Celtic ever to lead the NBA in total points scored through a season when he totaled 2,144 points in 2001-02. Fans will recall Pierce leading the Celtics to the last of their NBA record, 17 Championship banners, when his Finals MVP performance in 2008 helped them top the Los Angeles Lakers to put a stamp on what has come to be known as "The Paul Pierce Era" in Boston.
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