Nearly every Top 10 statistical category in Boston Celtics history includes their current captain and 14-year greenie Paul Pierce. This season, Pierce has surpassed not only Larry Bird, but also 22,000 career points, and is closing in on 1,000 career games, a milestone that only Robert Parish and John Havlicek had accomplished solely in the green and white. Today's game against the Portland Trail Blazers will be something to remember for Boston's No. 34, as he steps into the hardwood for the 1,000th time, only the third Celtic to do so.
John Havlicek led the franchise in points and games played, and he played two more years than Pierce and Robert Parish, his closest pursuers. Nearly every Celtic Top 10 category has Hondo's name on it, and that deserved a ticket into the Hall of Fame. And he's a pioneer too, revolutionizing the 'Sixth Man' concept of coming off the bench to provide instant offense. Add to that the now-famous steal he made back in the 1965 playoffs.
Robert Parish played more seasons and games than Havlicek overall, but he had an additional seven seasons in which he didn't don the classic green and white jersey, doing so for four seasons in Golden State, two in Charlotte, and one in Chicago. Of course, it was in Boston where he had tremendous success, with 14 seasons, three titles and nine All-Star appearances, while teaming up with frontcourt mates Kevin McHale and Larry Bird for 12 seasons. Indeed, 1,611 total games played remains a yardstick for longevity in the NBA, and only Parish can attest to that.
Today will mark a significant milestone in Paul Pierce's career, and TD Garden will pay witness to another 'truthful' moment in Celtics history.
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