Draft day nerves hit completely different for each NBA prospect.
Whereas some high picks already know their vacation spot by pre-draft conversations, others anxiously await their name, no matter the place they land.
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce lately opened up about his surprising draft journey on FS1’s Converse, sharing a narrative which may shock many followers.
Pierce entered the 1998 NBA draft projected as a top-5 choose, however his draft evening took an surprising flip.
As the primary 5 picks got here and went, uncertainty crept in – he hadn’t labored out for groups past these early slots, leaving him in unfamiliar territory.
“My state of affairs was a bit completely different as I ended up going tenth,” Pierce revealed. “I didn’t wish to go to the Boston Celtics. However, you understand, all the pieces works out for a purpose.”
.@paulpierce34 talked about his draft day expertise and his remark would possibly shock you 👀
“I did not wish to go to the Boston Celtics.” pic.twitter.com/XyWXQJdTqH
— Converse (@SpeakOnFS1) November 13, 2024
The long run Corridor of Famer had his sights set on completely different locations.
Pierce believed the Vancouver Grizzlies (now Memphis) would choose him second total, however they opted for Mike Bibby.
His subsequent hope lay with Golden State on the fifth choose, however the Warriors selected Vince Carter, who was subsequently traded to the Toronto Raptors.
What began as disappointment reworked into future. Pierce’s touchdown spot in Boston, although initially undesirable, formed him right into a cornerstone of the Celtics’ storied franchise.
Throughout a difficult interval for the staff, he emerged as their guiding mild, creating into an elite scorer and clutch performer.
Over his 15 seasons sporting Celtic inexperienced, Pierce’s affect grew more and more profound.
His management and scoring prowess earned him ten All-Star picks, whereas constantly steering the staff into playoff rivalry.
The journey reached its pinnacle in 2008 when Pierce, alongside Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, led Boston to an NBA Championship.
Trying again, Pierce’s draft day uncertainty gave option to an illustrious profession that completely aligned with the Celtics’ wealthy basketball custom.
Typically, as Pierce discovered, the very best locations aren’t at all times those we initially envision.
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