Pierce: “I’m not sure I want to see ITs video on my night”

[GreenEnvy]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

[Roy H.]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

Yeah, my bad.

Maybe we should just retire Antoine’s number on February 11 to keep with precedent.

[GreenEnvy]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

Yeah, my bad.

Maybe we should just retire Antoine’s number on February 11 to keep with precedent.

C’mon now, that’s a weak argument.

The actual comparison would be KG, who in his time here was actually worthy of having his number retired.

I highly doubt if C’s came to Pierce in August and said “we would love to retire 34 and 5 together, you cool with that?” he would have an issue with that.

Im also pretty confident retirement ceremonies weren’t as big a celebration as they are nowadays.

Regardless, this isn’t exactly apples to apples. Pierce is a retired Celtics legend, in the same company as those you mentioned. IT is an opposing player who just had a magical season with us. Very big difference.

The bottom line is if Pierce is uncomfortable with it, regardless of whether any of us agree with him or not, the organization should appease him on HIS day.

I want to go to this game really bad, but prices are outrageous for decent seats. And they are outrageous because of Paul Pierce. Everyone but IT’s family is there to see #34 raised to the rafters.

If IT can be petty enough to not want it played during a game he didn’t play (but homehow managed to make a solo entrance during the game), Pierce can most definitely be petty enough to not want to share his day with anyone. He’s earned that right.

[KGs Knee]

I have a pretty strong feeling Thomas is not going to like the reception he gets on February 11th if he doesn't back off and show Pierce some respect.

There are a lot of furious fans out there right now, and rightfully so.

[Monkhouse]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

Yeah, my bad.

Maybe we should just retire Antoine’s number on February 11 to keep with precedent.

Roy I really don't get why you keep harping on Pierce. We really don't owe Isaiah Thomas anything.. sure the trade is messed up, but if you wanna talk about someone like Pierce being insecure, then it's only fair the same logic applies to IT.

[sed522002]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

Yeah, my bad.

Maybe we should just retire Antoine’s number on February 11 to keep with precedent.

C’mon now, that’s a weak argument.

The actual comparison would be KG, who in his time here was actually worthy of having his number retired.

I highly doubt if C’s came to Pierce in August and said “we would love to retire 34 and 5 together, you cool with that?” he would have an issue with that.

Im also pretty confident retirement ceremonies weren’t as big a celebration as they are nowadays.

Regardless, this isn’t exactly apples to apples. Pierce is a retired Celtics legend, in the same company as those you mentioned. IT is an opposing player who just had a magical season with us. Very big difference.

The bottom line is if Pierce is uncomfortable with it, regardless of whether any of us agree with him or not, the organization should appease him on HIS day.

I want to go to this game really bad, but prices are outrageous for decent seats. And they are outrageous because of Paul Pierce. Everyone but IT’s family is there to see #34 raised to the rafters.

If IT can be petty enough to not want it played during a game he didn’t play (but homehow managed to make a solo entrance during the game), Pierce can most definitely be petty enough to not want to share his day with anyone. He’s earned that right.

I agree with everything you stated. I think it’s absurd for anyone to think that IT’s request is reasonable and in the same breath think that PP is being selfish. That’s just plain crazy. IT was being selfish in not accepting the tribute, even though he wasn’t playing (and I peeped how he came out later during the game and had his moment..maybe he was getting treatment or something). PP has EVERY RIGHT to want to be selfish in this moment and it’s the Celtics fault for not nipping this in the bud and making PP have to even comment.

The ceremony is almost “tarnished” either way, from a media stand-point, because the headlines are going to be about who was “slighted” on Feb 11.

[KGs Knee]

The bottom line is if Pierce is uncomfortable with it, regardless of whether any of us agree with him or not, the organization should appease him on HIS day.

He’s earned that right.

Exactly. He's earned that right.

Instead, the Celtics are basically telling Pierce that Thomas' request is more important to them. That is just shameful. It breaks my heart to see them treat Pierce like this. After everything he gave us, this is how we repay him?

[ThaPreacher]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

Yeah, my bad.

Maybe we should just retire Antoine’s number on February 11 to keep with precedent.

Roy I really don't get why you keep harping on Pierce. We really don't owe Isaiah Thomas anything.. sure the trade is messed up, but if you wanna talk about someone like Pierce being insecure, then it's only fair the same logic applies to IT.

Why is the trade  messed up?

After Len Bias (overdose) Larry Bird (back) Kevin McHale (foot) Bill Walton (body) Reggie Lewis
(heart)-Boston made a decision that it could not risk its future on an undersized, scoring guard who was injured and wanted MAX money.  In return they got, KYRIE break ya ankles" Irving. Good trade.

The more I see of Kyrie, the more I love the trade.
I miss IT  and  am grateful for his Celtic tenure. I wish him well.

[BringToughnessBack]

There is zero reason why IT should have a video the night that Pierce jersey is retired--zip, nada, nothing! He can wait until next year whenever he comes back to Boston in a different uniform.

I do not understand why we would muddy that night in any way at all. Pierce does not deserver this and IT, as much as I love him, would be disrespecting the memory of Pierce by wanting his video that night. It is completely unacceptable to me and I cannot understand why ownership does not intervene and simply show the video the next season.

[Ilikesports17]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

Yeah, my bad.

Maybe we should just retire Antoine’s number on February 11 to keep with precedent.

Roy I really don't get why you keep harping on Pierce. We really don't owe Isaiah Thomas anything.. sure the trade is messed up, but if you wanna talk about someone like Pierce being insecure, then it's only fair the same logic applies to IT.

Bill Walton (body)

lol

TP

[Roy H.]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

Yeah, my bad.

Maybe we should just retire Antoine’s number on February 11 to keep with precedent.

Roy I really don't get why you keep harping on Pierce. We really don't owe Isaiah Thomas anything.. sure the trade is messed up, but if you wanna talk about someone like Pierce being insecure, then it's only fair the same logic applies to IT.

Is Pierce above criticism?

IT was hoping to have his tribute on a night he played. He communicated this via a request (not a demand), once, privately.

Pierce is complaining, multiple times, publicly, about having the Jumbotron show highlights of another player during the game before his number retirement ceremony. He’s publicly requested that the Celtics build a game against a key opponent all around him, for the sole reason that Kobe got his own night.

IT has his faults, but Pierce is showing his here. A special ceremony and number retirement isn’t enough? Now he needs editorial control of the Jumbotron?

[Ilikesports17]

I really dont get why fans would be too mad at Thomas for this?

I think he is slightly overstepping his bounds to ask for his tribute to be rescheduled, but its not like he is trying to stick it to Pierce or anything.

I didnt expect Paul to be mad about this, but this is now something the organization has to figure out. If its one guys wishes against another guys than Pierce should win going away.

Thomas will get an ovation and it will be very nice. However, in having his tribute the same day as Pierce's retirement IT actually sacrifices the spotlight right?

I mean if we did it next year, it could be Isaiah Thomas night effectively. Instead it will likely be a little footnote.

I think the takeaway from this is that a lot of these guys (Pierce and Thomas) are egomaniacs when it comes down to it. Too bad, but they are both conscious enough of their public image that I dont think either will throw too much of a stink about it whatever happens.

[Ilikesports17]

Ed and Bob, and Tommy and Bill were teammates for many years.

Macauley and Cousy played one season together.  There was no real reason for them to share a ceremony, but neither as far as I can tell complained.

It’s amazing to me that Pierce can’t give up 3 minutes of the spotlight. It’s very anti-Ubuntu and contrary to “Celtics Pride”.  I expected more from him.

Is he going to pout if Tatum hits a buzzer beater, especially if they show it on the Jumbotron? It’s all about Pierce, after all.

You sure about that? Looks like they played 6 seasons together, but maybe basketball-reference.com is wrong...

Both were all-stars every season they were teammates. They just didn’t win a title together.

Yeah, my bad.

Maybe we should just retire Antoine’s number on February 11 to keep with precedent.

Roy I really don't get why you keep harping on Pierce. We really don't owe Isaiah Thomas anything.. sure the trade is messed up, but if you wanna talk about someone like Pierce being insecure, then it's only fair the same logic applies to IT.

Is Pierce above criticism?

IT was hoping to have his tribute on a night he played. He communicated this via a request (not a demand), once, privately.

Pierce is complaining, multiple times, publicly, about having the Jumbotron show highlights of another player during the game before his number retirement ceremony. He’s publicly requested that the Celtics build a game against a key opponent all around him, for the sole reason that Kobe got his own night.

IT has his faults, but Pierce is showing his here. A special ceremony and number retirement isn’t enough? Now he needs editorial control of the Jumbotron?

Its childish of Pierce to do his lobbying via his broadcasting (or whatever he does) job.

That said, I dont think his request is anymore self-serving or egotistical than Thomas's and when it comes down to Pierce vs. IT everyone knows who is gonna win.

[Ogaju]

Does anyone know why they are doing the ceremony after the game? Is this a result of the Rip Hamilton 'fiasco' in Detroit where he went on for almost an hour if not more at half-time? LOL!!
Or is it because the Celtics plan something big that will eclipse any in-game tributes?

One other thing to take from the incursion into PP's day is that this is going to be a special game with a special atmosphere because of PP. Some have mentioned that the ticket prices are higher, and I am sure there are fans that will make extra effort to be there because of PP. Why should IT get the benefit of the extra special atmosphere generated by fans there for PP?

Also, the Celtics probably plays with extra motivation to win that game, and a Celtic victory with any superlative performances will only go to cement the day as a special day for PP, and not take anything away from the occasion. The more dramatic the victory for the Celtics the more memorable the night for PP.

IT on the other hand is playing a spoiler role that day. That role is to defeat the Celtics. So there is now added competition to the night. Who gets the victory on their tribute night. PP's Celtics or IT's Cavs. The odd thing is only one of them will have anything to say about this on the court, and that is IT.

Celtics should tell him, we are not honoring you on the same night you are playing spoiler for PP's ceremony.

Finally, why do these teams pick tough games for jersey retirement games. The Lakers chose their game against GSW for Kobe's. Are they just trying to get a game that will be well attended, dont they think they can fill the arena for their retired star without it being a marquee game? I dont get it, I would think they would schedule a cream puff for these games.

[Roy H.]

Finally, why do these teams pick tough games for jersey retirement games. The Lakers chose their game against GSW for Kobe's. Are they just trying to get a game that will be well attended, dont they think they can fill the arena for their retired star without it being a marquee game? I dont get it, I would think they would schedule a cream puff for these games.

Yeah, a home game against the Lakers would have made all kinds of sense.