Paul Pierce Doesn’t Want Isaiah Thomas Tribute Video During Jersey Retirement

http://www.slamonline.com/nba/paul-pierce-isaiah-thomas-tribute-video-jersey-retirement/#he2lvS51WhgRuFgv.97

How can the Celtics deny Paul's wishes when it's HIS day. It's probably much ado about nothing as the Celtics will just have plan to show the IT video tribute next year or, if the C's are so fortunate, during a Celtics/Cavs playoff game this year.

Ehh, I'm conflicted. Paul Pierce is my all-time favorite Celtic (owing mostly to the fact that I grew up with him, graduating high school the year before we won the title). Still, I have to say that hearing that segment where Paul said we wasn't sure he wanted to "see Isaiah" highlights on his night was sort of disappointing, as was the fact that he likened the IT tribute to Crowder's (I think we can all agree that these tributes are getting out of control). Look, it seems to me that after he ran his hip into the ground competing, after he played in the wake of his sister's death, IT deserves a tribute (he's not like Crowder), and it makes sense that he'd want it to be on a night when he is actually out on the floor. This is about acknowledging the Celtic spirit IT showed during his time here, and what he gave the city of Boston. I doubt having it on the 11th would really take away from Paul's night. He's the main event. No one is bound to make any mistake about that. I guess given that Paul feels so strongly, and given what he himself gave to the city (through years of mediocrity and a stabbing) he should get what he wants. But that doesn't mean that he's blameless in wanting what he wants.

IT had a historic year while suffering through tragedy and injury.  He deserves his tribute.  But will it somehow diminish the significance for Paul Pierce and the ritual of having his number hosted to the rafters?

IT played against Portland.  He could have waited 24 hours and played at Boston.  The Celtics should not feel obligated to bend to IT's wishes.  Paul Pierce is a different story.  However, Pierce comes off as selfish and self-centered but he is being honest and I understand why he does not think it is appropriate to have a tribute to IT on the same night that his number is canonized.

20 years from now no one will remember the ceremony but all they have to do is gaze up into the rafters and they will see #34 along with all of the numbers of great Celtics players that earned a place in Celtics History.  That is an honor that IT will not be part of.

That is my take on both sides of the story.

dboss

Pierce might be getting an inflated ego. You have to give a tribute to I.T. for what he did and what happened to his sister, his tooth, his hip and the trade. I'm sure he had a very good influence on Smart, Rozier and Brown. Paul should've gone a different route than this. Be the better person. I think Thomas will get his few minutes of tribute within Pierce's prime time night. It should be a non-story.

IF I WAS PAUL PIERCE AND THE CELTICS WENT AHEAD WITH THE VIDEO.........I WOULD NOT SHOW UP!!!!!!!!!

WHAT IS GOING THROUGH MANAGEMENTS MIND! STUPIDITY!

112288

112288 wrote:IF I WAS PAUL PIERCE AND THE CELTICS WENT AHEAD WITH THE VIDEO.........I WOULD NOT SHOW UP!!!!!!!!!

WHAT IS GOING THROUGH MANAGEMENTS MIND! STUPIDITY!

112288

I agree with the notion that the Celtics should not initiate a tribute for IT on the night that Paul Pierce has his number retired.

PP does not want to share a single moment of the spotlight with IT.  Given the magnitude, majesty and tradition of retiring the number of Great Celtics player IT'S request and expectations are out of line.  

The Celtics should not disrespect the wishes of PP.  

Dboss

112288 wrote:IF I WAS PAUL PIERCE AND THE CELTICS WENT AHEAD WITH THE VIDEO.........I WOULD NOT SHOW UP!!!!!!!!!

WHAT IS GOING THROUGH MANAGEMENTS MIND! STUPIDITY!

112288

+1.

More points than Larry Bird and second on the all time list. Paul Pierce should get whatever he wants on HIS night. IT had his chance on Wednesday...now he can wait until it works for the Celtics, not him.

IT can get his tribute on another night

Maybe Danny should have first asked Paul if he was okay with it. I think it was kind of dodgy that Isaiah was ready, yet played against Portland instead. Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin. Isaiah might be asked to wait until next year. That's fine. I just think with all the world's problems (not trying to get political), that this is not something to dwell on. Danny needs to clarify what's going on or as one could see today, Pierce is starting to milk his greatness and this sudden controversy. It just seems that no matter who is wrong or right, this is pointless. Isaiah gave us his all and his sister died. I know it is a weird little situation, but there has to be a way to move on without hurting any of these multi-millionaire's feelings. Danny made the mess. Danny needs to clean it up.

Thomas may be with the Clippers soon anyway...rumors are there are talks about Jordan being traded to the Cav's and IT and likely Thompson moving to the Clippers.

Clippers reportedly want that Nets pick also and of course the Cav's say NOPE!

we'll see what happens.

Phil Pressey wrote:Maybe Danny should have first asked Paul if he was okay with it. I think it was kind of dodgy that Isaiah was ready, yet played against Portland instead. Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin. Isaiah might be asked to wait until next year. That's fine. I just think with all the world's problems (not trying to get political), that this is not something to dwell on. Danny needs to clarify what's going on or as one could see today, Pierce is starting to milk his greatness and this sudden controversy. It just seems that no matter who is wrong or right, this is pointless. Isaiah gave us his all and his sister died. I know it is a weird little situation, but there has to be a way to move on without hurting any of these multi-millionaire's feelings. Danny made the mess. Danny needs to clean it up.

THIS WAS A CORPORATE/MARKETING THING AND I DOUBT DANNY HAD ANY INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANNING OF WHEN THE VIDEO WAS GOING TO BE PLAYED.

PROBABLY MANAGEMENT WAS THINKING ....LET'S KILL 2 BIRDS WITH 1 STONE AND GET IT DONE. TO HAVE A VIDEO NEXT YEAR FOR IT WOULD BE RIDICULOUS AS IT IS 1 YEAR REMOVED.

IT IS WHAT IT IS.............WE ALL HAVE TO MOVE ON. THE VIDEO SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLAYED THIS WEEK IF AT ALL, WHO CARES IF HE WAS PLAYING OR NOT........HE WAS IN THE BUILDING!

112288

The Celts have already accommodated IT who requested the video be shown when his family could be there. Moving it to the 11th is a mistake that should be corrected. Without downplaying IT’s contributions, it is wrong to dilute Pierce’s years of greater contributions by combining the two. Especially wrong when you think that Pierce’s ceremony was planned well in advance. They should have told IT that it had to be the 3rd or some other date, but not the 11th.

mikeod wrote:The Celts have already accommodated IT who requested the video be shown when his family could be there. Moving it to the 11th is a mistake that should be corrected. Without downplaying IT’s contributions, it is wrong to dilute Pierce’s years of greater contributions by combining the two. Especially wrong when you think that Pierce’s ceremony was planned well in advance. They should have told IT that it had to be the 3rd or some other date, but not the 11th.

I agree Mike.

I know you joined a while back, but it's nice to hear from you. I hope you can join us more often.

Paul Pierce has always been a tad on the selfish side with his ego showing through for years and years.  Both factors probably helped make him into the player he was and eventually a HOFer.  Sometimes, to get the performance you need to be a great player you have to put up with the other factors that makes a player who he is.

With that said, I do not want to see any Thomas highlights on Paul Pierce Day either.  Yes, Thomas was excellent in many ways for the Cs, but he had his chance to have his highlight video the other night and selfishly passed on it for whatever reason.  The Cs should now hold the Thomas video until spring when both teams face each other in the playoffs, and if they do not face each other save the video until next year.

If a player earns the opportunity to get his number retired as a Boston Celtic the day that his number is hoisted to the rafters with the other numbers of our other heroes it should be his day and his day alone.

The Cs have NEVER, NEVER shared a number retirement day for any other player, and should not start now.

Chris Forsberg‏Verified account 

[ltr]@ESPNForsberg[/ltr]




Paul Pierce: “You only get your jersey retired once. It’s a crowning achievement for me."

Full quote from tonight’s NBA Countdown:







bob




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Pierce has every right to feel as he does. If IT was just so offended by the trade, then why would he make such a fuss about how his tribute is presented?

Having your jersey retired is a huge accomplishment. No hate towards IT, but the video doesn't belong on Feb 11.


KJ