Chosen as ?Second Option? After Dirk Nowitzki, Celtics Legend?s Fear of Getting Traded Ended Up Becoming a Boon

Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, of the Boston Celtics, has such a bright legacy in the NBA history books. During his 15-year tenure at the Celtics, Pierce made it into the All-Star team lineup 10 times, becoming an icon in his franchise. But what some fans might not know is that the trip to Boston came so close to never happening.

The Milwaukee Bucks selected with the ninth overall pick Nowitzki. This left coach Pitino speechless and he had no option but to make do with the situation. A player such as Paul Pierce, an expected top-five pick in the draft, had fallen to the tenth position and landed with the Celtics.

The Dirk Nowitzki Turn of Fate: How Paul Pierce Became a Celtic Icon

However, Dirk Nowitzki, whom Celtic?s coaching staff led by Rick Pitino had their eyes on as a promising young overseas talent in the 1998 NBA Draft, later spurns them. Pitino?s quest for Nowitzki was passionate if he urged the highly promising ?German Michael Jordan? to overlook the draft combine and enlisted the renowned ?Celtics? coach Red Auerbach to seal the deal. ?I went home thinking that we had got our guy,? says Pitino.

The sudden turn of events had Pitino taken aback. He openly revealed that he had not carried out enough research on Paul Pierce then, who was now the prime choice under their noses. In the midst of the draft night chaos, Pitino faced a pivotal decision: should trade Pierce to another team or should there be faith put in Young Jayhawk?

In fact, Pitino had enough sense to turn to Pierce, suggesting that the latter may want to be traded to some other team. Nevertheless, Pierce responded with a firm statement. “Do not trade me.” It was a bold and determined statement from the young forward, one that revealed his fierce determination and unwavering belief in his abilities.

Instead of regarding the situation as a setback, Pierce saw it as a chance.?His desire to prove others wrong was ignited due to the perceived snub by other teams.?Reflecting on it, Pierce said it pushed him into another gear.??I played meaner. It kept me wired every (expletive) day.?

Read More: ?Loyal Maverick? Dirk Nowitzki Gets Real With Players Like James Harden in Brutally Honest Admission

In line with his promise/word, Pierce alchemized this frustration into his drive. The first team of All-Rookie was the honor he got during the Rookie of the Year voting, in which he placed third in his maiden season of 1998-99. Who would have known that Pierce was to become one of the greatest Celtics of all time to leave a lasting legacy in the team and the league?

From Uncertain Beginnings to ‘The Truth’

Paul?s transformation from being Rick Pitino?s second opinion to a Celtics legend is the epitome of perseverance. In the Celtics? fortune; a stroke of misfortune changed his and the team?s career. His first fear upon joining the Celtics was being traded away; this, in fact, eventually fueled his amazing journey.
Throughout these decades, Pierce?s love for the game, talent, and leadership became the essence of the team. The fans and the media nicknamed him ?Truth?. His choice not to be traded played one of the key roles in the team’s history.

WATCH THIS STORY:?The story of how Milwaukee Bucks shipped off Nowitzki and other stories like that.

Finally, the irony of destiny that made Paul Pierce a top pick for the Celtics in 1998 was really a boon in disguise.?Pierce?s journey underscores the point that occasionally challenging experiences can trigger our rise to fame.