"Pierce established as an NBA star, Boston icon"

[Tammo29@xxxxxxx]

Posted on Sat, Jun. 21, 2003            
    
Pierce established as an NBA star, Boston icon

By IVAN CARTER
The Kansas City Star

At first, you had to wonder whether Red Auerbach had finally inhaled one too 
many cigars.

That was the reaction after Auerbach -- Boston Celtics legend and walking 
basketball historian -- declared Paul Pierce to be "the greatest pure scorer to 
ever wear the green and white."

What in the name of Larry Bird could Auerbach have been talking about?

"That was the greatest compliment a player could ever receive," said Pierce 
with a shake of the head. "I mean, when you start talking about all the great 
players who have played in Boston for that organization, it's kind of 
unbelievable."

But so is Pierce's talent, which would explain why the former Kansas star has 
reached lofty status in just five NBA seasons.

Pierce was in town Friday for the Kansas City Sports Extravaganza Tour, which 
continues this weekend at the Crown Center Exhibit Hall next to the Hyatt 
Regency Hotel.

Former Jayhawk greats Jo Jo White and Danny Manning were included in an 
autograph session Friday but it was Pierce who drew the longest lines and the most 
attention.

"Actually, it wasn't that bad," Pierce said, rubbing the hand that had just 
signed balls, jerseys, hats and posters for the previous hour. "I'm kind of 
getting used to it."

That's what happens when you follow an All-America career at KU by earning 
two All-Star berths with one of the most storied franchises in pro sports.

Pierce, who averaged 25.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game for 
the Celtics this season, has one of the NBA's biggest-selling jerseys, is a 
national pitchman for Nike and Spalding and has been elevated along with Red Sox 
shortstop Nomar Garciapara as a Beantown sports icon.

Pierce is also getting ready to release his own clothing line dubbed "The 
Truth," a nickname he was given by Shaquille O'Neal after a Birdlike 40-point 
performance against the Lakers during the 2001 season.

White, who spent six seasons with Boston before finishing his career with the 
Kansas City Kings in 1981, holds the title of Director of Special Projects 
with the Celtics.

"He's a star in Boston and he's become a star all across the country," White 
said. "But the thing is, he's just scratching the surface. He's learning about 
what it means to be a professional -- how to practice, how to take care of 
his body and all of the things that go into becoming a true pro.

"Now, he has to keep getting better because in Boston, the pressures are 
different. Success is measured by these."

With that last sentence, White slipped off one of the two NBA championship 
rings he earned as a member of the Celtics in the 1970s.

"In the end, this is what you really play for," White continued.

Not that Pierce needs a reminder. Apart from playing with NBA talent at 
Kansas, Pierce learned what it means when the name on the front of your jersey 
carries far more importance than the one on the back.

"You can't help but be aware of the game's history when you play at place 
like Kansas. And going to Boston was just a continuation of that," Pierce said. 
"At both places, you know about the people who came before you and what is 
expected of you. It's a heavy responsibility each time you go out on that floor."

Such awareness explains why Pierce is able earn the respect of a sage like 
Auerbach and star in a hip-hop-flavored Nike commercial, why he earns "Tommy 
Points" from former Celtic great Tom Heinsohn and cool points for wearing a 
headband and why he moves as smoothly in Lawrence as he does in his native Los 
Angeles.

"People like Paul," White explained. "He's a good person."

Pierce picked up another fan Thursday when he checked out the "Naismith 
History of Basketball Tour," which will be on display throughout the weekend at the 
Kansas City Sports Extravaganza.

The tour features a copy of James Naismith's original rules for the game he 
invented in December 1891 and is handled by Ian Naismith, who has formed the 
Naismith International Basketball Foundation.

Ian Naismith liked Pierce so much, he's considering asking Pierce to become 
the first active NBA player on the organization's advisory committee.

"Most of these young guys today don't care about the history of the game but 
I could tell by the way Paul was interested in the exhibit that he does care," 
Ian Naismith said. "The purpose of our organization is to promote 
sportsmanship and the importance of being a role model and carrying yourself the right 
way. Paul seems to understand that. He's an impressive young man."

    
TAM