Paul Pierce might have played his last game at TD Garden
Paul Pierce signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers last summer, but admitted Wednesday’s overtime thriller against the Celtics may have been his final appearance inside the TD Garden as a player.
“It could be,’’ Pierce said before scoring six points in Boston’s 139-134 win. “I’m not 100-percent sure, but like I’ve been saying the last two years, I’m taking it year by year but this could possibly be.’’
Pierce, 38, is in his 18th NBA season, 15 of which came as a member of the Celtics. The veteran has served as a role player for Doc Rivers this season in Los Angeles, averaging 5.7 points over 17.6 minutes per game.
The small forward received a rousing ovation from the Garden faithful upon being introduced last in the starting lineup, and the Boston crowd gave him plenty of cheers after hitting a pair of 3-point shots early in the game.
“It’s always special to step in the Garden,’’ Pierce said. “This is the bulk of my career. You spend 15 years here, make so many memories, win a championship here, special fans, special building. I’ll always savor the moments I can step on this court.’’
Those sentiments made many fans wonder if Pierce would ever return to Boston to finish out his career. Rivers hinted that the veteran was considering the possibility before eventually signing with the Clippers last July, but Pierce explained those Boston talks did not get too far in his mind.
“I did run into Danny [Ainge] this summer, and you know he always welcomes me back with open arms,’’ Pierce said. “But I think, for the most part, my family wanted to be around the other family members — everybody knows I’m from Los Angeles — where my kids can just be around their grandmas and uncles and stuff. And also the familiarity of being with Doc, and also to have a chance to play with a team that’s a contender. You factor all those things in, and that all went to my decision.’’
Pierce later added: “The Celtics were a rebuilding team, young and up-and-coming. I think my career here ran its course. I had a great career here — 15 long years. What more could you ask for? And to win a championship here, I’ve had my time here.’’
While Pierce’s playing days may be over soon, he’s not ruling out the possibility of returning to the Celtics organization in some form down the road.
“I just keep all possibilities open,’’ he said. “If that’s an opportunity that presents itself I would love to. This is a Class-A organization with what they’ve been able to do. Wyc [Grousbeck], Steve [Pagliuca], they’re great owners. They’ve got a great young core, they’ve got a great young coach. So who knows? Maybe I’ll find a role here someday in the future.’’
Whatever path the Celtic legend chooses, he’ll always be grateful for the love Boston fans have shown him since being traded away in the summer of 2013.
“It’s happened the last three years and it’s always a special place,’’ Pierce said. “The fans really appreciate what I’ve been able to do over my career, not only on the court but off the court, how I embraced the city of Boston, the culture, the work I was able to do in the community. They appreciate that so this has a special place in my heart.’’
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