His number 34 adorns the "TD Garden", he wore the green jersey for 15 years, was an NBA champion and a 10-time All-Star...
Paul Pierce is a legend of the great Boston Celtics, he ended his career in 2017, but he still follows his "Celtics". He did not hide his enthusiasm for the new signing, Montenegrin center Nikola Vučević.
Our NBA ace is a new player for the club that has been NBA champions 18 times (the most in history) - he arrived in a trade from Chicago, a team on the verge of the play-offs (10th place) to the team that is second in the East.
If there were those who might not understand why Boston brought in a 35-year-old center, Pierce explained it nicely.
"The arrival of Vučević gives Boston depth at the center position, especially now that we know the Celtics are going to be a playoff team," Pierce emphasized on the "No Fouls Given" podcast.
Vučević will be joined at the center position by the 213-centimeter tall Nimias Keta.
"I like Keta, but when you add Vucevic, you get a real player who can push you through the playoffs. I really like that move. He brings them a racket game, they will have an experienced player, someone who was an All-Star and someone who can take some of the pressure off Jaylen Brown," added the man who, with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, made up the Celtics' "Big Three."
Vučević will bring Boston an average of 16,9 points, nine rebounds, 3,8 assists per game, and 37,6 percent three-point shooting. That's how much the Montenegrin center has recorded for Chicago in 48 games this season. Because of all this, the Bulls know what kind of player they lost.
"Boston brings in the ultimate professional," is the headline on CBS Sports for an article in which the Bulls coach and players spoke about Vučević.
Coach Billy Donovan was most impressed by Vučević's evolution over 15 seasons.
"As the game evolved and constantly changed - more three-pointers, faster pace - he always adapted, which I really respected and appreciated. He was always available, he played a lot of games, he was always ready, all in a league where players get injured and often can't play," Donovan emphasized.
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He also spoke about his professionalism.
"He always found a way to prepare. He was reliable. He was one of the first ones to come in every day, take care of his body. Even last night - we land, we get to the hotel, I go down to the gym, and he's already on the treadmill and running. He's just such a professional. I think it's good for the younger players to see how he prepares and gets himself in a state to be ready to play," the Chicago coach is clear.
Kobe White, one of Chicago's best players, also spoke with choice words.
"Nikola is a top professional, he was an All-Star player. His versatility at the five position, he plays both inside and outside, and he hits important shots in big moments," said White.
Ajo Dosunmu had a similar message.
"With Vučević you get an experienced center, an All-Star who can shoot, pass, understand the game and always wants to compete," says the Bulls guard.
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