Pierce retirement

Pierce got exactly what he wanted: recognition for his efforts, and with all the pomp that he desired. Video tributes ran throughout the Celtics’ set-to against the Cavaliers, featuring paeans from the likes of Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, and he didn’t

It was clear from the number of attendees to Paul Pierce’s retirement ceremony yesterday that he formed lasting bonds through 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association. Best buddy Kevin Garnett was there along with such notables as Doc Rivers, Rajon Rondo, Antoine Walker, Satch Sanders, and Cedric Maxwell. President of hoops operations Danny Ainge deemed it the “toughest ticket in town, maybe in Celtics history,” with a capacity crowd of 18,624 staying in their seats even though the match that preceded it was effectively over by the end of the third quarter.

After Rivers and Ainge underscored his status as a champion, Pierce claimed center court to acknowledge the tribute. And, as with his most memorable exploits on the court, he took his time setting up the payoff. He thanked his family, his coaches, the positive influences in his career, and, finally, the fans; he suited up for four teams all told, but, he told them, the level of support they gave him was second to none. No doubt, it was what spurred him to be at his finest in green and white, even during the early lean years. And, no doubt, it was what made him, in the approximation of Hall of Famer Robert Parish, the Celtics’ best offensive player in history, topping legends Larry Bird and John Havlicek.

Notably, Pierce likewise thanked former teammates who weren’t at the TD Garden yesterday. Without them, he said, he wouldn’t have wound up accomplishing what he did. And he’s right, of course. Ray Allen, for instance, was integral to the Celtics’ championship run in 2008, which culminated with him being named Finals Most Valuable Player. Why the 10-time AllStar could not be present for the ceremony is anybody’s guess. In all likelihood, wounds stemming from the latter’s transfer to the rival Heat in 2012 still festered, leading to a trek to the golf course instead of on the parquet floor.

In any case, Pierce got exactly what he wanted: recognition for his efforts, and with all the pomp that he desired. Video tributes ran throughout the Celtics’ set-to against the Cavaliers, featuring paeans from the likes of Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, and he didn’t have to share his place in the spotlight with anyone else. Allen’s absence? Not a problem. After all, he saw his number hanging in the rafters with 21 other franchise giants when the

night ended, a priceless reward for a fruitful career.