Paul Pierce's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Paul Pierce. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Paul Pierce is a retired American professional basketball player who spent 19 seasons in the NBA. He is best known for his time with the Boston Celtics, where he won a championship in 2008 and earned the NBA Finals MVP award. Pierce was a ten-time All-Star and is regarded as one of the Celtics' all-time greatest players. After retiring from basketball, he has become a sports analyst, currently contributing to FS1's show Speak.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1996: Earned a spot on the USA's Under 22 team

During the summer of 1996, Paul Pierce earned a spot on the roster of the USA's Under 22 team and helped the United States go undefeated in the World Championship-qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico.

1997: Won Most Valuable Player honors in the Preseason NIT

In 1997, Paul Pierce won Most Valuable Player honors in the Preseason NIT.

1998: Won Most Valuable Player honors in the Big 12 Conference tournament

In 1998, Paul Pierce won Most Valuable Player honors in the Big 12 Conference tournament and was named Associated Press First Team All-American.

2000: Played in 82 games

In the 2000 season, Paul Pierce appeared in 82 games and averaged 25.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.68 steals.

March 2001: Named NBA Player of the Month

In March 2001, Paul Pierce was named NBA Player of the Month after averaging 30.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.60 steals.

2002: Made the All-Star team

From 2002, Paul Pierce made the All-Star team every season. He led the league in total points (2,144) in 2002 and was an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2002.

2003: All-NBA Third Team selection

In 2003, Paul Pierce was an All-NBA Third Team selection.

2006: Made the All-Star team

From 2002 to 2006, Paul Pierce made the All-Star team every season.

June 5, 2008: Injured in Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals

On June 5, 2008, during Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Paul Pierce was injured but returned to lead the Celtics to victory. The Celtics won the championship, and Pierce was named NBA Finals MVP.

2008: Wins NBA Championship and named Finals MVP

In 2008, Paul Pierce led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship and was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.

2009: Named to the 2009 NBA All-Star Game

In 2009, Paul Pierce was named to the NBA All-Star Game and to the All-NBA Second Team.

November 3, 2010: Scored 20,000th career point

On November 3, 2010, during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Paul Pierce scored his 20,000th career point on a free throw, becoming the third player in Celtics history to reach that milestone solely in a Celtics uniform.

2010: Won the Three-Point Contest

In 2010, Paul Pierce became the first Celtic since Larry Bird to win the Three-Point Contest at the NBA All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas.

2011: Paul Pierce averaged 19.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game

For the 2011-2012 season, Paul Pierce averaged 19.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game as the Celtics finished the season 39–27 during the shortened lockout season.

February 7, 2012: Passed Larry Bird on Celtics' all-time scoring list

On February 7, 2012, Paul Pierce scored 15 points during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats to pass Larry Bird for second place on the Boston Celtics' all-time scoring list.

February 9, 2012: Named to tenth NBA All-Star appearance

On February 9, 2012, Paul Pierce was named to his tenth NBA All-Star appearance.

March 9, 2012: Played 1,000th career game with the Celtics

On March 9, 2012, Paul Pierce played his 1,000th career game with the Celtics against the Portland Trail Blazers.

2012: Honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans

In 2012, Paul Pierce was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans.

January 27, 2013: Recorded first triple-double of the season

On January 27, 2013, Paul Pierce recorded his first triple-double of the season against the Miami Heat with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.

February 10, 2013: Recorded second triple-double of the season

On February 10, 2013, Paul Pierce recorded his second triple-double of the season against the Denver Nuggets with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, becoming the oldest player to record at least 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists.

March 29, 2013: Recorded third triple-double of the season

On March 29, 2013, Paul Pierce recorded his third triple-double of the season against the Atlanta Hawks with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

April 11, 2014: Pierce scores 25,000 career points

On April 11, 2014, Paul Pierce became the fourth active NBA player and the 18th player in NBA history to score 25,000 career points during a game against Atlanta.

November 25, 2014: Pierce passes Jerry West on NBA scoring list

On November 25, 2014, Paul Pierce scored 14 points against the Atlanta Hawks, surpassing Jerry West for 17th place on the NBA's career scoring list.

January 14, 2015: Pierce passes Jason Kidd for fourth all-time in three-pointers made

On January 14, 2015, Paul Pierce passed Jason Kidd for fourth all-time in three-pointers made during a 105–99 win over the Chicago Bulls.

February 2, 2015: Pierce passes Alex English for 15th place on the NBA's career scoring list

On February 2, 2015, Paul Pierce passed Alex English for 15th place on the NBA's career scoring list with 11 points against the Charlotte Hornets.

April 10, 2017: Pierce scores 10 points in final minutes against Houston Rockets

On April 10, 2017, Paul Pierce scored all of his 10 points in the final five minutes of the Clippers' 125–96 win over the Houston Rockets. He subsequently moved into 15th on the NBA career scoring list with 26,397 points.