Paul Pierce turned out to be probably the greatest gamers from the 1998 NBA Draft class. He was initially offended that he was chosen tenth general, particularly after the comparatively unknown Dirk Nowitzki from Germany.
After three profitable years on the College of Kansas, Paul Pierce declared for the NBA Draft in 1998. He was a preferred prospect, contemplating he was the optimum measurement for a go-to wing participant at 6’8″, and he had a pure knack for scoring factors.
With that reputation, individuals anticipated him to be a high decide. Nevertheless, that every one modified in the course of the 1998 NBA Draft, as he fell. He was chosen with the tenth general decide within the latter half of the lottery. The Boston Celtics have been a group he hated as a child from California, which added to his frustration from falling within the draft. Nevertheless, now he loves the group.
It was a shocking flip of occasions, particularly with the Milwaukee Bucks deciding on Dirk Nowitzki with the ninth decide earlier than a commerce to the Dallas Mavericks. Pierce was shocked that the German was chosen earlier than him, as he didn’t know a lot in regards to the now-Mavericks legend.
Whereas there have been already loads of worldwide gamers forward of the 1998 Draft, Nowitzki was comparatively unknown. Excessive-level scouts knew about him and projected him to be drafted excessive, however not forward of a projected top-five participant like Pierce.
As a younger participant contemporary out of the College of Kansas, Pierce thought he can be chosen over the likes of Nowitzki. That was not the case, which led to his confusion and frustration about what occurred together with his drop within the NBA Draft.
Finally, each gamers ended up being legends for his or her respective groups. Pierce didn’t know they might be icons, however after the Draft, he was annoyed as a result of he thought Nowitzki was not that massive of a reputation.
“I couldn’t imagine it, I used to be a projected top-five decide. I assumed I used to be going to Vancouver at quantity two. Two or three guys I’ve by no means even heard of. In truth, I by no means even heard of Dirk Nowitzki ’trigger it wasn’t like he was on the faculty circuit. I adopted the blokes who have been in school,” Pierce mentioned on Any Given Wednesday with Invoice Simmons in 2016.
“If you happen to return and have a look at the Draft, I bear in mind saying like, ‘You realize what, there’s gonna be 9 different groups that’re gonna remorse not choosing. As a result of I knew how laborious I labored, I knew I used to be gonna again what I say up, and I wasn’t petrified of placing myself within the line. So I used to be like, I’m gonna make these 9 groups remorse.”
The 1998 Draft had some massive hitters like Antawn Jamison and Vince Carter, however Pierce and Nowitzki are the perfect gamers from the category. They not solely cemented themselves as icons for his or her franchises, however additionally they led them to NBA championships because the Finals MVPs.
Whereas Pierce may need had some resentment for Nowitzki, that may have light away as they progressed. Dallas’ entrance workplace was proper to commerce for the ninth decide, as Nowitzki grew to become the Mavericks’ best and most iconic participant, largely due to his Finals MVP-worthy efficiency within the 2011 NBA Finals and his signature turn-around fadeaway.
Pierce won’t attain the identical degree as a high 10 participant like Larry Fowl, however he’s additionally iconic, as he ended the Celtics’ 22-year title drought in 2008 because the Finals MVP. He may need left the group to hitch the Brooklyn Nets, however he’s nonetheless fondly remembered as an iconic Celtic.
