Credit: Twitter | Celtics
LeBron James is finally ready to speak his truth about Paul Pierce, now that they’re finished battling on the court.
The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar hailed Pierce on Monday following the former Boston Celtics forward’s retirement from the NBA, calling him a “champion” and a soon-to-be Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.
“He put his mark on this game,” James said, per Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon.
“Somebody I”ve had a lot of battles with, somebody I’ve always respected and competed against and pushed me in the Eastern Conference for quite a while.
A champion. His numbers and what he was able to do out on the floor speaks for itself.
So I would say his next stop is the hall of fame. Great ride. He had a hell of a ride for sure.”
Paul Pierce and James were fierce rivals since their teams were competing for NBA titles.
In fact, Pierce’s Celtics were the last team to prevent James’ Cavaliers or Miami Heat from reaching the NBA finals, having done so in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals.
You’re right @paulpierce34, ride was unreal ☘️#ThankYouPaul pic.twitter.com/C7mTJwTaUr
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 1, 2017
Can’t leave my Boston fans out Thanku the ride was unreal 😍😍😍😍love y’all forever
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
Paul Pierce, 39, retired Sunday as Los Angeles Clippers player in the aftermath of their loss to the Utah Jazz in Game 7 of their first-round NBA playoff series.
Athletes and celebrities immediately paid tribute to Pierce for his 19-year NBA career. James’ tribute to Pierce might be short, but his kind words prove old foes often become friends in the end.
Culled from nesn
