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Sensing Celtics' Excitement, Intensity, Paul Pierce Believes Jrue Holiday's 'The Missing Piece'
A few 2008 Celtic champions and current coaches turned up the temperature at the Auerbach Center on Thursday. That included Sam Cassell, Amile Jefferson, and Eddie House. The captain of Boston's last title team, Paul Pierce, was also stirring things up. The Basketball Hall of Famer, nicknamed "The Truth," soaked it all in, smiling, laughing, and spending time with mentee Jayson Tatum.
From Celtics' ownership to alumni, the coaching staff, and those who don the uniform today, the environment at training camp is being described as incredible, with Jrue Holiday's arrival raising the intensity of a group that was already locked in.
"It's been fun, it's been intense, it's been a joy to watch," Pierce said. "Just seeing the guys in here together, the first few days, it's bringing back a lot of memories about the first few days. The struggle, and just the start of the journey."
Pierce also acknowledges the sense of urgency around the team, knowing how close they have been, including coming within two wins of capturing the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2022.
"They've been in the hunt for years now," said Pierce. "I really didn't have the same route that he's been through. He's been through the struggle, our team was put together and we won instantly. So, they're going through the more traditional route, to where you have your bumps in the road, you figure it out, and have to get over the hump. I'm sure he's just more hungrier than ever. He's felt what it tastes like to be in the Finals, he's felt what it tastes like to be so close. I just tell him that it's a long year and it's hard to win."
The 10-time All-Star also weighed in on Boston continuing to reshape its roster's core, parting with Robert Williams to acquire Holiday.
"I think Jrue is a natural leader, natural glue-guy," Pierce said. "He's a champion, he's respected around the league, he'll be respected here. It's up to the guys around him to welcome him in with open-arms, make him feel comfortable. Not only as a player, but his family, I think that's always important when you bring in new guys to just establish that comfortability amongst his teammates. As far as fit, I feel like he was the missing piece."
Pierce showed his happiness from Joe Mazzulla reaching out to him and various other Celtics' legends, asking if they would be around the team more. He understands how important it is for the team to have the former prominent figures and icons within the franchise around. Celtics' culture is currently at an all-time high.
"The Truth" shared his thoughts on the importance of that and how meaningful it is to the current roster and the entire franchise.
"I think that's what it should be all about," he said. "It's always been that way since I've been in the organization, and I love that Joe has reached out to me and some of the other guys to be around more. Not only just coming to games, but coming to practice, even travel with the team, being around the team a little bit more, because that's how it was when I played."
Pierce recalls past legends being around during his playing days in green.
"It'd be times I look up, Tommy Heinsohn was always there, then you look up and see John Havlicek, Bill Russell, Cousy," he added. "It just brings a certain energy to the building whenever I saw those guys, in practice or at the games, so I think it's up to us to kinda continue the brotherhood. It's all a part of our culture, and this is what the Celtics have always been about."
The early parts of Boston's training camp have done nothing but amp up the franchise and fan base more and more. The integration of the new additions, the legends being around, and the intense practices have generated a palpable buzz as the 2023-24 campaign approaches.
Further Reading
Jayson Tatum Reacts to Damian Lillard Joining Bucks, Discusses Celtics' Urgency to Win Now
Celtics seek long-term marriage with Jrue Holiday
Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present
Celtics Excited to Learn from, Play Alongside Jrue Holiday: 'He Understands What It Takes'
Kristaps Porzingis Says His Foot's 'Perfectly Fine' and He's Ready for Training Camp
Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule
Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement
