Paul Pierce Bio
...claimed All-NBA third team honors for the first time. In leading the Celtics to the 2002 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, Pierce’s prolific scoring abilities were again underlined as he averaged 30.2 ppg. in the first round and ended the playoffs scoring a hefty 24.6 ppg. (tied for eighth highest in the playoffs). A unanimous selection to the 1999 NBA All-Rookie first team after leading the Celtics in 3-pointers made (84, 10th in the NBA) and attempted (204, 18th), 3-point percentage (.412, 10th) and steals (1.7 spg, 19th), he ranked second among rookies in scoring (16.5 ppg.), 3-pointers made and attempted, 3-point percentage, rebounds (6.4 rpg.) and steals, fourth in blocked shots (1.0 bpg.), fifth in assists (2.4 apg.) and 10th in field goal percentage (.439). Averaging 19.5 points and 5.4 rebounds a game in his second season (1999-2000), he participated in the Schick Rookie Challenge during the 2000 NBA All-Star Weekend. He was the only Celtic in 2000-01 to start all 82 games and became the first Celtic to score 2,000 points since Larry Bird completed the feat in 1987-88. Setting a team record for free throws attempted in a season (738), Pierce also finished third on the Celtics list for free throws made in a season (550). Leading Boston and finishing eighth in the league in scoring averaging 25.3 points a game, he was fourth in total points (2,071). Pierce was named All-American first team by the A.P. after his junior and f...