The SLAM Archives: SLAM 35 Featuring Paul Pierce

This story originally appeared in SLAM 251.

It may be hard to believe, but there was a time when the Boston Celtics were not considered a top team. In their earlier years, the Celtics were dominating the game, winning almost 11 consecutive titles from 1957 through the following decade. However, things started to change in the early ’90s after some key players decided to retire and tragic events occurred. Despite some rough seasons, the Celtics managed to make some solid draft picks and signings. But the team’s chemistry was lacking, and their new arena did not feel like a worthy home for their championship banners. This period of struggles reflected on their absence from the early years of SLAM covers until Paul Pierce emerged as a worthy face in 1999.

In the 1998 NBA Draft, the Celtics selected Paul Pierce as their 10th pick. Pierce, despite initially not feeling connected to the franchise, proved to be a valuable asset and even entered the Rookie of the Year conversation towards the end of the 1998-1999 season.

This Rookie of the Year conversation created some tension at SLAM offices, with team members backing different players. Eventually, three different covers were produced, with the Celtics earning their first solo SLAM cover in the process.

Despite facing challenges in recent years, the Celtics have managed to build on their legacy and reclaim their position as one of the best franchises in NBA history.