Pierce gives thanks after playing final game, says he's 'ready for a new chapter'
The legendary playing career of Paul Pierce reached its end on Sunday at Staples Center, with the Los Angeles Clippers getting bounced from the postseason at the hands of the Utah Jazz in Game 7 of their opening-round matchup.
In a piece for The Players' Tribune prior to the start of the 2016-17 regular season, The Truth announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the campaign, writing how "it's time to move on from the game of basketball."
Hours after the Clippers' defeat at Staples Center, Pierce took to his Twitter account to offer thanks to those who supported him throughout his 19 seasons in the Association, including his family, teammates, and former coaches.
THANKU TO ALL MY NBA BROTHERS AND SISTERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GAME A GAME IVE LOVED MY WHOLE LIFE BUT NOW TEADY FOR A NEW CHAPTER STAY TUNED
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
I'd like to thank the fans media members who followed me u made he who I am as a player the Poeple who loved and the people who hated me TY
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
I gave this game all a had my whole life I'm thankful for that also to my family who seen it all from the beginning thanku
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
To my my brothers Steve and Jamal Hosey u guys where my inspiration my Mom I looked at all ur hard work for us to keep food on the table
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
And ur hard work and determination my heart my work ethic I got that from u Thanku
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
To all the coaches who helped me along this journey coach Jose smith coach Stevenson Pat Roy Roy Williams Mike Lewis Thad Mcgrew Heroldjones
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
I kno there's so many other people I'm missing when u go on a journey this long sometimes u forget some people who helped but thanku
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
Doc coach Obrian Rick Patino
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017
Julie Pierce Prianna , Jazzy j Prince thanku
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 1, 2017