Paul Anthony Pierce (born October 13, 1977) is an American former professional basketball player who spent 19 seasons in the NBA, predominantly with the Boston Celtics. As of September 2024, he contributes to the FS1 sports talk show Speak. Pierce was a high school McDonald’s All-American and earned first-team All-America honors at Kansas. Drafted 10th overall by the Celtics in 1998, he became a 10-time All-Star and NBA Finals MVP in 2008. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Table of Contents
Paul Pierce Net Worth
Paul Pierce has a net worth of $80 million. Over his career from 1998 to 2018, he earned $198 million in NBA salary, making him one of the 25 highest-paid players in NBA history by total career earnings.
In addition to his salary, he earned tens of millions more from endorsements. At his peak during the 2009-2010 era, Pierce earned $19 million in NBA salary, plus an additional $3-4 million per year from endorsements.
Early Life
Paul Pierce was born in Oakland, California, and later moved to Inglewood, California, where he attended Inglewood High School. He was cut from the varsity basketball team during his freshman and sophomore years but became the best player on the team by his junior year after dedicating more time to practice.
In his senior year, he averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He participated in the 1995 McDonald’s All-American Game, alongside Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Stephon Marbury, and Antawn Jamison, and competed in the Slam Dunk Contest. In 2012, he was named one of the 35 Greatest McDonald’s All-Americans.
Career
Paul Pierce was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, a team he “despised” growing up. In his rookie season, he averaged 16.5 points and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.
In the 2000–01 season, he averaged 25.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.68 steals per game, earning NBA Player of the Month honors for March 2001. From 2001 to 2006, Pierce made the All-Star team every season, leading the Celtics to the playoffs and earning All-NBA Third Team selections in 2002 and 2003.
Personal life
Paul Pierce and his ex-wife Julie (née Landrum) have three children: two daughters, Prianna and Adrian, and a son, Prince. Paul has two half-brothers, Jamal and Steve Hosey. Steve was a first-round draft selection and played in the MLB with the San Francisco Giants, while Jamal played college basketball for Wyoming.
Does Paul Pierce have a ring?
Paul Pierce has one NBA championship ring to his name. The Celtics legend’s title is considered one of the most impressive, making it a significant achievement in his career.
Conclusion
Paul Pierce’s life and career are characterized by resilience, talent, and a transition from a sports legend to a media personality. His journey in the NBA and beyond illustrates his impact both on and off the court.
FAQs about Paul Pierce
- What is Paul Pierce’s net worth?
- Approximately $80 million.
- How long did Paul Pierce play in the NBA?
- He played for 19 seasons, primarily with the Boston Celtics.
- What was Paul Pierce’s role in broadcasting?
- He was a studio analyst for ESPN’s The Jump and NBA Countdown.
- Has Paul Pierce been involved in any legal controversies?
- Yes, he was involved in the 2022 EthereumMax lawsuit.
- What is notable about Paul Pierce’s personal life?
- He survived a stabbing incident in 2000 and returned to play a full NBA season immediately after.