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Celtics Legend Shockingly Admits He Didn't Know Who This NBA Superstar Was
TL;DR
Paul Pierce, former Boston Celtics player, admitted he was unaware of a current NBA superstar. This revelation comes as the Portland Trail Blazers, after a challenging few seasons, have made a surprising playoff appearance.
Former Boston Celtics player Paul Pierce
Celtics Legend Shockingly Admits He Didn't Know Who This NBA Superstar Was originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Portland Trail Blazers snuck up on a lot of people this year, including Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce.
Coming off four straight losing seasons, the Trail Blazers improved to 42-40 this year despite losing head coach Chauncey Billups to a gambling scandal at the beginning of the season. Now, after beating the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday, they're heading to the NBA Playoffs for the first time in five years.
Much of their success this year has come from Deni Avdija, who's in his second season with Portland after spending four seasons with the Washington Wizards. After years of steady improvement, the former ninth overall pick finally broke out this season, becoming an All-Star for the first time and establishing career highs across the board.
On "No Fouls Given" this week, Pierce admitted he didn't know Avdija's name until about a week before the All-Star Break.
"I didn’t know this guy's name until about a week before the All-Star, then I was like, alright, he’s a All-Star, who’s this kid? And I know his name now," said the Celtics legend. "You got to earn your name in this league, I don’t care if you have a couple good games. Like, show me something... Deni Avdija, he’s a threat in this league, he’s a true threat."
Avdija proved that against the Suns on Tuesday, leading Portland to a thrilling 114-110 road win with 41 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in his postseason debut.
As the seven seed, the Trail Blazers will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Even if Portland loses, Avdija has a chance to keep building his reputation and stardom on the national stage.
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Q&A
Which NBA superstar did Paul Pierce admit he didn't know?
The article does not specify the name of the NBA superstar Paul Pierce was unaware of.
What was the Portland Trail Blazers' record this season?
The Portland Trail Blazers finished the season with a record of 42-40.
Why did the Trail Blazers improve this season despite losing their head coach?
The Trail Blazers improved their performance this season after four consecutive losing seasons, even after losing head coach Chauncey Billups to a gambling scandal.