Robert Parish played during the second-most successful era in Boston Celtics history. His career lasted 21 seasons. He’s been around. He knows stuff.
So when the Hall-of-Fame big man takes the microphone, people listen. On Saturday, a day before the Celtics plan to raise No. 34 to the rafters, they heard Parish dub Pierce the Celtics’ best offensive player ever. Remember, this is the same Parish who played 13 years and won three championships with Larry Joe Bird.
Hall of Famer Robert Parrish said @paulpierce34 was the greatest offensive player from the Celtics of all-time.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) February 10, 2018
Robert Parish explains why he thinks Paul Pierce was a better offensive player than Larry Bird. pic.twitter.com/YFnLQZl4o1
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) February 10, 2018
“I just feel like Paul was more creative,” Parish explained. “He was the better scorer than say Larry or John Havlicek. I think Havlicek and Larry and Paul were probably the best offensive players that the Celtics ever had. I think Paul tops that list, in my opinion.”
It’s an interesting take from one of Bird’s most recognized teammates. Statistically speaking, here’s a quick look at how Bird, Pierce and Havlicek stack up at the offensive end:
Bird and Havlicek — who account for 11 NBA championships between them — are already in the Hall of Fame. Pierce, who was named the Finals MVP en route to his lone championship with the Celtics, will likely be enshrined as well when he becomes eligible.