Three and a half months ago, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett — the faces of the Celtics franchise — were traded away to Brooklyn. Even now, the news is tough to swallow.
Just when it seemed like images of Pierce, Garnett and Jason Terry in black and silver suits from their introductory press conference had stopped haunting dreams of Celtics fans, preseason games started and new images of the Truth and the Big Ticket are burned, unforgettably, into the collective Boston psyche.
Sunday is Pierce’s 36th birthday, the first he’s spent in anything but Celtic green in a long time, but rather than reminisce, it’s better to endure the images that induce a stomach punch-like hurt now than when the season starts. Denial, anger, bargaining and depression have taken their toll; it’s time to accept the change and move forward. The Celtics play the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday, and both Pierce and Garnett are likely to suit up against their former team.
Be warned, these images may be difficult to see. Take a moment, regain composure, and, when ready, click ahead.
