00:00He was a special talent on the court, and on the verge of finally making his mark in the world.
00:13He managed to defy the odds, overcoming a great deal of unfavorable circumstances.
00:19But just after reaching his goal, his life was almost cut short.
00:24Let's take a look back at the horrific Paul Pierce incident and find out what actually happened.
00:30Before Paul Pierce was a NBA champion or a larger-than-life TV personality.
00:36He was like many kids that had big aspirations to one day become a pro athlete.
00:42The odds were truly stacked against Paul as he grew up in the very dangerous Inglewood, California area.
00:48Being a youth surrounded by gangs and drugs, basketball would be the one hobby that helped him keep his nose clean.
00:56Pierce worked on his game religiously day and night.
00:58And he soon became quite the skillful player in his neighborhood.
01:04His non-stop work ethic would lead him down a path to receiving a full athletic scholarship at Kansas University.
01:11Soon Paul's ultimate dream was finally about to come to fruition.
01:14Ironically, the team he despised growing up would be the very team he would represent in the league.
01:21With the 10th pick in the 1998 NBA draft, the Boston Celtics select Paul Pierce from the University of Kansas.
01:35Paul Pierce sitting in the green room back there a little longer than a lot of folks thought he would be.
01:39While the historic Celtic franchise were accustomed to championships in the past, they were currently in a rebuilding phase.
01:51And Paul was expected to bring the banners back to the highly respected organization once again.
01:56He made his presence known immediately, averaging nearly 17 points and seven boards per game in his first season.
02:05His numbers improved even more the following year, inching him closer to all-star status.
02:12Having a good amount of experience under his belt, Paul was convinced the upcoming season would be an even bigger leap in his career.
02:18However, his future would be put in jeopardy after an unexpected incident occurred.
02:26Pierce, being in his early 20s, was known to enjoy a party or two, which is not uncommon when it comes to professional athletes.
02:34Before his third season started, Pierce went out to a local Boston nightclub with some of his friends and teammates.
02:42Paul, being single at the time, decided to mingle with a few attractive women in attendance.
02:47While trying to seal the deal with one of the girls, he would be interrupted and confronted by an unknown man.
02:54The aggressor told Paul to get away from the woman he was having a romantic conversation with.
03:00The dispute led to a physical altercation taking place, with others in their entourages choosing to get involved as well.
03:07When the brawl was all said and done, the future NBA star would find himself stabbed, a total of 11 times.
03:15He received multiple knife wounds in his back and near the stomach area.
03:21A beer bottle was also smashed over his head, giving him a large gash on the face.
03:27With his adrenaline spiking through the roof, Paul didn't even realize why he was so bloody.
03:32A friend had to inform him he had been stabbed several times.
03:36Fortunately for Paul, a hospital was nearby and he was rushed out of the nightclub to get medical attention.
03:44By just small fractions, the stab wounds missed a number of vital organs, which would have spelled the end for him.
03:51A thick leather jacket, fast-acting friends and a nearby hospital may have very well been his saving grace.
03:57Shortly after the stabbing, two men were later arrested for the assault that almost ended Pierce's life.
04:05The incident was an eye-opener for the young up-and-comer and he would suffer mentally following the dramatic night.
04:12The paranoia and anxiety resulted in Paul rarely leaving his home and he was constantly watching over his shoulder.
04:18He began spending hours and hours training in the gym after regaining some strength.
04:25Paul would use basketball as an outlet to avoid being consumed by all the negative thoughts.
04:31The unusual coping mechanism helped him improve on the court immensely.
04:36By the time the season rolled around, he was fully recovered and miraculously was able to play a full 82-game season.
04:43Like Paul predicted before the incident, it indeed was a breakout year for him, averaging 26 points per game and nearly 7 rebounds.
04:53Pierce focusing more on basketball and less on clubbing landed him on the path to a Hall of Fame career.
05:00Even going on to earn the nickname The Truth after many brilliant performances on the basketball court.
05:05His accomplishments in the league continued to grow over the years.
05:25He went on to make the all-star team several times.
05:28He went on to make the all-star teams, lead his team to a NBA championship and individually take home a finals MVP award.
05:35Paul is widely considered one of the most clutch athletes ever.
05:40Pierce most recently was officially honored as one of the top 75 greatest NBA players in history.
05:47Even in retirement, Paul still manages to bring fans great moments with his hot takes and antics.
05:58Right now, it's Ray Allen, but it will be Steph.
06:02It will be Steph.
06:04He's not a wing, though.
06:05Wait.
06:05What is Steph?
06:06He's a point guard.
06:07No, he's a wing guy.
06:09What?
06:10What's happening?
06:10He's a wing guy.
06:10He's a combo guard.
06:12That's not a point guard.
06:13Get this show over with, man.
06:13He's a wing guy.
06:14But Ray Allen, he's the best person of all time.
06:15So Steph Curry is not a, he's a wing guy?
06:18Yeah, he just plays.
06:19What is a wing guy?
06:20He just plays a point.
06:21Wing guy.
06:22He's a combo.
06:23He's a hybrid.
06:24And then Clay.
06:26Were you a Paul Pierce fan?
06:28Where do you think he ranks all time among small forwards?
06:32Leave a comment below and let me know.
Comments