Paul Pierce Weighs In as Boston Celtics Pursue Damian Lillard to Salvage Title Hopes Along With Jayson Tatum

The NBA offseason has delivered its fair share of surprises, but few have been as much talked about as the prospect of Damian Lillard joining the Boston Celtics. With the Milwaukee Bucks unexpectedly waiving Lillard to clear cap space, the Celtics—fresh off a turbulent offseason—are reportedly among the frontrunners interested in the nine-time All-Star.

While Lillard has yet to sign, Celtics legend Paul Pierce has weighed in on the dramatic changes in Boston and how a player of Lillard’s caliber could reshape the team’s future.

The Boston Celtics’ Current Landscape

The Boston Celtics’ 2025 offseason has been marked by upheaval. Key contributors Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have departed, and franchise centerpiece Jayson Tatum is sidelined as he recovers from an Achilles injury. The Celtics, who finished the previous season with a strong 61-21 record, now face a “gap year,” with their championship window paused until their stars return to full health.Paul Pierce, the beloved Celtics Hall of Famer, remains optimistic about Boston’s long-term prospects, emphasizing the prime years ahead for Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Pierce believes that as long as these two remain, Boston can “work out the other components” and return to title contention.

Damian Lillard’s Unique Skill Set

Damian Lillard’s reputation precedes him: he’s known for his exceptional shooting range, clutch gene (“Dame Time”), and ability to create offense both for himself and teammates.

His deep three-point shooting forces defenses to extend, opening up the floor for others. Lillard is also a skilled ball-handler, passer, and a proven leader—qualities that would immediately elevate Boston’s backcourt.

The Role Lillard Could Play in Boston

If Lillard were to sign with the Celtics, his role would be both transformational and strategic:- Veteran Leadership and Mentorship: With Tatum out for much of the upcoming season, Lillard could serve as a mentor to younger players like Payton Pritchard and Hugo Gonzalez, helping to bridge the gap until Boston’s stars are healthy.- Primary Playmaker: Even as he recovers from his Achilles injury, Lillard’s basketball IQ and experience would make him the de facto floor general, orchestrating the offense and taking pressure off Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.- Clutch Scoring Threat: Lillard’s history of late-game heroics would give Boston a reliable closer, something the team has lacked since the days of Pierce himself.- Championship Catalyst: By the 2026-27 season, with both Lillard and Tatum healthy, Boston could field a starting lineup featuring Lillard, Tatum, Brown, and White—potentially the most potent in the league.

Damian Lillard wouldn’t need to shoulder the scoring burden alone, allowing him to focus on efficiency and leadership as the Celtics chase Banner 18.- Locker Room Culture: Lillard’s professionalism and work ethic would reinforce Boston’s winning culture, signaling to fans and the league that the Celtics are serious about returning to contention.

Pierce’s Perspective on Damian Joining the Celtics

While Paul Pierce hasn’t commented directly on Damian Lillard’s fit, his overall message is clear: the Celtics’ path back to the Finals depends on maximizing the prime years of Tatum and Brown, and surrounding them with elite talent.

Lillard, even at 35 and coming off injury, fits the bill as a high-IQ, high-impact veteran who can elevate the team’s ceiling without disrupting its young core.

Financial and Roster Realities

The Celtics would likely offer Lillard their $5.6 million midlevel exception, a reasonable risk for a player of his pedigree. The move would not only address Boston’s need for a lead guard but also allow Lillard to chase the championship that has long eluded him—something he reportedly covets at this stage of his career.Also read: Is LeBron James Nearing Retirement or Just Having Fun? Viral Golf Video Sparks New Questions Among NBA FansIf Damian Lillard dons green, expect him to play the role of mentor, playmaker, and clutch scorer, guiding Boston through a transitional year and positioning them for a championship run once the roster is fully healthy. As Pierce would say, with Tatum, Brown, and a healthy Lillard, the Celtics’ championship window remains wide open.