Paul Pierce AFP/GETTY IMAGES FILE PHOTO
Looks like it didn’t take long for Paul Pierce to find a new gig outside of basketball.
After 19 remarkable seasons in the NBA, “The Truth” is set to join ESPN’s crew of on-screen NBA analysts and personalities.
As confirmed by the sports network in a statement, the 10-time All-Star and Celtics legend will regularly appear in the “NBA Countdown’’ and “The Jump” segments starting next month.
“I always had fun doing guest coverage with ESPN, so it is exciting to officially join the teams at NBA Countdown and The Jump,” said Pierce, who served as a guest on both segments during the 2017-18 regular season and playoffs.
“I love hoops, my whole life has been about the game, so this feels like a natural evolution in my career and I can’t wait for the season to get started,” he added.
Pierce’s toughness and bravado as a basketball player translated well into the microphone, as his often candid and opinionated commentaries drew rave reviews from viewers.
Pierce’s new venture, meanwhile, mirrors his former Celtic teammate Kevin Garnett, who also transitioned to broadcast commentary after retiring from the sport.
His number 34 jersey will also be immortalized in a retirement ceremony sometime this season. Khristian Ibarrola /ra