Thanks For Everything, Paul and KG

Today is when the Celtics/Nets trade that sends Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to Brooklyn can be completed.

In anticipation, the Celtics placed the following full-page ad in the Boston Globe today:

It’s impossible to find the words to express what those two (along with Ray Allen, Doc Rivers and others) did to this franchise to finally bring it out of the championship drought. For many years though, Pierce soldiered alone, carrying the burden, seemingly destined to play out his career in frustration.

BSMW Board member “callahardfoul” had an eloquent tribute to Pierce last night, which reads in part:

What more can you want out of watching sports than to appreciate Paul Pierce?

On the court, he could do everything. Shoot from distance, finish in close, pass, space the floor, handle the ball, run the offense, offensive rebound, extremely underrated defensive rebounder, one on one defender, team defender, hustles, communicator, and whatever is left to do. His ISO action caused consternation in some, but the guy had ice in his veins and hit more contested distance jumpers than the rest of the franchise combined over his 15 years. You like flashy dunks? Paul’s got those. You like solid fundamentals? He’s got those as well. Good size, surprising athleticism but could play without his springs because of his smarts.

It’s going to be tough watching him in another uniform next season, but unlike others who have left town, Pierce and KG will be welcomed back with cheers and tributes when they show up at the Garden, and Celtics fans will be wishing them nothing but the best.

In fact, (hint to Garden management) if sometime next season, with a minute to go, the Nets happen to be leading comfortably over the Celtics at the TD Garden, I think a little Gino time, for old times sake, would make for an all-time Garden moment.

It’s been an honor to watch them both play, and is it OK to root for a Nets/Clippers NBA Finals?

By the way, CSNNE’s Paul Piece tribute is one of the best things to ever come out of that network. Great stuff.

A few media-related links before the weekend:

Nomar Garciaparra improving as TV analyst – Chad Finn looks at ESPN’s baseball coverage, and confirms the report here last week of the Boston Herald diving into online radio.

Sports Hub first in spring ratings, WEEI tied for fifth – Earlier in the week Chad reported on the latest radio numbers.

TNT’s 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coverage Continues with the New Hampshire 300 – It is race weekend in NH, and TNT will have the coverage.

FOX Sports Prepares Position Statement for FOX Sports 1 – You’ll get your first glimpse of the newest television sports network during the MLB All Star game next week.