Every successful NBA team reaches its peak as well as its end. When the Boston Celtics’ Big 3 concluded, they dealt Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets. At the time, Pierce was already 36 years old and Garnett was 37.
For many NBA fans, Pierce and KG‘s move to the Nets marked the beginning of the end of their legendary careers. However, Pierce didn’t see it that way.
Advertisement
Instead, The Truth enlightened everybody about the crucial role he and Garnett would play in the young Nets squad. For Pierce, they didn’t need to score to contribute to the team because they were already helping them just by being themselves.
“I think people don’t understand the impact of a presence,” Pierce told Slam in 2013. “For me and Kevin, it’s not gonna be about our numbers night in and night out. We’ve had the days where we averaged 25 points a game. It’s gonna be our presence: our ability to draw defenses, our ability to maybe command a double team, our ability to knock down shots. Even if we don’t have the ball, our presence out there alone is intimidating.”
Pierce said younger players could learn a lot from him and KG
The Nets had yet to establish their identity in the league when Pierce and Garnett joined them. However, the team believed they had a talented squad that could compete for the title, and they wanted All-Star point guard Deron Williams to lead the charge.
Advertisement
Pierce understood the situation right from the jump. In fact, he already knew how he and KG could help turn Williams into a better leader. According to Pierce, he and Garnett would make an impactful locker room presence and be essential figures in the Nets’ hopes of becoming a championship team.
“I just think him being around us, understanding our NBA habits, understanding what it’s like to have Championship habits — once he sees that, he’ll take his game to another level. Our influence in how we prepare for every game, how we go about our business, how we eat, drink, sleep. All of those things, he’s gonna soak them up,” the iconic wing added.
Advertisement
KG echoed Pierce’s sentiments
The Nets felt Pierce and Garnett’s impact in their first year with the team. After seven long years, they finally made it past the first round. However, they lost to the Miami Heat’s Big 3.
After one full season with the Nets, Pierce and Garnett both left the team. PP was dealt to the Washington Wizards, while KG made an epic return to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Unsurprisingly, Garnett felt the same way as Pierce whenever he looked back at his twilight years in the league. For The Big Ticket, it’s a must for every NBA team to have “OGs” like them in their squads, not only to add experience on the court but, more importantly, to provide guidance and wisdom.
Advertisement
“This is why you talk to OGs,” Garnett wrote in his book, KG: A-Z. “This is why OGs are in your locker room. This is how you get better. You do better by being around better.”
“Don’t just assume they’re old and out of touch,” he pointed out. “Don’t just dismiss them with an ‘OK, Boomer.’ Download everything you can from the OGs. They can help you help yourself.”
All told, it’s safe to say that Pierce and Garnett still had a lot to offer even during the final years of their careers.
Advertisement
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.