Hall of Famer Paul Pierce recently shared on his Instagram story a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed, revealing a nasty injury to his right ring finger. The top of his finger appeared to be bent sideways and bloodied, with Pierce noting that he had broken a couple of his fingers and would need surgery on one of them. Pierce, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021 after a successful 19-year career in the NBA, did not disclose how he sustained the injury, but shared that he was bandaged up and preparing for surgery.
The injury to his finger is just the latest in a series of setbacks that Pierce has faced throughout his career. In September 2000, Pierce was stabbed 11 times at a nightclub in Boston and underwent lung surgery, just a month before the start of his third NBA season. Despite these challenges, Pierce went on to have a successful career, averaging 19.7 points on 44.5% shooting over the course of his career. Pierce spent the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics, where he won an NBA title in 2008 over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Pierce’s injury comes as a surprise to many, as he had posted podcast clips earlier in the day and seemed to be in good spirits. The injury to his finger is significant enough that Instagram labeled the photos he shared as “sensitive content.” While it is unclear how Pierce sustained the injury, it is clear that he will need surgery to address the broken fingers. Despite this setback, Pierce remains a beloved figure in the basketball community and has continued to be active in the sport since his retirement.
As the injury to his finger required surgery, Pierce’s recovery timeline is currently unknown. However, given his resilience in the face of past challenges, it is likely that he will approach his recovery with determination and perseverance. Pierce’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll that playing professional sports can take on athletes, even after they have retired. As fans await updates on Pierce’s recovery, they can reflect on his impressive career and the impact he has had on the world of basketball.
