Celtics to retire Paul Pierce’s number after Cavaliers game in February

By
Dan Feldman,

By
Dan Feldman

Published August 18, 2017 12:00 PM

Miami Heat v Boston Celtics — BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 27: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics walks off of the court after their double overtime 100-98 win against the Miami Heat on January 27, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Celtics already said they’d retire Paul Pierce’s No. 34.

Now, we know when.

Celtics release:

The Boston Celtics announced today that they will retire Paul Pierce’s No. 34 after a mid-season game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, Feb. 11

After? That’s apparently in response to a new rule that penalizes teams not ready to play after a 15-minute halftime. These ceremonies can drag on, and nobody wants to cut Pierce short. I wonder whether this will start a trend of number retirements coming after games.