The bottom line here is that Paul Pierce should undoubtedly be on the Eastern Conference All-Star team when the tip-off commences in New Orleans.

Currently, the 6-foot-6, 230-pound University of Kansas product is averaging a tasty 21.5 points per game with 5.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists thrown into the mix as well. Pierce has proved to be an imperative part to the Celtics this season and his value has never been higher as he has morphed into the quintessential team player.

To me, Pierce’s supreme value comes on the defensive side of the ball as of late. He has begun to do the little things that don’t show up in the Boston Herald’s box score every morning. He’s always in the right spot; he has begun to create havoc and has shown an intensity that has begun to seep through Pierce’s seams which has ignited a fire under the Celtics’ 27-3 spotlight.

In 1981, one of the most intense and grinding wide receivers that I have ever witnessed in this city was brought into this world. His name is Wes Welker.

Wes attended Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City where he played running back and defensive back. He was later named the Oklahoma Player of the Year as a senior by an abundance of media personalities and was an all-state selection at running back. In his high school career, Welker carried the rock 495 times for 3,235 yards and 53 touchdowns with 174 catches for 2,551 yards and 27 touchdowns. Plus, Welker hit a 57-yard field, returned seven punts for touchdowns and hauled in 22 interceptions over his high school career.

As Welker moved forward, he accepted what was his only Division 1 scholarship offer from Texas Tech. He later graduated from the institution with a degree in management. Welker finished his career at Tech with 259 receptions for 3,069 yards and 21 touchdowns. In addition, Welker carried the ball 79 times for 559 yards and a score. He also returned 152 punts for 1,761 yards and eight touchdowns. Welker departed Tech with three All-Big 12 Conference first-team selections, a school record in receptions and receiving yards, an NCAA record for punt returns and punt return yards and the nickname “The Natural”.