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Paul Pierce is the lone Celtics All-Star

Celtics notebook

THIS STORY APPEARED IN

February 10, 2012|By Gary Washburn

Paul Pierce faced off with Kobe Bryant in the second half of last nights game. (Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters )

For the past four years, the Big Three have taken a trip to the All-Star Game together, and for the past two, Rajon Rondo has joined them.

But this year, Paul Pierce will board the plane to Orlando alone.

Pierce was the lone Celtic announced yesterday as a reserve for the Eastern Conference team, perhaps signifying a changing of the guard in the NBA.

Kevin Garnett had been voted into the last 14 All-Star Games, playing in 13. Ray Allen has participated in 10 All-Star Games, three as a Celtic.

“Not at all,’’ Garnett said when asked if he was disappointed. “The All-Star Game is for the privileged. I haven’t even looked at the list [of All-Stars], but the first-timers, I’m always proud for them to get the opportunity to go and experience the All-Star festivities. Lord knows I’ve had enough. So I get to actually take me a vacation and see what that’s like and actually rest these bones a little bit. I’ll be watching at home.’’

Rondo may have had the best chance to make it this season, but he missed nearly one-third of the season (eight games) with a sprained right wrist. And with the shortened season, that may have cost him.

Asked about the roster selection for the Feb. 26 game, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said, “I think it’s too soon. I was sitting on my couch when I heard they were announcing the starters [two weeks ago]. I was floored.

“I honestly didn’t know they started the voting. I’m serious. I think they should have at least waited another week.’’

Said Pierce, who will be making his 10th All-Star appearance: “I’m always thankful for every opportunity. The coaches voted me in and it’s a tremendous honor.’’

Proud father

That was Rivers celebrating as if he had won the lottery Wednesday night when his son Austin Rivers drained a buzzer-beating 3-point shot to give Duke an 85-84 victory over archrival North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rivers, who attended the game, was caught on camera jumping up and down and hugging daughter Callie after Austin, a highly touted freshman, dribbled the clock down and launched a 24-footer over North Carolina’s Tyler Zeller.

Austin was the talk of the sports world yesterday, appearing on nationally syndicated radio shows. Doc could not have been more proud.

“Just as a fan, it’s the best,’’ he said. “I was just nervous. I’m a parent. I don’t care what you do, just do it well. I was pretty sure after the five-second mark, he was shooting it.’’

Murphy’s flaw

The Celtics competed with the Heat to acquire Troy Murphy last February, but coming off inactivity and ankle surgery, he contributed little to the effort in Boston. He averaged 2.6 points in 17 games and missed nine of his 10 3-point attempts.