Paul Pierce Competes in WSOP

Paul Pierce, the NBA All-Star from the Boston Celtics, played in his first WSOP event today.

Despite wearing a hoodie, Pierce was instantly recognizable from his NBA championship ring with the Celtics logo emblazoned on it.

Pierce is a competitive poker player, drawing lessons from the game that he claims help him every day.

“I think poker has really helped me develop patience and that helps me in everything I do in life,” Pierce told PokerListings.com during a break from the tournament.

“It helps me on the basketball court, to be more patient and to be more of a thinking player and to be smarter out there.”