Paul Pierce, Eddie House, and Sam Cassell took over a corner of the Auerbach Center gym following Thursday’s practice to engage in a vintage shooting contest. The net was swishing, the trash talk was flowing, and the competition was in full force like it was 2008 all over again.

Some of Boston’s current players looked on from the sideline, appreciating the intensity that still existed among the trio, laughing at the hilarity of their persistent verbal jabs, and being inspired by the lasting bond between former teammates – former champions.

This is exactly the type of scenario that Joe Mazzulla envisioned this summer when he got in touch with several former Celtics, including Pierce, extending an open invitation to be around the team this season. Boston’s second-year head coach hopes to mesh the old with the new, “to build a brotherhood,” and to a create family-like environment spanning across all generations of Celtics, knowing that all good things are built out of love.

Pierce sees Mazzulla’s vision and is all on board. He remembers the impact of having Celtics Legends around throughout his playing days and now wants to help carry that torch forward.