With 10 more points, Paul Pierce [stats] will pass Larry Bird and move into second place on the Celtics [team stats]’ all-time scoring list.

Bird retired with 21,791 regular-season points. John Havlicek, the all-time franchise leader, is a galaxy away with 26,395, which remains the 12th-highest regular-season total in NBA history.

But in strictly offensive terms, a question remains of exactly how Pierce fits in with his forebearers — those who were strictly Celtics. Bird and Sam Jones were better pure shooters. Kevin McHale had the unparalleled post-up game, and Bob Cousy remains the franchise’s single most creative force.

But could the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week, with everything from his in-between game, 3-point threat and unique ability to reach the rim and get fouled, be the best pure scorer of them all?

The Herald put that question to Bird last weekend, and the Pacers president paused a long time before answering. He, after all, may head that group himself. He’s about to be passed on an iconic list, and that’s never a comfortable realization.

When Bird finally answered, he referenced the man who still looms over them all — the ageless Havlicek.

“I didn’t watch Havlicek play and all of the guys who came before like (Bill) Russell,” Bird said. “But Paul has been able to do it in a variety of ways. What the guy can give you in the offensive end is remarkable.”

But not so remarkable that he stands alone — at least not in this building.

Doc Rivers, who played against Bird and has coached Pierce in his prime, wanted no part of a debate.

“Something I stay out of,” Rivers said. “Paul has been great and deserves everything he gets, and Larry was great, but I don’t ever compare guys. (But) Paul is more of a scorer. He can pass, and he’s also a great rebounder. Larry did everything. It was great (for this franchise) to have them both. That’s the way I look at it.”

Some think completely outside the lines.

“The best pure scorer I ever saw on this team would probably be Reggie — Reggie Lewis,” radio game analyst Cedric Maxwell said. “I think he had a few more post moves than Paul. Paul is up there near him, but I think Reggie is probably the best pure scorer.”

There is, of course, no question of whether Pierce belongs in that group at the summit.

“He had some great years in Boston — a few when the team was down, and maybe that hurt him a little bit,” Bird said. “But he’s a great scorer, and he won a championship, so he’s right there with the rest of us, as far as I’m concerned.”

Asked to find a unique side to Pierce’s game, Bird pointed to the Celtics captain’s free throw prowess. Pierce remains the franchise leader in made free throws (5,909) as well as attempts (7,334).

“He knows when to get to the line,” Bird said. “When the team is in the penalty, he could really take advantage of those situations. But he’s a complete player. There’s so much he’s able to do.”