Simplify the following text for a Grade 12 native English-speaking person.
Original: Paul Anthony Pierce ( born October 13 , 1977 in Oakland , California ) is an American basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) .
Simplified: Paul Anthony Pierce ( born October 13 , 1977 in Oakland , California ) , also known as The Truth , is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the NBA .