Bleacher Report - Paul Pierce

Why Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce Decision Will Define the Next Decade

Sebastian Lena — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:03:06 -0400

At least that’s been the case for the last decade and a half. Envisioning a Celtics squad without The Truth is almost unimaginable.

However, it just might be the reality facing Boston fans as soon as next season.

While Pierce is set to enter the final year of his contract, only $5 million of his $15.3 million salary is guaranteed. The team has until July 1 to make a decision on the matter.

Could we have witnessed Pierce’s last game in a Celtics uniform? According to Boston sideline reporter Greg Dickerson, that’s a very real possibility.

It would mark an unfortunate close to an era for one of the greatest players in the Celtics’ illustrious history.

Since being drafted 10th overall by the team in 1998, Pierce has led Boston in scoring for 13 of his 14 seasons. He also holds various franchise records, as well as earning several NBA awards and honors over his career. But most importantly, the 35-year-old played a vital role in delivering the Celtics their league-leading 17th NBA title in 2008—Pierce was named Finals MVP for his efforts.

But all good things must eventually come to an end.

Although Pierce put together a rather successful 2012-13 season—18.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game—he’s shown signs of breaking down. He only shot 43.6 percent from the field.

With Jeff Green primed to step into Pierce’s shoes, can the team really afford paying an aging veteran $15 million?

Boston finds itself at a fork in the road, with three different options spread out in front of them.

Option 1: Trade Him

This is an option GM Danny Ainge has already considered.

With the Celtics flailing, paired with the loss of Rajon Rondo, the team sought out interest in Pierce during the NBA trade deadline back in February. Several options popped up, but none were good enough for Ainge to pull the trigger.

As summer’s free agency quickly approaches, don’t be surprised if Boston tests the market for Pierce once again.

Sure, it’s hard to imagine seeing the Celtics send off their captain to another team. But at the same time, it’s a move that makes a lot of sense.

With a trade, Boston could get a little cap relief, while bringing in some players who could address some of the roster issues. On the other hand, another team would receive an experienced veteran who could help push an “on the verge” team into a contender. Plus, Pierce has shown that he can still pour it in—he averaged 19.2 points per game over six contests against the New York Knicks during this year’s first-round series.

But every positive usually comes along with its negatives.

In this particular case, that arises with the team needing to keep Pierce past the July 1 deadline. That would require the Celtics to guarantee the full amount of his contract. It’s a tough situation, especially with the team not sure just how much it can get in return for Pierce.

Then there’s the whole ordeal regarding Kevin Garnett.

Basically, if Boston trades Pierce, the team should prepare to part ways with Garnett as well. That’s because back in February, the 36-year-old reportedly said that he would waive his no-trade clause if Pierce was traded. (via Sports on Earth's Shaun Powell)

Depending on the trade, this move would likely put the Celtics into rebuilding mode for at least a season or two.

Option 2: Waive Him

Sometimes, just cutting your losses is the best route to take.

If Ainge chooses this option, Boston would be able to release Pierce before the July 1 deadline. This would also ensure that the team only pays the $5 million of the salary that is guaranteed, leaving them with a little more than $10 million to play around with over the summer. As far as free agency goes, the Celtics would have their full mid-level exception ($5.15 million) and the bi-annual exception ($2.02 million).

While it would be nice to open up these exceptions, it doesn’t always guarantee that the team will get a good return. One only has to look at Boston’s offseason pickups last season as an example.

So is it really worth the risk to dump off a veteran scorer who is a guaranteed 16-5-4 guy just for the chance that there might be a free agent who could make a difference?

To make matters worse, as stated earlier, this would also likely result in Garnett walking away. This could be via retirement or by waiving his no-trade clause and requesting a trade.

Garnett will be 37 next season. At this point in his career, he would only come back if he felt like he was playing for a team that could contend. Without Pierce, Boston is not that team.

Option 3: Keep Him

Finally, there’s always the option of keeping Pierce.

He has proven that he can still produce, and his loyalty should grant him the opportunity to finish out his career as a Celtic. No one can argue that Pierce doesn’t deserve it.

However, at the same time, keeping Pierce would give Boston little to no room to do anything else. The team would most likely have to shed a player or two just to accommodate signing a draft pick.

Is the same roster that put together a 41-40 regular-season record, claimed the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and made a first-round exit worth keeping together?

Surprisingly, yes.

That’s because what the Celtics did this year was admirable. Battling through several key injuries, the team still rebounding and fought until the very end.

One can only imagine what this roster will be like with another year of experience and the healthy returns of both Rondo and Jared Sullinger.

In this scenario, Garnett would possibly make a return to have one more go at the ultimate prize. If he doesn’t, Boston will have around $10 million free to add to their already depleted depth at center.

The only pitfall here is whether or not Pierce would be OK with a lesser role on the team.

But hey, he did it once when Garnett and Ray Allen arrived in 2007. Who says he wouldn’t do it again?

Summing It All Up

Regardless of whether Pierce stays, is released or traded, it’s no surprise that the decision will significantly alter the face of the franchise.

For 14 years the Celtics have relied on him to get them through the ups and downs. Without him, the team wouldn’t be in the place it is right now.

The work ethic, dedication and talent that Pierce brought to Boston is a trait all other 29 teams in the league would die for. It’s something the team and its fans will never forget.

But in the end, the NBA is a business.

In the end, it’s all about doing what’s best for your team. Pierce knows that too.

If he leaves, be thankful for everything he’s done for the Celtics during his career. If he doesn’t, let’s hope Pierce can give himself the opportunity to ride off into the sunset.

There’s not another player in the NBA who deserves it more.

For complete team coverage and everything Celtics, you can follow Sebastian on Facebook and on Twitter

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NBA Rumors: Breaking Down Latest Buzz From Around the League

Tyler Poslosky — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:22:37 -0400

The NBA rumor mill is swirling, and it will continue to gain traction as the summer rolls on. Paul Pierce and Bryan Colangelo are facing similar fates, while Stan Van Gundy could be with a new team in a familiar role come next season.

These rumors will surely be the first of many in what could prove to be a busy offseason in the NBA.

Has Pierce Played his Last game in Boston?

The Celtics may have a tough time retaining Pierce, according to CSNNE’s Greg Dickerson.

Dickerson firmly believes the Celtics will not bring back Pierce because of his hefty contract situation.

“I know that the company that Paul Pierce hangs around, they do not believe—and I don’t think Paul Pierce believes—that he is going to be brought back next year at $15 million,” Dickerson said. “I know for a fact that people around [him] have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that he’s played his final game in a Boston Celtics uniform.”

Pierce averaged just shy of 19 points per game this season for the Celtics. If in fact he does not return next season, the Celtics could have a tough time filling his shoes.

Toronto and Jackson?

The Raptors are mulling the future of current president and general manager Bryan Colangelo.

Phil Jackson’s name has popped up among the list of candidates suitable to fill the roll if Colangelo is fired. However, according to Michael Grange, that scenario is becoming less likely by the day.

“One name that can be crossed off any lists, sources say, is Phil Jackson,” Grange wrote, according to Sportsnet.ca. “The likelihood of Jackson relocating to Toronto and taking on a full-time role as a club executive are considered remote at this point.”

If Jackson wanted the job, he’d most certainly take it. He boasts all the necessary accolades to do so. But relocating would be taxing, mentally and physically.

For now, it looks as if Toronto will look elsewhere for a managerial position.

Hawks Looking for a New Coach

Current Atlanta Hawks coach Larry Drew’s contract doesn’t expire until late next month, however, according to ESPN.com, the team is eying a group of potential candidates for the gig.

“I have great appreciation and respect for Larry and how he led our team this season,” general manager Danny Ferry said, courtesy of ESPN.com.

Atlanta finished 44-38, made the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, but were upset by Indiana in the first round of the playoffs.

“At the same time, it is my responsibility and in the best interests of the Hawks organization to consider all of our options, and talk with other potential head coaches before making a decision about who will lead or basketball team," Ferry said.

Among the pool of coaches the Hawks have contacted, according to ESPN.com, include former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy.

However, Van Gundy has told several teams he isn’t interested in coaching next season.

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Paul Pierce Reportedly Not Expecting to Return to Boston Celtics

Dan Favale — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:37:41 -0400

Well, this is depressing.

Paul Pierce doesn't just believe his days with the Boston Celtics are numbered; he thinks they're over.

According to CSNNE's Celtics sideline reporter Gary Dickerson, the lifetime Celtic doesn't think he's going to be brought back to Beantown next season (via Kurt Helin, ProBasketballTalk):

… I know that the company that Paul Pierce hangs around in, they do not believe – and I don’t think Paul Pierce believes – that he is going to be brought back next year at $15 million. I know for a fact that people around Paul Pierce have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that he’s played his final game in a Boston Celtics uniform. Again, Paul wants to stay – obviously for $15 million — but he wants to finish his career in a Celtics uniform…. Probably a buyout (rather than a trade)…

Again, depressing.

Pierce's reign of dominance in Boston was always going to come to an end at some point, and he's been the focus of trade rumors for quite some time, but that doesn't make this any easier to stomach.

The notion of Danny Ainge and the Celtics parting ways with Pierce, to this point, had been approached with a sense of ambivalence. Never before had you heard Pierce or the team provide any sort of definitive answer behind what the future held.

Now, there's this.

Recently, Ainge predicted that both Pierce and Kevin Garnett would be back next season, but he's never been one to be overly candid. He also didn't rule out the departures of one (or both) of them either.

On so many levels, the buyout Dickerson discusses feels so wrong. Why just pay one of the organization's best players ever to leave? Why not trade him and capitalize on his market value?

Money.

Just $5 million of Pierce's $15.3 million salary is guaranteed next season. Rather than trade him and likely be forced to take back a comparable amount of salary, it does make financial sense for the Celtics to just cut him loose. With Pierce already on the wrong side of 35, it would be difficult for Ainge to strike an accord that returns enough young assets to Boston to make an exchange worthwhile.

Still, this can't be happening. It hasn't happened. Pierce hasn't played his last game as a Celtic. This is just like all those other times. This can't be true. And perhaps it's not.

If Pierce himself, however, doesn't believe that Boston will bring him back, there has to be something to it. He wouldn't purposely manufacture these feelings of self-doubt, especially if there was no need to.

His reported stance then suggests that these Celtics are on the brink of a complete overhaul. And if Pierce becomes collateral damage of that reclamation project, you better believe Garnett will follow, whether Boston wants him to or not.

“(Garnett) doesn’t want to be around for a rebuilding phase for another year," Dickerson said. "If Paul’s gone, I think without a doubt Kevin Garnett is gone."

Though Garnett has a no-trade clause, Dickerson adds that he would see him waiving it for the Los Angeles Clippers or Los Angeles Lakers. He could also envision him retiring.

It all depends on Pierce, just like the Celtics have for the past 15 years.

Only this time, it seems there's more stock being placed in his inevitable departure than his value on the court.

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Boston Celtics Future Built Around Cutting Ties with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett

Dan Favale — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:23:48 -0400

The Boston Celtics used to be known for contending for championships. Now they're more known for prolonging the inevitable.

There's something about the Celtics that appeals to the emotional side of basketball. Even those who despise Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and everybody else in green have a conditioned respect for them. The entire NBA knows never to count them out.

Over time, however, it's become clear that their resiliency will only carry them so far. After six seasons of selling a similar blueprint, the time to move on has finally come.

These current Celtics are a respectable bunch, specifically Pierce and Garnett. They've carried the team to a championship and toiled with winning another one for more than half a decade. They've also brought the organization as far as they can take them.

Boston's demise has been expected for quite some time. For the better part of three years, we've watched and waited for the Celtics' day of reckoning. They were operating on borrowed time and would eventually be forced to pursue a future that didn't include their most beloved of fixtures.

Last summer had the makings of that pursuit's inception. Ray Allen and Garnett were free agents. The ties could have been severed so cleanly. Boston could have rode off into the future without looking back.

But the Celtics couldn't. Not after the playoffs. They came within one victory of a third NBA Finals appearance in the past five years. They couldn't just throw all that away. And they didn't. Rather, they tried not to.

Garnett signed on for another three years and the Celtics made an aggressive pitch to Ray-Ray. Allen inevitably spurned Beantown for the comfort South Beach, fleeing the city that made him a champion and ruining whatever relationship he had with Garnett.

Boston isn't one to purposely wallow in its sadness, though. The Celtics quickly went with Plan B, which was signing Jason Terry and acquiring Courtney Lee from the Houston Rockets. Those two would be enough to fill the gaping hole that Allen created.

Led by a new, improved and supposedly self-aware Rajon Rondo, these Celtics were once again contenders. Should they make a title push in 2013, it wouldn't be a surprise. They were supposed to win, because they were still built to win.

Or so they thought.

One season-ending injury to Rondo (and rookie Jared Sullinger) coupled with a slew of other abrasions and underwhelming campaigns from Lee and Terry later, the Celtics were 41-40. It was Boston's worst season (in terms of winning percentage) since it traded for Garnett in 2007.

The Celtics proceeded to limp their way into the playoffs as the seventh seed. Their place in the bracket didn't matter, though. They were built for just this—the postseason

Soon enough, however, it became clear there was no magic potion that would correct Boston's cosmetic woes. Garnett continued to battle injuries while Pierce attempted to stave off inconsistency against the New York Knicks. And then, we blinked. The Celtics were down 3-0 and faced a first-round sweep.

They fought like hell as only the Celtics could, though. They rattled off two straight victories before falling at home in Game 6. It was the first time Boston hadn't advanced past the first round since Garnett came to town, the reality of which was painful.

It wasn't just that the Celtics had lost, it was that they once again had to face the prospect of an uncertain offseason. Both Garnett and Pierce were under contract but a battery of questions remained unanswered.

Would Garnett retire? Would Pierce be traded or released? Would the Celtics finally blow things up?

After the season they had, it would only make sense for the Celtics to start fresh. Only $5 million of Pierce's $15.3 million contract was guaranteed, Garnett could likely be sold on retirement if Pierce left and both still held enough market value to be traded.

A complete overhaul would be more difficult than last summer, but it was still possible. But that didn't make it likely.

General manager Danny Ainge—whose greatest fear has always been holding onto Boston's core for too long—seems to believe that both players, along with Doc Rivers, will be back with the Celtics next season (via Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com):

Making his final weekly appearance of the 2012-13 season on Boston sports radio WEEI, Ainge said he is giving both Rivers and Garnett space to make decisions about their futures, but has no reason to believe that, with both under contract with the team next season, they won't return.

"Doc is always unsure [about his future]," Ainge said. "Coaching is very, very draining. Every year with Doc, he's had to go home and sort of recharge and ask himself that question, 'Is this something that I'm passionate about and want to continue doing?' I understand that. And we sorta give him time to unwind and relax, and after a couple of 92s on the golf course, he usually comes back."

Rivers isn't a component the Celtics need to move on from. He may not want to be a part of a rebuilding project, but his future has really only come into question after ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported that he would wind up with the Los Angeles Clippers—along with Garnett and Pierce.

Whether there be truth to that rumor or not (go with not), Rivers isn't the issue. Garnett and Pierce are. They've done so much for the franchise, but the Celtics can't contend with them as their primary pillars or with them eating up so much cap space ($27 million in 2013--14). This season showed us that much.

Although we'd like to envision a dominant Boston outfit with a healthy Rondo leading into next season, it's unrealistic. Not only will Garnett and Pierce be even older, but the Celtics were 20-23 when their point man went down. They actually fared better without him (21-17), and even that wasn't good enough to contend. And it won't be good enough next season.

So long as a majority of the Celtics' hopes are resting upon the shoulders of Pierce and Garnett, this franchise isn't going to play at a dominant level. There will always be injuries and declines in productions. There will always be something.

Which means it's time to move on. The Celtics can't improve the future outlook of their team unless they commit to moving on. And they can't move on with Garnett and Pierce. This begins with them, just as their championship aspirations ended with them these past six years.

Ainge knows this; he understands it. He always has (via Forsberg):

Ainge admitted the first decision as far as team personnel likely will start with Pierce, who is set to enter the final year of a deal scheduled to pay him $15.3 million for the 2013-14 season. Only $5 million is guaranteed in the deal, and the Celtics have their amnesty clause in play if they wanted to move on without Pierce.

Ainge was asked about what goes into deciding Pierce's future in Boston.

"Conversation with my coach, conversation with Paul and his representatives," Ainge told WEEI. "Opportunities that may present themselves. There's a lot that will go into it, but it hasn't even started yet, we have until June 30 to make any decision.

Cutting all ties won't be easy (emotionally). Again, both have done so much for the city of Boston, Pierce especially. He's spent all 15 of his seasons with the Celtics. Parting ways with him will border on tormenting.

But it has to be done. Boston has fielded the same nucleus for a the better part of a decade, and it's been great. They've won. They've contended. They've had a title-worthy purpose.

Now, as the sun sets on another season, the Celtics are left to lumber through the remnants of another failed season. Because that's what this year was—a failure. They were (supposedly) built for a championship run, not an early playoff exit.

There is no shame to be found in that failure, though. The Celtics saw something in themselves last season; we all did. Given how much they had already invested in Garnett and Pierce, extending the team's shelf life was something that was easy to justify.

The real shame would be not realizing that all they've done is manage prolong the inexorable.

"We love what he's [Paul] done for us, but ultimately we have to do what we think is the best for us from this point forward," Ainge said.

What's best for the Celtics now is finding a way to move on, no matter what it entails and no matter how complicated it may be. This was never going to be painless, after all.

Abandoning the past en route to the future never is.

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