Pierce wants no part of rebuilding

[Opalmerr]

Direct quotes from Pierce.

“I mean, I really don’t want to be part of a rebuilding situation again. I just think at this point in time that’s something that would wear on me too much mentally that I don’t know what decision I may make if I have to. I may retire if I have to. You know, that’s something that’s a year-end process, especially given the situation that we have right now.”

According to Pierce, his call will be dictated by the direction the Celtics take moving forward. And while he has stated strongly that he would like to end his career with the club, he opened the door wide to the possibility he could finish elsewhere.

“It’s all on what they plan on doing,” said Pierce. “If they try to go into a rebuild mode, then, you know, I don’t know if I want to be a part of that. But that’s up to them and what they need to do. I don’t want to go out on a rebuild mode.

“I want an opportunity to at least try to win another championship, simple and plain. And if that’s not going to be here — if that’s going to be somewhere else — so be it. That’s what it has to be. I mean, even the greatest players played for other franchises."


http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/2/7/...ant-to-rebuild

[bigsams50]

Can't say I blame him. Wish KG and Him took less money though, then they would have been able to sign some legit help.

[bagwell368]

Can't say I blame him. Wish KG and Him took less money though, then they would have been able to sign some legit help.

PP won't get that much back, but KG would. Of course it would be better if RA and PP were gone earlier when it mattered. KG is so unique that they could keep him or deal him over the last few years and into next year.

[rufo4100]

Not surprised to hear Pierce say he wants the team to stay competative and "at least try" for a championship. Having said that I have also heard him say what it means to him to have his place in Celtic history. What would be more important to PIerce...retire as the all time leading scorer of the Celtics storied franchise or play his final season or 2 for another team?

I think a trade this summer of Pierce or KG is more possible than during the season. The east still sucks and another playoff run is a possibility....although I think it would take an injury to Wade or LBJ or Bosh for the C's to even has a chance to beat Miami.

[bagwell368]

^ I just looked up PP's points. He's 2916 from a tie of Havlicek. If John John had the 3, he's be well over 30k points. OTOH Havlicek has 7k more minutes played than PP. Of course Havlicek has those 8 titles. It would have been 9 if he didn't get hurt in the '73 playoffs vs the Knicks (Celts won 68 games and had a 7.37 SRS) - and the Knicks would have one less title - which is always a good thing.

[Bird Fan]

^ I just looked up PP's points. He's 2916 from a tie of Havlicek. If John John had the 3, he's be well over 30k points. OTOH Havlicek has 7k more minutes played than PP. Of course Havlicek has those 8 titles. It would have been 9 if he didn't get hurt in the '73 playoffs vs the Knicks (Celts won 68 games and had a 7.37 SRS) - and the Knicks would have one less title - which is always a good thing.

Hondo>PP

[Bird Fan]

PP won't get that much back, but KG would. Of course it would be better if RA and PP were gone earlier when it mattered. KG is so unique that they could keep him or deal him over the last few years and into next year.

Yeah not surprized at all. Why would he?

PP is a great player, why would he want to be apart of " rebuilding. "

[69centers]

This all sounds like Paul's way of saying don't trade KG this year and leave me hanging here in rebuild mode. But, I doubt KG accepts a trade if Paul's not being shipped out, so I don't think either have any concerns this year and will both be Celtics through this season.

[Opalmerr]

Celtics president Rich Gotham on the Herd.

A few interesting comments, but nothing earth shattering. Little on Pierce. Gotham believes Rondo an elite talent / carried team to ECF's last season.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=8925997

[Opalmerr]

RT@brohrbach: Ainge on Pierce & KG staying put: "I think that's by far the most likely thing. Sure."

[69centers]

Pierce is talked about in trade talks every year. Every year he stays put. This will be no different.

[Bird Fan]

Pierce is talked about in trade talks every year. Every year he stays put. This will be no different.

Agreed. PP staying put.IMO I see the Celtics adding frontline help, maybe a back-up (type C) PG. Nothing major...

[I Rock Shaqs]

^ I just looked up PP's points. He's 2916 from a tie of Havlicek. If John John had the 3, he's be well over 30k points. OTOH Havlicek has 7k more minutes played than PP. Of course Havlicek has those 8 titles. It would have been 9 if he didn't get hurt in the '73 playoffs vs the Knicks (Celts won 68 games and had a 7.37 SRS) - and the Knicks would have one less title - which is always a good thing.

Damn you must be mad old.

[rufo4100]

^ I just looked up PP's points. He's 2916 from a tie of Havlicek. If John John had the 3, he's be well over 30k points. OTOH Havlicek has 7k more minutes played than PP. Of course Havlicek has those 8 titles. It would have been 9 if he didn't get hurt in the '73 playoffs vs the Knicks (Celts won 68 games and had a 7.37 SRS) - and the Knicks would have one less title - which is always a good thing.

As long as pierce stays here and doesnt get a "bad injury" he will break it. i believe that is a goal of Paul's.

[hugepatsfan]

I'm liking what I'm seeing from this team. I don't think we're gonna win a title or even come close, but I feel Jeff Green, Avery Bradley, Courtney Lee and any of our young players are all going to be better off in the future for going through this experience.

In the offseason, Pierce will be an expiring contract and KG will have less money on his deal. I'm starting to think it makes sense to finish out this year to let the young guys soak in the competition a little bit and then go all out rebuild in the offseason.