Paul Pierce Expected to Join Clippers

[Andrew]

Report: The ‘Expectation’ Is That Paul Pierce Will Wind Up With The Clippers

Since Doc Rivers took over as coach and G.M. of the Los Angeles Clippers, he hasn’t been shy about his nepotism. He’s brought on all sorts of relics and retreads from his various stops around the league (Glen Davis, Nate Robinson, Hedo Turkoglu, etc.). Now, it’s looking like he’ll reunite with one-third of the Big 3 era in Boston: Paul Pierce. Via NBA.com’s David Aldridge:

“As I reported as likely to happen a couple of weeks ago, Paul Pierce will opt out of his Wizards contract. The expectation among many around the league remains Pierce will wind up in L.A. with the Clippers.”

Not altogether surprising, given his history with Doc, and they present a good opportunity for him to perhaps be that final piece that pushes them to the next level: a capable veteran who can still go, and has gone all the way before. It has been rumoured since the Wizards were eliminated. Still, it's kind of a shame there won't be a retirement tour with the Celtics.

[Maverick]

Why just now? Why didn't this happen last season? Imagine him with the Clips in the Playoffs against the Rockets as a leader.

[NovU]

I'm not surprised. Doc badly needed a SF after losing Matt Barnes. I am guessing he'll start.

Crawford vs Stephenson: battle for 6th man or will Crawford be traded?

[Kevin]

Even though it'll be a good story (player gets reunited with long-time coach to play his last season in the NBA blah-blah), I wish he'd stay with the Wizards.

[Andrew]

Why just now? Why didn't this happen last season?

Better money, intriguing possibilities with the up-and-coming Wizards, I imagine.

[mp3]

Sorry but I don't even think Pierce helping the Clippers win will make that team look any better with those jerseys!

I wonder what small forward will get a cameo role on the Wizards roster next year?

[Patr1ck]

I'm not surprised he has jumped chip twice and possibly looking for a third. He seemed like a guy who would have been willing to stick with the Celtics but the directions each wanted to go didn't match.

Two teams later, it's not unlikely that people think he might end up being coached by Doc Rivers again. I think his drive is genuine, and he thought he could win a chip with Brooklyn, and then possibly Washington, and now potentially the Clips. He grew up in Inglewood, I think, and it would be a nice homecoming for him to try to contribute to winning another chip.

Not to mention the Clips need a capable SF who can play limited minutes until Lance Stephenson comes in off the bench.

[mp3]

I guess we are going to see P-Diddy's "Iam coming home" attached to another Paul Pierce YouTube video

[Andrew]

And so, he reportedly does.

[Sauru]

3 more years huh

[Andrew]

With a team option for the third year, so that he can be let go and spend a season coming off the bench for the Celtics.

[[Q]]

I still can't approve of this. I can still see him in Celtics green.

[Kevin]

I still can't approve of this. I can still see him in Celtics green.

[[Q]]

I still can't approve of this. I can still see him in Celtics green.

Well yeah, I can't root for anything Boston related

[Andrew]

Hey, if I can get on board with Ben Wallace on the Bulls - momentarily, at least - surely you can appreciate having The Truth on the Clippers.

[Mandich]

Well, playing alongside Paul, Griffin and hopefully Jordan will certainly help him. He'll probably have one of the most efficient years of his career.

[Sauru]

this is a great pick up for them if jordan stays which it seems he wont. without him it dont matter, they are not a threat to win it