Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff
The 2007-08 NBA season just might feature a new Paul Pierce. At least that's what the Celtics captain seemed to be getting at in his comments this in a conference call this afternoon.
Pierce says he's prepared to score less and contribute more in other aspects of his game, whereas he has carried most of the offensive burden in the past few seasons. Several times made reference to "sacrifice" and pointed out that he knows he, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen won't each be able to average 25 points per game.
Last year's NBA champion San Antonio Spurs had just one player, Tim Duncan, average 20 points per game during the regular season, and the same can be said for the high-scoring Phoenix Suns and their up-tempo offense. The Washington Wizards trio of Gilbert Arenas (28 ppg), Antawn Jamison (19.8), and Caron Butler (19.1) couldn't all get past the 20-point hump.
Pierce averaged 25 points in an injury-plagued 2006-07 season. He led the Celtics in scoring, rebounding, and assists in 2005-06 season.
As has been the case in most of his public statements since the acquisitions of Allen and Garnett, Pierce seems to welcome the change. He's even made repeated references to a load being lifted off of his shoulders.
"I'm willing to do whatever I got to do to win a championship," said Pierce, who stated he felt like the Eastern Conference was wide open.
One specific area of focus this off-season?
"Probably just my defense," Pierce said. "I know I'm going to play a different role defensively."
Pierce added that he thinks he is an "underrated defender" and that he is preparing for the challenge of taking on some of the best players in the league.
Most, if not all, members of the Celtics have been working out together at their Waltham practice facility for the last two weeks, according to the Celtics captain.
The biggest goal for the preseason and training camp, according to Pierce, is simply going to be learning. That is learning the system the coaches want to put in place as well as learning the ins and outs of his new teammates' games.
The Celtics start training camp on Sep. 30 in Rome, Italy. The first preseason game against the Toronto Raptors is on Oct. 6 in Rome. The regular season opener will be against the Washington Wizards at the TD Banknorth Garden on Friday, November 2.
Comments (3)
While we will Never again have "The BIG Three". KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are going to make up one heck of a Tandem! As long as all three of them can acclimate to one another and no one player tries to do too much then there will many Exciting nights of Basketball in the Garden again...
Posted by Shappy | September 26, 2007 8:01 PM
Posted on September 26, 2007 20:01
amazing three players to team together.
probably one of the best combinations of 3 superstars you could put together in terms of little ego, chemistry and being team players as well.
perfect fit on the court and in terms of leadership and character as well.
perfect fit. 3 A+ all-nba franchise players that are fiercely loyal, leaders, unselfish, team players, leave it all out on the floor, love the game, highly efficient, play the right way, and are all hungry as hell for a ring. All 3 have been close and have led teams to conference finals but are hungry for the finals and need to get there. All 3 are elite at their respecitve positions. Theyve accomplished everything (all 3 been top 10 for mvp and KG won it), been all-nba, multiple allstars, just accomplished everything there is except for the ring and theyre all in the same stage of their careers as veterans, theyre gonna go for that ring. They are a perfect fit in their strengths and complementing each other beautifully on the court....
Gonna be a special team for the next 4 or 5 years. They could win the whole thing not just the east. They would be elite among the top of the west if that was there conference with phx and the rest of em, in the east they will be a powerhouse.
I hate boston but i am happy for Ray, Kevin and Paul and they are the near-sole reason that I'll be getting league pass for the first time ever (nba diehard fan for 26 years).... theyre gonna be a SPECIAL team.
Posted by jerry | September 26, 2007 10:58 PM
Posted on September 26, 2007 22:58
this is probably the most prodigious trio to hit New England since the running back trio of LaPlante/Worthy/St. Jean at Bates College...by the way, its Caron, negative points for that one
Posted by Adam Crossman | September 27, 2007 2:41 PM
Posted on September 27, 2007 14:41