2012-13: A season of challenges for Boston Celtics ace Paul Pierce – NBA Update
Paul Pierce has been a Boston Celtic all career long and even if he decides to play out his professional days with some other team, he will always be remembered for his exploits while wearing the green jersey.
However, as time moves on, so have the Celtics.
This summer marked the end of Big Three era in Boston as Ray Allen departed to play a defined role with the Miami Heat for lesser money.
Last season saw Rajon Rondo come into his own and has not only became the leader for the Celtics, but he has cemented himself as one of the best point guards around.
While Rondo has been on the constant rise, Pierce’s performances have seen a consistent downfall and the ageing factor is finally starting to show. Consequently, Pierce’s role with the Celtics is starting to diminish.
During the summer, the Celtics made their first priority to bring back Kevin Garnett as they highlighted him and Rondo to be key pieces to their title aspirations in the coming season. This only brings one conclusion to mind that
Pierce is not the main man around. An argument can be made that Pierce was not in danger of being lost in the off season, but there can be no doubt that the mantle is being passed from one generation to another.
The same transition left Ray Allen frustrated and he left this summer. Only time will tell how Pierce would end his days with the Celtics. The C’s might also be wary of the fact that Pierce struggled to remain fit last season and
even after he returned, the performances were just not there.
With the arrival of Jason Terry, the franchise has also covered up the bases as far as a quality clutch player goes. Pierce has been the main man in this regard for most of his career, but now that the C’s have an option, and he
might be relieved of that responsibility as well.
Pierce’s contract ends next season and he has shown intent of experiencing free agency for the first time in his career. As a fan, you would never want Captain Pierce to leave the Garden, but it is a fact that he is no longer the
player he used to be and the time might have come for him to adjust as a role player in a championship contending team, be it the C’s or some other franchise.
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