Does Pierce seem a little cranky or is it just me?

Hmm, I think this is all a bit much. Lets look at it as two different scenarios. First, on the defensive end PP seems to be playing team enforcer/disciplanarian. If any of you all are old enough, and I know some of you are, you might remember that the old 80’s teams would bicker quite a lot. They were kind of mean, occasionally with each other. It was even more the case with the 90’s bulls team (I was here watching them). Pippen and Jordan would really lay into team mates for bad decisions, on national TV, in 20 point blow-outs, whenever. And like that team our whole season is about practice, attention to detail and getting bettter. I applaud PP for taking this on on this team.

On the offensive side you have a more valid point I think. But first lets clarify that ray allen refuses to give the ball back to rondo and messes with his mojo way more than PP. Second PP’s job on this team is to exploit mismatches (the other team has to make him a top defensive priority or pay) and second to do what he does better than anybody else on the team, create a shot for himself, break down the D. He is like a bailout option a lot of times and that is fine. He must have old habits not unlike RA’s over dribbling or KG’s long fadeaways, avoiding the post and turning over outlet passes. They aren’t perfect. But I really think you are reading a lot in to talk about a lost MVP season, or missing being the man. He has said and acted like a man maniacally going after a title in my book.

KG gets on a teammate for missing a defensive rotation and he’s a great leader…..PP gets on a teammate for missing a defensive rotation and he’s a cranky, selfish, egomaniac.

If you recall the play in question it was at a crucial time in the game and Ray had missed numerous rotations in one stretch. PP had every right to get on him. Ray himself has said many times that they all get on each other and it helps keep them all responsible to the team. PP very oftenwill point to himself and admit to the team when he’s made a mistake without anyone having to do it for him.

This is all about keeping the team focused on the prize. The day you hear any member of the team complaining about PP, KG or any other player getting on their case then get back to us. Until then chill out and let this team do it’s thing.

And as far as PP not passing to Ray, or being a black hole, go back to the play by plays and check out the assists. That’s hardly the case.

I don’t have to go back to the play by plays or check assists, I watch the games.

  Assists
Rajon Rondo 7.5
Paul Pierce 3.8
Kevin Garnett 2.8
Ray Allen 2.6

leaving aside the attitude argument about Pierce -
It is really hard to argue that a small forward who is no longer a primary ballhnadler but gets almost 4 assists per game is a black hole.

I’ll tell you what. I will make a point of watching PP both for the attitude you describe and especially for the offensive ball hogging. As far as I can remember, I have been thrilled when PP takes the ball and decides he is scoring or getting to the line. It has usually been because that is what the team needed and I am glad we have a special one on one guy who can do what he does. But I will make an effort to keep an eye on what you are talking about, I think this might be an interesting thread thoughout the season.

But could somebody please, please, tell me how to make thread updates go to my email. I can’t believe this fancy new system doesn’t do that.

’nuff said.

Hes still the most explosive scorer on this team

you got that right ancient, feed the beast, when allen gets hot we feed him, we get garnett in the “post.” When the defense is killing our sets and we need a guy to find his shot or a teamate who is better at that on this team than pp? ray allen dribbling around in cirlces, rr turning down three jump shots inside ten feet and one 2 foot floater in the same possesion? When we need to, give the ball to paul and get out of the way.

I am paul pierce, and I approve this message.