Paul Pierce is Mr. Everything

by Jeff Clark on Jan 28, 2012 2:33 PM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

In case you missed it, Paul Pierce is playing pretty well lately. (Understatement Alert)

Over the last four games, Pierce has scored 105 points, dished out 35 assists and grabbed 29 rebounds. Not coincidentally, the Celtics have won all four. Most of those wins have come without Ray Allen and all of them have happened without Rondo. The Celtics’ resurgence isn’t all about Pierce – Kevin Garnett has been playing inspired defense and the bench pieces are starting to come together into something that resembles a coherent group – but Pierce is the connective tissue.

"I'm getting there," he said. "I'm really getting used to the soreness of playing. I'm getting used to the back-to-backs. A few weeks ago, I probably wouldn't have been able to play in this game -- in the fourth game in five nights -- because of how my body was feeling after these games, but I'm really getting used to the conditioning for these games where it's not really affecting me. And Doc is doing a great job of giving us rest in these types of situations."

Pierce said he's at "83.7 percent." If he can get back to 100% anymore at his age, the league better watch out.

Rondo: Pierce is 'Mr. Everything'

"It’s not easy to make that transition from still scoring and running the point and rebounding," Rondo told CSNNE.com following the Celtics 94-87 win over the Indiana Pacers. "He’s Mr. Everything right now for us, and that’s what we need."

Yup. I have nothing to add to that.

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7tony2

go boston go you are #1

truth paul is MVP

by 7tony2 on Jan 28, 2012 2:49 PM EST reply actions

I agree

It would be a complete mistake to even think of trading him right now. He proved that he could be as good as LeIdiot or Kobe when he is need. Go PP!

I don't follow rules, I let the rules follow me.

by relja111 on Jan 28, 2012 2:51 PM EST reply actions

What a shame

The Big 3 have been saying this is Rondo’s team, but it’s not. Pierce might still be a better player. If anything, this is the Big 4’s team, which to me shows how Rondo just can’t take over.

by Celticsdude on Jan 28, 2012 2:57 PM EST reply actions

BIG4 needs a scoring,rebound, & defensive bench.

The C`s need scoring and defense from the bench. In mid-February they need to make 2 big trades and 3 veterans. Trade Wilcox,Dooling,Daniels,Pavlovic,Johnson, & 1st round pick to Houston for C.Budinger,T.Williams, & H.Thabeet. Trade E.Moore to Sacramento for I.Thomas. Sign Kenyon Martin for 3 years 7 million. Resign R.Wallace & E.House for 1 year. With these 8 new guys we will beat Miami & Chicago in the Playoffs.

by Wylon Chalk on Jan 28, 2012 3:22 PM EST reply actions

No, no thank you..

..Curious as to why you’re so insistent upon this very-specific trade scenario. This has to be the fourth or fifth time I’ve seen you post it.. I have League Pass, have seen all parties play at least a game or three, and cannot comprehend the logic behind any of those moves- particularly with how well the team has played as of late. What do you know about these guys that we don’t??? ;)

by MiracleMilt on Jan 28, 2012 6:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Pierce's value after this year

I think Pierce will not be traded because his value to this team is so much greater than it could be to another team realistically. It’s only partially about his stat lines which are steadily improving this year, it’s also about him acting as a magnet for other players to come here next year and other intangibles.

Pierce is still going to be a very good player next year, if the Celtics acquires lots of young talent his veteran leadership could be very valuable, not to mention the value of having a career Celtic, both for the sense of continuity and as an example of loyalty by the Celtics organization. Also, as far as attracting free agents, having a team with Rondo, Pierce, Bradley, let’s say Jeff Green and Brandon Bass would go a lot farther than a team with all these players minus Pierce.

He can’t be relied on to be the player he was at 30 but he’ll still a reliable scorer, team facilitator, 4th quarter closer and that puts the Celtics a lot closer to being a complete, competitive team that without him moving forward.

by BlackMass on Jan 28, 2012 3:29 PM EST reply actions

Pierce has been great

And deserves all the recognition and respect earned by all the other great Celtics hanging high in the rafters and enshrined in Springfield. He’s the Truth. Standing ovation. He plays Celtics ball and we have love for him here, we really do. Now let’s get 18 because that’s what we’re about. Write a new chapter in the book that will be celebrated for all time.

by p-peazy on Jan 29, 2012 12:04 AM EST reply actions