Can Paul Pierce Catch Hondo On The Scoring List?

by Jeff Clark on Feb 7, 2012 6:27 AM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

Baring unforseen circumstances, Pierce is going to pass Larry Bird in scoring tonight. Next up would be John Havlicek who leads him by over 4,000 points.

Green Street " Where does Paul Pierce rank among Celtics greats?

Pierce is 34 years old and has two years remaining on his existing contract. Prior to this year, he claimed he wanted to last longer than Allen, who he expects to play five more seasons. If that’s the case, The Truth could surpass Havlicek as the team’s all-time leading scorer, eclipse Russell for fourth on the team’s assist list and approach Hondo for fifth among Celtics rebounders. Another NBA championship wouldn’t hurt, either.

"I don’t really worry about records," said Pierce. "The chips are going to fall where they may. I’ve been fortunate to be a Celtic for all these years, so I’ve been put in the position to do these things. Barring my health, with a little bit of luck and a little bit of skill, I’ve been able to get to these places."

It would seem unlikely that he would be able to pass Hondo, just because it has felt like we've been worried about Pierce getting old for the last 3 or more years. All you have to do is look at the beginning of this season to see Pierce at his worst.

But when you think about it (and when you watch him right now) I suppose you can't rule anything out. He's got a game that isn't predicated on athleticism so much as timing and spacing. I could see him playing a 6th man role for a couple of years to save his legs too. Besides, I'd never count out the Captain.

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Absolutely Can't rule it out

In terms of the eyeball test look at guys like Tmac, Vince Carter, Mike Bibby, and Antawn Jamison. Those last three drafted w/ Pierce. I see them breaking down as a testament to Pierces longevity and consistency. Hey may not be a physical specimen like Dwight Howard, but Pierce is in great shape.

As you said in the post his game is predicated on spacing and timing. I thought forever it would be crazy to say he might pass Hondo, but looking where he is at now, I think he will be very very close when all is said and done. Also, for fun take a look at the top 30 scorers of all time list, its an amazing list of basketball players, and there is Pierce right in the thick of it.

by Jirimania on Feb 7, 2012 6:44 AM EST reply actions

It's easier than you might think

Consider that he plays 3 more seasons of 90 games each (that means the C’s have to get out of the first round). So, its an additional year contract after this one expires. If he averages 15ppg in those 3 seasons, he’ll have 4050 points (plus whatever he gets in this season)

Or, if he finishes this season, also with a second round exit, and for the next two years left on his contract also has second round exits but averages 17ppg, he’ll can achieve it that way as well. For reference, he is currently averaging 18.6ppg.

Its very plausible.

by kurtgiessler on Feb 7, 2012 7:32 AM EST reply actions

Points scored in the playoffs don't count.

If they did Havlicek would actually have 30,171 points, Bird would have 25,688, and Pierce would have 24,133.

by bdm860 on Feb 7, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions

Pretty good chance, actually

Hondo had a remarkable motor, maybe the best ever in the NBA. But Pierce has the 3 pt line and he’s pretty good at it. Ray’s game is better equipped for longevity, I think. We know what he is. But Pierce does most of his work closer to the hoop and if his hands and legs slow down much those amazing strong drives will become turnovers. I think he’s a good investment for the duration of this contract but I wouldn’t see the Cs extending him until they see what they’ve got in the last year.

by Wildblu1 on Feb 7, 2012 8:20 AM EST reply actions

Is this regular season scoring or total scoring, which would include playoff scoring?

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Either way, when you look at the math (like kurtgiessler above) Paul’s current PPG is over 18. He needs about 4600 points to get to 26,395. If he averages 15 PPG for the rest of his career, that will take 306 games.

A 306 game total would include the rest of this season, plus three complete 82 game seasons, with about 18 games left over. That projects out to sometime in the 2015-2016 season. I imagine that he will miss some games along the way, so it may take a little more than 18 games in the 2015-2016 to get it done.

Either way, he will be able to put some distance between his total PPG and Bird’s.

by GetYourSoxOn on Feb 7, 2012 8:36 AM EST reply actions

He just has to stay in shape

That’s the key for him. Scoring isn’t a problem, really, he musn’t suffer injuries and must maintain his current great shape. Go Captain!

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

by relja111 on Feb 7, 2012 8:46 AM EST reply actions

For it to happen...

I think the way it would have to go is….

2 more years at around 17-18 pts per and then a 2 year decline….but healthy enough to play solid minutes.

by Tom Halzack on Feb 7, 2012 8:49 AM EST reply actions

Prediction

PP pasing Bird willbe nothing but a side note on espn. They have their nose to far up kobe’s rear end

by mdowell04 on Feb 7, 2012 12:18 PM EST reply actions

Co-Sign

Pierce prolly wont get his own segment since everything he’s done in his career has been so under the radar he REALLY doesnt get the respect he deserves him passin an all-time great in scoring when a lot of people didn’t think Pierce would stay a Celtic this long should be notorized for a while since this is such a storied franchise. We’ll see wat happens tho

by throwedoff on Feb 7, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions