Due to a few missed days I'm going to have to run double up on a few to meet my goal of finishing by Friday.
Previous Profiles
Ray Allen
Tony Allen
P.J. Brown
Sam Cassell
Glen Davis
Kevin Garnett
Eddie House
Kendrick Perkins
Player: Paul Pierce
Strengths: Scoring, ability to get to the rim, improved foul shooting, improved defense, ability to get to the line, willingness to make the right pass, focus on winning a championship.
Weaknesses: Despite his ability to score in a variety of ways I'm not entirely confident the Celtics will win if it comes down to the last shot and the ball is in Pierce's hands. Also it is downright scary to watch him dribble at times. Thankfully that aspect of his game, much like some other weaknesses, has taken a back seat this season.
Go to Move: I'm not sure he has a go to move per say. Just know that he is going to drive to the basket and create contact.
What a Difference a Year Makes: Last season Pierce battled injuries on an atrocious team. It should be noted that the squad was somewhat respectable until he went down with the foot injury. Things fell apart from there and by the end of the season there was rampant speculation that Pierce would ask to be traded. However, the arrivals of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett rejuvenated his career and made him a better, more efficient all around player. He has been phenomenal to watch.
Shining Moment This Season: He was awesome in the home game against San Antonio, which KG sat out. Pierce was particularly clutch in the first quarter. But for me Pierce's season can't be spoken about in moments. His 2006 season was better for that. Rather it is his all around game and consistency that stands out to me. It is a good time to be a Paul Pierce fan.
If not in Boston which NBA team would make the most sense?: He should be a Celtic.
Random Point of Information: This story never gets old:
Strangely only "The Truth" stuck. It might have been cooler if people referred to Pierce as the MFT.
Contract Situation: Signed through the 2011 season, a year before KG's contract runs out. I've said this before but it needs repeating. Danny Ainge does not get enough credit for the way the Celtics' salaries line up. Rondo and Perk are steals and I like how the stars get a guaranteed three seasons together before it is time to rethink things.
Player: Scot Pollard
Strengths: Veteran, playoff experience, knows where to be on the court.
Weaknesses: His games played have decreased (61, 49, 45, 24, 22) in every season since the 2004 campaign. This year ankle surgery did him in. But even before that his back was aching and he did not look great. In his brief stint as a Celtic it was clear that Pollard understood the game and his responsibilities. But he looked like he had cement blocks on his feet. The injuries were just too much.
Go to Move: It most likely involves a foul.
What a Difference a Year Makes: Unlike almost everyone on Boston's roster, Pollard enjoyed team success last season, as his Cavaliers won the Eastern Conference. Hopefully this season unfolds the same way, minus the sweep in the Finals.
Shining Moment This Season: It might have been the time he helped Mike Gorman broadcast the Hawks game. That's not good. On top of that Donny Marshall is far more skilled than Pollard in that regard.
If not in Boston which NBA team would make the most sense?: It might be time for Pollard to retire.
Random Point of Information: Someday the following clip will get old. That day is not today.