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Paul Pierce: ‘I want to retire as a Celtic’ 01.29.13 at 1:06 pm ET
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Since Rajon Rondo‘s season-ending ACL injury, there’s been plenty of talk about trading Paul Pierce, but the Celtics captain made his plea to the media before the team’s first practice since losing their All-Star point guard.

“I want to retire as a Celtic,” said Pierce. “That’s been my longtime goal, but it’s not under my control. The organization, they make their decisions, but it’s something I’ve desired since being here so long.”

While Pierce has $15.3 million on his contract next season, only $4 million of that deal is guaranteed, so Celtics president Danny Ainge will surely be fielding phone calls inquiring about the 35-year-old. Still, responding to a question about whether or not the Celtics are already looking to fill one of two open roster spots, coach Doc Rivers said Ainge “has not brought up anything” in terms of roster changes in the aftermath of Rondo’s injury.

The Celtics did call up rookie center Fab Melo from the Maine Red Claws. Rivers also confirmed that Courtney Lee and Jared Sullinger will remain in the starting lineup with Pierce, Avery Bradley and Kevin Garnett.

Read More: Boston Celtics, NBA, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Ih8sno

    As well you should retire a Celti PP. Celts shouldn’t move him for a pick, he won’t bring much in return. Certainly not anything that will be any better. Keep him here.

  • itsme!bobbyv!

    fire danny ainge

    • Afam

      just stop.

    • TFXR

      Yes, let’s fire Danny Ainge who’s master stroke got us one championship and a few minutes away from a second.    One of the best rabbit tricks by a GM in any sport ever.  But lets get rid of him. 

  • MintyMint

    I don’t want to see Pierce in another uniform either.  We’re not going anywhere this year anyway.  With or without him.  Leave Paul alone!!!!

  • Bruinman86

    Unless he gets much better, that retirement may be sooner than later. Personally, I hope he can get it together.  At his age, the C’s aren’t likely to get much of a draft pick or player for him, so it’s likely he stays.

    • Uncle Buck

      I think if Danny had a chance to really make a steal of a trade involving Pierce, he would do it.  From what I have read and  understand, that is not likely.  But what do I know ?  I think they will try to groom the younger guys under the tutelage of Pierce and KG and they will in fact grow old on the Celtics dime.  Looks like a down period for the green team.  

      • Bruinman86

        I think he would too, despite wanting Pierce to finish his career here. I would make the trade too if it was a significant piece in re-tooling this team.

  • jaypop

    if you trade him now or the off season what’s the difference ! PP has been a great celtic and his ultimate sacrafice should be accepting a trade in order to better the teams future. How about steping to the side for green and becoming the sixth man ? Hey Doc do you have the balls to make the move ? Melos been called up, lets use him Doc…    

  • Celtics1975

     This guy never got the respect he deserved. Just imagin if he had asked to be traded, or if ric pitino had traded him 4 tracter trailer like he was trying to do. It blow’s me away how often he’s dist an by celtic fans no less. Where all gonna miss him when he’s gone, even if you dont know it yet.

  • Paulha2445

    BRING IN LARRY BIRD TO RUN THE WHOLE SHOW!!!

  • Cfn

    I am tired of hearing about this trade stuff.  Danny would never trade Pierce or Garnet; it would be public relations disaster for the Celtics.  Think about all you idiot radio show hosts and analysts.  Just stop your stupid non sense.  What will happen is Pierce will move to the sixth man, either this year or next year and he will retire as a celtic and also have more impact this way.  He is 35 and he should be playing less minutes, this would make him more effective.

    I blame Rivers for the way this team is this year.  He might eventually see the light.  Also, losing Rondo will not make us worse, it might even make us better in the short term and if Doc can get his act together he will figure out the roles for this team by next year.

    The starting line up should be: Lee, Bradley, Green, Sullinger and Garnet.
    The bench should be:               Terry, Barbosa, Pierce, Bass and Melo/wilcox/colins

    They need to stop diking around and give these young players the minutes and give them a chance to carry the team.  With the right blend of veterans this team should flourish.  There is so much talent on this team it is pathetic, they just lack trust in each other.  They should forget about doing any trades until the off season, for they have the pieces.  It is up to DOC.            

  • Cfn

    I am tired of hearing about this trade stuff.  Danny would never trade Pierce or Garnet; it would be public relations disaster for the Celtics.  Think about all you idiot radio show hosts and analysts.  Just stop your stupid non sense.  What will happen is Pierce will move to the sixth man, either this year or next year and he will retire as a celtic and also have more impact this way.  He is 35 and he should be playing less minutes, this would make him more effective.

    I blame Rivers for the way this team is this year.  He might eventually see the light.  Also, losing Rondo will not make us worse, it might even make us better in the short term and if Doc can get his act together he will figure out the roles for this team by next year.

    The starting line up should be: Lee, Bradley, Green, Sullinger and Garnet.
    The bench should be:               Terry, Barbosa, Pierce, Bass and Melo/wilcox/colins

    They need to stop diking around and give these young players the minutes and give them a chance to carry the team.  With the right blend of veterans this team should flourish.  There is so much talent on this team it is pathetic, they just lack trust in each other.  They should forget about doing any trades until the off season, for they have the pieces.  It is up to DOC.            

  • Cfn

    I am tired of hearing about this trade stuff.  Danny would never trade Pierce or Garnet; it would be public relations disaster for the Celtics.  Think about all you idiot radio show hosts and analysts.  Just stop your stupid non sense.  What will happen is Pierce will move to the sixth man, either this year or next year and he will retire as a celtic and also have more impact this way.  He is 35 and he should be playing less minutes, this would make him more effective.

    I blame Rivers for the way this team is this year.  He might eventually see the light.  Also, losing Rondo will not make us worse, it might even make us better in the short term and if Doc can get his act together he will figure out the roles for this team by next year.

    The starting line up should be: Lee, Bradley, Green, Sullinger and Garnet.
    The bench should be:               Terry, Barbosa, Pierce, Bass and Melo/wilcox/colins

    They need to stop diking around and give these young players the minutes and give them a chance to carry the team.  With the right blend of veterans this team should flourish.  There is so much talent on this team it is pathetic, they just lack trust in each other.  They should forget about doing any trades until the off season, for they have the pieces.  It is up to DOC.            

  • Celtics

    Did you all forget the celtics played this way last year? Apparently you all forgot and they still made it to the conference finals. Even pierce said he’s not too worried seeing as how they started out the same way the past couple seasons and still made it. Get your facts straight people.

    • Uncle Buck

      I like your positive thinking.  Hope you’re right.  

    • Uncle Buck

      I like your positive thinking.  Hope you’re right.  

  • TimesTheyAreAChanging

    This would be addition by subtraction. Should’ve been done last season. Old, Slow, Out of Shape, Can’t play defense and now disinterested. Shooting 33% from the field and in the teens beyond the arc. A great Celtic would make everyone around him better. Pierce makes everyone around him worse! 

  • Coolmt02

    And we wanted you to play well this year .. We don’t always get what we want.

  • 123Star

    Then show your leadership and comment yourself to playing 100% again.
    Your getting payed enough but not really producing.
    Another important thing to know, is that the Celts have relied on PP and KG for to long. Now
    is the time for ours to step up, BUT DOC DOES NOT HAVE TRUST IN HIS OUR PLAYERS.
    THAT’S HIS BIGGEST MISTAKE….

  • Jdizzle

    PP should retire as a Celtic. A whole career dedicated to the Green. Don’t want to see him in another uniform. Deserves better…,,,,

  • Mal Tempo

    Nothing will be gained by trading Pierce. In fact, young Celtics players will lose a mentor.

  • Larry33

    I hate PP. Always have. I think he’s a selfish whining crybaby and he’s incredibly overrated. He’s probably my least favorite Celtic ever, although Antoine Walker is a very close second. That being said, why would you trade him now? You won’t get any long term value and his contract isn’t bad at all next season. Unless you could get a real young impact player ( good luck ), why bother? I would like to see the C’s try to get Al Jefferson back though, he’s just what this team needs.

  • Achang_01801

    If the celtics don’t get their act together, he might have to rethink what he said.

  • hasbear

    don;t join traitor allen in the heat uniform!!!

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