Paul Pierce Signs with Los Angeles Clippers

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The Los Angeles Clippers have signed veteran small forward Paul Pierce to a three year deal worth upwards of $10 million. Pierce most likely could’ve collected more cash , but perhaps he’s taken a discount of sorts to reunite with former head coach Doc Rivers. The two worked together for a number of years back when Pierce played and starred on the Boston Celtics.

Last season with the Washington Wizards, Pierce proved that he is still worthy of playing a large role whether it’s off the bench or in the starting lineup.  Last season, Pierce started all 73 of the games that he played in. He averaged 11.9 points per game, shooting 47% while playing around 26 minutes per game. Nobody really thought that Pierce would make a ton of noise after he left Brooklyn, but he put all that to rest last season with the Wizards.

Pierce’s veteran leadership showed up big time in this year’s NBA playoffs. Pierce hit a game winning shot and provided many more clutch shots throughout the entirety of the Wizards playoff stint. Pierce’s new team, the Clippers seem to be cursed with the inability to advance to the western conference finals despite their immense talent. Perhaps Pierce’s championship experience and innate ability to nail clutch shots can help the Clippers finally get over the hump.

Pierce will most likely start at small forward for the Clippers next season. He proved that he was capable last season, but he’s getting very old at this point. He’s 37 and certainly not getting younger. Once a player gets this old he needs to prove every single year over and over again that he is capable of playing at a starting caliber. Luckily, Pierce won’t be tasked with too much responsibility. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and potentially Deandre Jordan will be able to handle plenty of the workload. Pierce will be allowed focus on making the occasional shot and leading the team through the tough times.