Pierce To Discuss Future With Celtics Following Season
BOSTON (CBS) -- Paul Pierce may be wearing a Washington Wizards uniform this season, but there is no denying the fact that he will always bleed green.
Pierce has been a solid veteran presence in his first year with the Wizards, averaging 13.2 points per game on 49 percent shooting, and has a player option to remain in Washington next season. But at 37 years old and currently in his 17th NBA season, Pierce knows the end of his playing days is fast approaching.
So he's keeping all of his options open, including a future position with the Celtics. Pierce recently told The Boston Herald that he would discuss his future with Celtics president Danny Ainge and owner Wyc Grousbeck once the offseason hits.
"I'll probably go up there this summer after the season and talk to Danny, talk to Wyc," Pierce told Steve Bulpett following his final game against the Celtics this season. "You know, see what opportunities may open when I'm done."
Pierce spent 15 seasons in a Celtics uniform after the team drafted him 10th overall in 1998, helping the franchise win their 17th NBA Title in 2008. Even after Pierce and Kevin Garnett were traded to Brooklyn in the 2012 offseason, it was expected that Pierce would return to the organization in some capacity when his playing days were over.
Pierce has enjoyed helping the young Wizards this season, and said that he could see himself coaching after he retires. And he may not be alone on that front.
"Coaching could be in my future. I think I still have a lot left to give this game. I always find myself talking to the guys. When we're going through scouting, I'm giving out pointers. A lot of the assistants say, 'Man, you've got a lot to give this game after you're done.' So whether it's coaching or being a general manager, it's something I think about," he said. "I think it's something that Kevin (Garnett) has even thought about. Me and him talked about it. I think he would enjoy coaching. You know, Kevin likes to teach."
Imagine both Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett on the Celtics bench as coaches, enjoying some "Gino Time" on the big screen like old times.
Pierce said he'll let his body dictate whether or not he plays after this season, but it still remains pretty clear that part of his heart will always remain in Boston.
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