<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Paul Pierce rejoined the Celtics last night -- as an interested spectator. He is still wearing a boot to help the stress reaction in his left foot heal. After a checkup yesterday, doctors detected progress but recommended Pierce remain in the boot for another week, which pushes back his return at least another two weeks. Pierce, who last played Dec. 20, will likely end up missing a month, as coach Doc Rivers said before the Celtics' 107-104 loss to Cleveland; the Celtics are projecting a Jan. 19 return for the captain. But that date is not cast in stone either and, when pressed, Rivers said he couldn't be certain if that day meant Pierce would be able to play in a game or simply be able to practice. The Celtics host the Sacramento Kings on the 19th. "Obviously, it's a little longer than we anticipated," Rivers said. At first, the Celtics projected a two- to three-week period of idleness for Pierce. "I think in a week, when the boot comes off, we'll have a much better idea," said Rivers.</div> Source
I'm not mad because I don't think we're going anywhere with or without Pierce this year. All of this time without Pierce is very valuable to the likes of Allen, Green, Gomes, etc. But most importantly, Al Jefferson is making the most of the opportunity and learning very quickly how to play when he's the focal point of the defense. In particular, he's getting much better at working himself out of double teams.
