Alright, I'll go first and take the PP negative: his body language. To me, this is pretty much the only negative I have, but its getting worse. Pierce never looks happy out on the floor, doesn't stand in the huddle if he's not in the game and during the game looks like he's sitting in a dentist chair. I know he's frustrated; going from the lottery to the Eastern Conference Finals - only to have the team take a step back must feel like the first years of his career were a waste of time. And the constant player turnover must wear on him. But, he's not the only person in the NBA to have this happen to them. There are lots of great players on teams that never even make the playoffs. Sometimes you just have to win and lose with grace. Walter McCarty has been here longer than Pierce and has more of a right to complain (his minutes fluxuate depending on who were playing, Pierce will get 40 minutes a night, no matter what) but he never whines, looks unhappy or sulks like PP and Walter always cheers his teammates. I have no reservations about Paul the player, but as a team leader, I have my doubts. Cheer up Paul, you're a millionaire who plays a game for living.
Shot selection. Late in the fourth, he's a great player to have in a jersey...but his shot selection throughout the game is bad, IMO.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Real Deal:</div><div class="quote_post">Shot selection. Late in the fourth, he's a great player to have in a jersey...but his shot selection throughout the game is bad, IMO.</div> I think you're a little off. While I guess you're right that he doesn't have the best shot selction, I don't attribute that as a weakness of him, but more a weakness of the previous "coaching" staff. Pierce was not only allowed, but encouraged to jack up as many shots as he wanted. That goes for Pierce and Antoine Walker. There's no doubt that since Jimmy OB left that Pierce has become a more efficient offensive player. His volume numbers are down, but that's what happens when other people are actually involved in the offense. So, I disagree, but here's another weakness to add to CeltsMan's: Team Leadership. Pierce may be the best player on the team, but he's not captain material. He won't have his voice heard or get into guys faces the way Walker used to. That was one of the few things that I acually liked about Toine. Luckily we have Payton now who has taken over as the vocal leader, but if he goes, and the responsibilty goes back into Pierce's hands (or mouth, whatever fits) then we're in trouble. I think a young black coach like Rivers can take away some of the responsibilty because he is looked at as more of a big brother figure, rather than a father figure, but Pierce just isn't the man for that job. Add to all that everything that CM54 mentioned, plus the fact that he can't take the heat from the media when times are tough and I think it all speaks for itself.
what does that have to do with Rivers being Black???????? the Boston Globes' Bob Ryan said Pierce needs to whatch some footage of Kevin McHale and learn the value of running the floor for an easy two points. maybe he's right. but then again, half the things that man says are pure rubbish
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting olskoolFunktitude:</div><div class="quote_post">what does that have to do with Rivers being Black???????? </div> The answer you're looking for is within the post that you question....<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">because he is looked at as more of a big brother figure, rather than a father figure</div>
I would also have to say shot selection. In the couple times I've seen him play, he seems to make shots harder than he has to. I think he's just become so used to being the only offensive option and so used to being double teamed then forced into a difficult shot.
I have to say trying to do to much late in the game. He trys to take over and shoulder to much responsibility. But I agree with you guys to his shot selection isn't that great as well.
the thing that bothers me is he used to try to take over games just as much as he does now but the difference was more often than not he actually DID take over them! Does anybody remember that??? When Pierce was like a 25-27 points per game guy with very impressive field goal percentages and eye popping 3 point percentages? remember Mr. 4th quarter??? All the comebacks??? the greatest comeback in playoff history???? Going NUTS against Indy and burying that 3 at the buzzer in Harringtons face after mocking him?:? he used to have nigthts where he got htat hot ALLL the time and was always clutch??? Was that really the same guy? it feels like a life time ago!! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED???? ...ok I just royally depressed myself
I'll tell you what happened. When all that was going on, people had to wonder if it was going to be Paul or Antoine who would take the last shot. Once Antoine said he would be the second fiddle, people started doubling Paul all the time, knowing he was getting the ball. Once Toine left, people would just double him all game and he'd always be shooting with a hand or two in his face. Now, some of that you can put on the previous staff for not drawing up another play, but some of it is just stubborness on Pierce's part. Which leads me to another negative of PP: lack of trust. There are some talented people on this team. Paul has to know that when the double comes, he can pass the ball and let them take the shot. These aren't the teams when Calbert Cheaney is playing crunch time. People on this team can make shots. Someone has to grab him and let him know that if he lets other people take a shot or two, the other team won't be so quick to leave their man and it will open the floor up and make his life infinately easier...
just goes to show Danny Ainge was an idiot to trade Walker and not get anything in return. Whether or not you hated Walker, when the traded him they traded half of Pierce too. I'm starting to think Danny Ainge just made that trade coz he wanted more white people on the team. c'mon! u rrrrrrrrreally think he would've let a brother take his number?
Yeah, Ainge is a racist. That's probably why he hired a black coach. Your claim is absurd, and I can't believe I'm actually responding to it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">relax guy. I was only half serious</div> <font color="DarkRed">That's probably half too much. Careful with the baiting please</font>
