<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">BOSTON -- An injured left elbow prevented Paul Pierce from playing for Team USA in the FIBA World Championships. But the Boston Celtics made sure their five-time All-Star forward would be ready for training camp. Pierce underwent arthroscopic surgery on the elbow at New England Baptist Hospital on Wednesday and is expected to return by the start of camp. Last month, the Celtics signed Pierce to a three-year contract extension through the 2010-11 season. Pierce, 28, will make $15.1 million for the upcoming season and $16.3 million in 2007-08. The three-year extension is worth $60 million. The 6-6 Pierce averaged 26.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 79 games last season. A first-round pick in 1998, Pierce has spent his entire eight-year career with the Celtics, averaging more than 23 points, six rebounds and five assists.</div> http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2544666
