Paul Pierce to Washington Wizards: “Protect Home Court....”

Paul Pierce to Washington Wizards: "Protect Home Court...."

Famously nicknamed "The Truth," Paul Pierce tells the Washington Wizards, "Hey, we got to protect home court this year. Anybody who come up here, they're going to get beaten up," as they were preparing to begin their training camp Tuesday, teammate Otto Porter Jr. said in an interview with CBS Sports.

The 6-foot-7 Paul Pierce is a 16-year NBA veteran, a ten-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA team selection and was the 2008 NBA Finals MVP. The first fifteen years of his career were spent with the Boston Celtics where he holds the Celtics' record for the most three-point field goals made. He also ranks third in team history in games played, second in points scored, seventh in total rebounds, fifth in total assists, and first in total steals. Pierce was the Celtics' team captain from 2003 until 2013 when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

On July 17, 2014, Pierce signed up with the Washington Wizards for a two-year, $11 million deal, according to ESPN, as a replacement for Trevor Ariza who joined the Houston Rockets. On the deal's closing, Pierce tweeted to his followers, "Obama , J Wall here I come." and "Welcome the truth."

The Truth will already turn 37 in October before the 2014-2015 season starts. He is also evidently nearing the end of his playing career. Yet, he still sticks to the work ethics and discipline that has made him such a respected and admired figure in Boston. Of him, new teammate Marcin Gortat said in an interview with the Washington Post: "I've played with him everyday and it's ridiculous how people follow his lead. Whatever he is, 35, 45 maybe, 37, whatever, he shows up at the gym two hours before practice and even young guys can't beat him. That shows a lot."

Pierce's leadership is legendary. The Washington Wizards' head coach Randy Wittman said, "Paul Pierce is a leader. I know who he is just from coaching on the other sideline against him all these years." Ernie Grunfeld, their general manager, added, "He's going to add a tremendous amount to our ballclub and we're glad to have him."

 

 

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