Oh captain, my captain
Paul Pierce spoke clearly and carefully about the state his team before the game, but he didn’t sound like someone who wanted a change of scenery.
“I think this is a big summer for us,” said Pierce. “Obviously we’re going to get a high draft pick. I think there’s a couple of moves that have to be made. And we’ll go from there.”
Pierce was clear he didn’t think the team could improve without making some major moves.
“You have to figure there are going to be some changes based on how we did this year, regardless of the injuries,” he said. “I would think there would be a sense of urgency at this point, two consecutive years without making the playoffs. This is a town eager for the Celtics to be in the playoffs, eager for the Celtics to be one of the best teams in the NBA.”
“I just can’t see us sitting here again next season not talking about playoffs.”
Pierce said he would give management some direction over the summer about what he would like to see done. In his ninth year with the Celtics, Pierce said his contract extension should put to rest any questions about his commitment to the team.
Asked about his superstar, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the team did not need to prove to Pierce he should stay in Boston.
“I think we will show him that anyways,” said Rivers. “I think he knows how bad we want to win. I know he knows how bad I want to win. I think Paul can sit back and watch what we do this summer, and I think after this summer he’ll really want to stay.”
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