NEW YORK -- Paul Pierce has rarely been shy and that's certainly the case again when he makes this declaration about his Boston Celtics: "Obviously I think we're the team to beat."
More on that -- and Pierce's opinions on a variety of topics, including the possibility of the NBA locking out the referees -- in a moment. First, Pierce shared a story about him and President Bill Clinton and, no, it doesn't involve skirt chasing. Get your mind out of the gutter.
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| Paul Pierce catches up with former President Bill Clinton and Usher. (Photo: Paul Morse) |
The night before, Pierce was with a large group of dignitaries at the Museum of Modern Art where he ran into Clinton. The man who has won an NBA title and has enjoyed as bright a celebrity spotlight as any player in the sport was suddenly chatting with a former president and totally star-struck.
"It was fun," Pierce said. "Just being in the presence of somebody of his stature. I was just like, 'Wow, a guy that once ran our country. A guy of such influence.' Just to be around him and shake his hand and get a couple of minutes with him. We were at a reception [Wednesday] night that he had. We went upstairs where there were a lot of business leaders. I caught him in passing and shook his hand. Took a picture. I mentioned to him what I was doing and he thought it was really great."
Later that night, they began talking sports. "He mentioned he was a big sports fan," Pierce said. "He watched us last year in Chicago and the Orlando series. He was pumping me up."
During the conversation Clinton turned to Sen. John Glenn, pointed to Pierce, and exclaimed, "Did you see this guy play last year?"
"It was crazy," laughed Pierce of the moment.
In an interview with CBSSports.com, Pierce also spoke of the health of Kevin Garnett, how long Pierce -- who turns 32 next month -- wants to stay in the NBA and his desires to become a general manager.
CBS: If there were replacement refs, what would that mean for the league?
Pierce: It's real sensitive to the players. We've had professional referees for how many years? Like I was telling someone earlier I don't even know where you get replacement refs. We'd have guys that definitely don't have the experience [of] the refs who've been doing this 15, 20, 30 years who know the players, who know the rules, who know the game inside out.
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CBS: It would particularly affect guys like you because a large part of your game is inside.
Pierce: Bottom line is if you put replacement players out there, the product isn't going to be as good.
CBS: Do you think the Celtics are still viewed by people as the team to beat, near the top, or do most people see teams like the Cavaliers as the best in the East?
Pierce: I know we're up there. A lot of people are going to look at Cleveland because of LeBron James and Shaquille [O'Neal]. But obviously I think we're the team to beat. ... I know 100 percent in my heart that if we're a healthy team, we're going to win a championship.
CBS: How is Kevin [Garnett] doing?
Pierce: He's good. He'll be ready for training camp. I know he's been working hard this summer. Getting back in shape, getting his leg strong. I know he's been on the court working out. We're happy he's coming back. To me we have three new additions. I'm throwing Kevin as a new addition, Rasheed [Wallace] and Marquis [Daniels]. ... I think we're the team to beat when we're healthy.
CBS: How are you physically?
Pierce: I'm good. I got a lot of rest this summer. I'm healthy. My body feels good. I'm ready to go.
CBS: How much longer do you see yourself playing?
Pierce: My goal right now is four years. If I can continue and be productive in this league, who knows? Maybe longer.
CBS: How did you arrive at four years?
Pierce: I remember when I got into the league I said, "I want to play 10 years." Now because of technology and exercise and fitness, guys are playing a lot longer. The way my body feels, I feel like I can play four more years at a high level.
CBS: Have you thought about what you're going to do after basketball?
Pierce: I've thought a lot about it. Hopefully I can still be involved in the game when I retire. ... It'd be a dream for me to work in Boston. Maybe a general manager in the NBA. Some kind of way that I could help give back to the game.
CBS: Would you be too much of a perfectionist to be a coach?
Pierce: [Laughing] Coaching is hard. I don't know how Doc [Rivers] deals with me. GM would be ideal. I like putting together the talent. I'm always up in Danny [Ainge's] office, "This guy can help us. Let's go get P.J. Brown." I think I have a knack for that. This is a true story. I told [Ainge] that if we got get Kevin Garnett or Pau Gasol, we'll win a championship.
CBS: I think he went the right way going with Garnett.
Pierce: I find myself always in his office talking about players. It's always about talent and the right mix. Some guys you say, "Hey, he's talented but you wouldn't want him on your team."
