Paul Pierce reportedly 'planning' to return for 2016-17 season
It's not for sure, but the Truth is leaning towards another year in the NBA.
By
Matt Moore
•
1 min read
Paul Pierce has made up his mind. Probably. We think. Most likely.
For weeks there's been speculation about whether The Truth would retire after last season with the Clippers, at age 38. He said he was taking his time to decide early in the summer. There's been speculation he'd return, but now the Orange County Register, while hedging its bets, reports that Pierce is "planning" on returning.
The answers have never been certain, and even in mid-August, that's still the case. But, a probability has emerged, at least for now.
Pierce, an 18-season veteran in the NBA, is planning to return to the Clippers for his 19th season in the league, according to multiple league sources.
Pierce has wavered with his decision for most of the summer, and another change in plans wouldn't be shocking.
Source: Paul Pierce planning to return with Clippers for 19th NBA season - The Orange County Register .
Well, that clears that up. He's probably coming back, unless he doesn't.
It's a shame that Pierce won't be spending his final season with the Celtics the way that Kevin Garnett is with the Wolves. It would be fun to see him with this young group of players finding their way and battling LeBron James in the playoffs one more time, if only for a few minutes.
When Pierce does decide to retire, is he a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer? Had a stretch of MVP-caliber seasons early in the 2000's (never won), one NBA championship, two Finals appearances, legendary nickname, that's a pretty good resume. But there may not be room when he decides to, given that if he goes this summer he'll be eligible with Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant. However, if he retires next year he could go in with Kevin Garnett, and that would be pretty cool.
Either way, keep a spot warm on the Clippers' bench for the Truth, just in case.
