Rowan Kavner
LOS ANGELES – As the season gets started for Paul Pierce, the veteran knows he’s nearing the end of his career.
Pierce joked he’s “counting down his last days” as an NBA player. “The Truth” realizes the truth about his time in the league dwindling, which is a major reason he chose to go to the Clippers this offseason in pursuit of another ring.
Getting a championship with his hometown team would mean a lot to Pierce, who beings that quest Wednesday against the Kings. Pierce said he “got a lot of the jitterbugs out” during the preseason, which he’s glad ended on a good note, and he said guys are anxious to get out there for the real thing.
Pierce talked to the media Tuesday about playing back home in Los Angeles, his role, facing one of his former teammates in Sacramento and his prediction this year for DeAndre Jordan.
Do you think you’ll start Wednesday or come off the bench?
PP: “I’m going in with the mindset that I’ll be ready, regardless. Most likely, I’ll probably be coming off the bench. I’ll probably anticipate that.”
What’s it like going against your former teammate Rajon Rondo?
PP: “Rajon, you’ve got to feel like he has something to prove this year. You’ve got to expect his best, especially with the way things ended in Dallas last year. I expect good things from Rondo this year.”
What do you think about the Kings this year?
PP: “In the West, you’ve just got to be prepared to not take anybody lightly. Some teams aren’t really mentioned up there as a team that’s a contender, but when you look at (Sacramento’s) roster, full of talent. DeMarcus Cousins, an obvious MVP candidate. Rudy Gay, who could be an All-Star any given day now. Rondo, a former All-Star. You can’t take a team like that lightly.
What’s it been like on the court with DeAndre Jordan?
PP: “DeAndre’s a special talent. He’s one of the few guys I’ve been surprised hasn’t made the All-Star Game, but I suspect that’s going to probably change this year. He comes in, very professional, works, he’s improved every year since he’s been in the league. Just to have a center like that who clogs up the middle, blocks shots, he can defend well in pick-and-roll, dunks everything underneath, it’s rare you get to play with a guy like that.”
Are you focused more on yourselves or the other team early in the season?
PP: “It’s a combination. You’ve still got to scout for that team, prepare for what they’re trying to do, what they’ve done throughout the preseason, trying to see their tendencies. At the same time, we’ve got to get our stuff together.”
