This weekly series from Clippers.com features a Q&A with Clippers players, coaches, alumni or those tied somehow to the Clippers’ organization. The next edition features small forward Paul Pierce.
PLAYA VISTA, Calif. – Paul Pierce moved into the starting lineup with Blake Griffin out, but he’ll still get the occasional game off to rest, now playing in his 18th season in the league.
Pierce said he’s holding up well and isn’t dealing with the minor injuries he’s dealt with over the last couple years, but this time before the All-Star break, it’s normal for legs to start feeling heavier or more tired.
This year, Pierce has played a career-low 17.5 minutes per game, but he understands it’s to keep him as fresh as possible for the playoffs.
“That’s where I feel my value is going to be felt the most,” Pierce said.
Pierce also touched on a variety of subjects, both on and off the court, Tuesday before practice.
What do you think about what Lance Stephenson has done the last two games?
PP: “He’s brought great energy. When you’re sitting and haven’t played a lot through the course of the season, when he gets his opportunity, he’s just staying ready. I mean, that’s just a professional he’s showing, and he’s making the most of the minutes whether it be five, 10 minutes. He wants to show coach that he needs to play.”
Do you notice his quirks?
PP: “No. It’s just like when I was in Boston watching the Red Sox, seeing Manny (Ramirez) be Manny, I’m watching Lance be Lance.”
How do you think you guys will handle the shift you’ve made in your style of play once Blake Griffin returns?
PP: “Well, I mean, there’s no question we have to implement Blake into anything we’re doing. I mean, we’ve adjusted because he wasn’t there…I mean, it’s good that we’re winning games and we’re playing well, but we know we can’t win a championship without him. So the good thing about it is we’re getting guys a little more seasoned that they probably wouldn’t have gotten if Blake was around.”
What do you think about the job J.J. Redick has done this year?
PP: “I mean, J.J. has been phenomenal. He’s stepped up his game in the absence of Blake and I think we’re running more things for him. He’s one of our go-to scorers. So we have complete confidence in him getting him open. I know every time I’m out there I’m like, look, come my way, I’m going to set a screen, get you open. He’s stepping up, man. We need that. We need everybody to step up at this time when we’re missing one of our superstars.
Have you listened to J.J. Redick’s podcast yet?
PP: “I’ve listened to podcasts before, but I haven’t listened to J.J.’s yet. I probably will. I’m a big fan of (podcasts). They’re pretty interesting because they cover a lot of subjects…I’ve listened to a couple of sports ones, news podcasts, sports podcasts. Nothing specific that I have a subscription on.”
