Can Pierce & his sprained MCL make it through the playoffs?
Jackie MacMullan was on ESPN Boston Radio yesterday to discuss the Celtics breakdown in Game 1, KG's strong play and the Celtics abundance of injuries. The player she is most concerned with is Paul Pierce. While the Celtics should still be able to get past the 76ers, Pierce is the guy you need if you want to upset the Heat. And unfortunately he won't be healthy until the offseason. MacMullan claims Doc has contemplated sitting Pierce, but he'd prefer to have him on the court even if only as a decoy. Former Celtics teammate and current 76er Tony Battie on Pierce:
I know he's hurt. but Paul's definitely not going to ever admit that to anyone. You can see it. His shot is a little flat. His knee is bothering him, and he's had some foot problems, and his lift isn't 100 percent. But he's still the heart and soul of that team.
Pierce is such a warrior he'll still have his moments, but when he sprained his MCL the Celtics rosy playoff future took a hit. If healthy, we were the team no one wanted to face. But right now three of our top 6 wouldn't be playing if this was the regular season. Avery Bradley has gone from NBA Player of the Month nominee in April to a role player so far in May. Obviously his shoulder that has been popping out on the regular is the main culprit. Ray Allen could be sidelined at anytime with his bone spurs. But the biggest injury is Pierce's. Let's hope someone can step up to help shoulder the load.
Jackie MacMullan interview on ESPN Boston Radio: Listen Here
