Doc Rivers says Paul Pierce still hasn't decided on retirement, has to do it with Celtics


Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers spoke to the media yesterday while attending the ABCD Hoops Dream fundraiser in Boston at the TD Garden.  Among the topics of conversation was the immediate future of long-time Celtics star and current Clipper, Paul Pierce.

Despite the many reports this summer that Pierce plans on returning for one more season in the NBA, Rivers said the 38-year-old (who will be 39 in October) still hasn't made up his mind.  Via Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com:

Depends on the day I talk to him. Paul has had the summer, he's gone back and forth. I think he has a right to do that. I really do.

Paul didn't have the best year last year. I don't think he wants to go out that way. So I think that's why he's working to try to come back. But he still may change his mind next week. So we just have to wait. I told him if I see him at training camp, I'm assuming he's playing. 
If I don't think they can play, then I tell them that. But I think Paul can play. I don't know how much he'll play, but he can play. I've always thought it's easy for someone else to tell you to retire; I think that's something that the player has to come to by himself.

Rivers also reiterated something he first said back in July--that if Pierce does decide to call it quits he'll release him from the Clippers so that "The Truth" can retire with the C's.  More from Forsberg:

Rivers reaffirmed that, should Pierce choose to retire, he'll encourage him to sign a one-day contract with the Boston Celtics in order to retire as a member of the Celtics organization.

"I think it's important. I think we have to do that. And I think we will," Rivers said. "[Celtics president of basketball operations] Danny [Ainge] and [assistant general manager] Mike [Zarren], we've already talked."

"The day [Pierce] retires, he's going to retire a Celtic. He has to. Paul's a Celtic. So when he retires, he's got to retire as a Celtic. I don't think anyone disagrees with me."

The fact that Rivers has spoken to Ainge and Zarren about making this happen is great news for C's fans.  Here's my totally unrealistic dream scenario for how it could play out:

Fast forward to February 5, 2017.  Pierce has decided to play a final season, but halfway through he's realized he's done.  The Clippers are in Boston for a Super Bowl Sunday matinee.  In a move orchestrated by Pierce, Rivers and Ainge (with the help of Adam Silver), as the starting lineups are announced Pierce removes his Clippers warmups to reveal a No. 34 Celtics uniform.

The Garden would explode.  I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.  Maybe he starts the game, plays a couple minutes, and even drains a three... OK, now I'm really going too far.




Follow Mark Van Deusen on Twitter @LucidSportsFan