Pierce to make decision on whether to retire in coming weeks
The Truth will always set you free, but so will retirement.
Current Los Angeles Clippers forward and 10-time NBA All-Star Paul Pierce's legendary career may be ready to come to a close. The 38-year-old veteran has yet to decide on whether or not he will retire, but as he told the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, he will reach a final decision at some point over the next few weeks.
"Well, we always say it's 51-49. I get 51 percent of the vote and the rest of (the family) gets 49," Pierce said. "(My wife's) input carried a lot of weight. We'll figure out some things. I know I don't want to be sitting at home, whatever I do, regardless. If I come back, it will be for one more (season) and that will be it. No doubt."
Pierce added that he feels healthy enough to suit up for another season if need be. It's just the process of preparing himself both emotionally and physically that's become burdensome.
"Really, it's all about how I feel mentally, getting up and I'm thinking about the grind," he said. "People don't understand, I think a lot of guys retire because of what it takes to (get on the court) each season. You can take the grind once you are in it, but getting ready for the grind is the hard part."
This past season was the worst statistical campaign Pierce has had since entering the league in 1998. In 68 appearances for the Clippers, Pierce averaged just 6.1 points on 36.3 percent shooting, 2.7 rebounds, and one assist in 18.1 minutes per game.
"I thought I had one more good year (this past season), but obviously I didn't like how it all went with my role," Pierce added. "I'm still just trying to figure it out. A lot has got to do with my role I'm going to play. To come back and sit 82 games, I don't know if I can do that."
Pierce still has two years remaining on his three-year, $10-million contract with the franchise.
He currently ranks 16th in league history in total points (26,316), 19th in steals (1,748), and eighth in made free throws (6,908).