NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers Paul Pierce Hints on Retirement, Reveals Plan To Mentor Ben Simmons

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Boston Celtics
Feb 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) returns up court against the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at TD Garden.  David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The career of Paul Pierce has been colorful in the most recent years of his time with the NBA. Spending 15 years as one of the most notable stars on the Boston Celtics roster, the now Los Angeles Clippers star also played for the Brooklyn Nets and the Washington Wizards. While Pierce remains a valuable member of the Blake Griffin squad, the 38-year-old the former NBA Finals MVP and four-time NBA All-Star appears to be contemplating retirement after this season.

Pierce, who led the Boston Celtics to victory during the NBA Finals in 2008, shared his plans after the current NBA season. The widely awarded small forward disclosed that the overtime loss of the Los Angeles Clippers in their road game against the Boston Celtics might be his last time gracing the TD Garden as an NBA player.

"It could be," said Pierce when asked about the possibility that the 139-134 game against the Boston Celtics will be his last, according to Boston Herald. He added, "I'm not 100 percent sure, but, like I've been saying the last two years, I'm taking it year by year, but this could possibly be."

Reminiscing on the bulk of his career as a Boston Celtics player, Pierce called the Garden "special." He shared, "It's always special to step in the Garden. This is the bulk of my career. You spend 15 years here, make so many memories, win a championship here. It's a special feeling, special fans, special building. I'll always savor the moments when I can step on this court."

While Pierce has yet to officially announcement his retirement, it looks like the Los Angeles Clippers star is targeting potential landing spots once he hangs his jersey for good. Unlike Kobe Bryant and LeBron James who both rejected the possibility of taking over as coach, Pierce seems open to the idea.

"I think all possibilities are open," shared Pierce. He added, "If that is an opportunity that presents itself, I would love to. This is a Class A organization with what they've been able to do. Wyc (Grousbeck) and Steve (Pagliuca) are great owners. You got a great young core. You got a great young coach. Who knows? Maybe I'll find a role here someday in the future."

Still talking about his potential reconnection with the Boston Celtics, Pierce said that the blockbuster trade involving him, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets continue to benefit the Marcus Smart squad.

"I'm helping build this team [Boston Celtics]. Hey, I might be the reason they get Ben Simmons," he teasingly said.

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