Pierce has been “done” so many times in his career, but he just keeps hanging around making plays. The Nets made Pierce do so much last season that it made all of his weaknesses and shortcomings stand out. He was forced to do too much, but that will change wherever Pierce ends up. There is a market for Pierce, but it has to be at the right price. Pierce doesn’t have a prayer defending against quality small forwards. He had success last season as a stretch-four for the Nets, and I think using him in a similar way next season would be a great idea for whoever does sign him.
May 12, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Paul Pirce (34) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) in the first half in game four of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Still, Pierce can make shots, especially if he doesn’t have to try and create them for himself anymore. That’s why the Clippers seem like the best fit for Pierce. He can roam around between the arc and midrange area and collect Chris Paul’ passes all day. That’s about what Pierce can be good for at this point in his career.
Like Pau Gasol, Pierce is still an above average player. The fit has to be perfect, but Pierce is definitely underrated heading into free agency. Teams may value him, but they don’t want to pay him anything. That’s what makes him underrated.
If you tune in next season and see all five of these player tearing up the NBA with their new teams, keep in mind I called it July 1, the first day of free agency.