NBA: 13 Western Conference Trades That Need To Happen Before The Deadline
By Mason McFee
Doc Finally Learns the Truth
Paul Pierce is my favorite player of all time.
Okay, I said it. This trade is purely for my enjoyment, but isn’t that bad when you break it down; especially for Clippers fans.
Paul Pierce doesn’t have to wait until the offseason to sign a one-day contract and retire a Celtic, he can do it after the Celtics lift the Larry O’Brien trophy for the 18th time.
Okay, maybe that won’t happen, but I think the move goes farther than just bringing back a fan-favorite.
Pierce knows what it takes to win in the playoffs. He’s won a title with the Cs. While the Clippers may do okay in the playoffs, they won’t get past Golden State. The Warriors have obliterated the Clippers every regular season game so far. They stand no chance, even when Paul returns. So why not send him to a team that wants him back (okay, maybe it’s the fans…. or me) and will make your team younger?
Jackson has an incredible story which you should read some time, but he is buried on the depth chart behind IT, Smart, and Rozier. He’s mainly been in the D-Leauge this year, but has major upside. Paul isn’t getting any younger, and Doc’s son has ben linked to trade rumors. Felton has been a solid signing, but he’s on an expiring deal. Paul may leave, and Felton will look to cash in elsewhere if the Clippers suffer yet another early round playoff exit.
The Clippers would also gain James Young, who went 2-5 from 3 the other night against the Jazz; and is a career 26.6% shooter from 3. Wait what?
Young has been so inconsistent for the Cs, and the jury is still out amongst Cs fans if they want him to stay around or go. I think he should go, but my word goes in this article anyways, so HA. (Okay, that was a bit much, I’m sorry).
Admittedly it would be a huge risk for the Clippers long term, Redick isn’t getting any younger, and while Jamal Crawford is still drinking from the Fountain of Youth, he is still 36. Doc has to recognize he can’t just rely on the same core forever.
Pierce could come to Boston and be a total flop and the Clippers could look like geniuses if one or both of Young and Jackson pan out; but it’s not like Pierce would be playing 35 minutes a game. I just want one more moment like this:
