Los Angeles Clippers star Paul Pierce announced that he will be playing professional basketball for the last time in the 2016-17 NBA season. The 10-time All Star player said on Monday, September 26, that he will be retiring by end of the coming season.
“This is it, my final season,” Pierce said, in an interview shared by ThePlayer’s Tribune,”It’s time to move on from the game of basketball. Just like any difficult decision, I think you’ve got to be at peace with yourself. I’m at peace with retiring, but I’ve got one more ride left. One more season. One more opportunity,” he added.
He is set to retire at the end of the 2016-17 which would mark the end of 19 years as a professional.Pierce, who turns 39 in October, shared how he was indecisive on coming back for one more season. However, just when the Clippers lost their first round playoff game against Portland Trail Blazers last April 30 this year, he decided to play for LA Clippers and try to bring home the bacon.
According to Pierce, he is at peace with his decision and with his final season, he’s aiming to win the championship one last time. Pierce lead the Boston Celtics to their 17th championship defeating the Los Angeles Lakers back in June 17, 2008. He was awarded as the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player scoring 131 – 92 having their victory on their Game 6.
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Announcing in the column for The Player’s Tribune, Pierce also wrote, “After 18 NBA years, it’s hard to believe I’ll be playing in each arena for the last time,” he wrote. “So I’m going to enjoy every practice, every bus ride, every team dinner, every time running out through the tunnel. I’m going to do my part to give us a shot at the ultimate goal.”
Pierce was selected in the first round of the 1998 NBA draft. He spent his first 15 seasons with the Boston Celtics. throughout his career, he also played for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and spent last season with the Clippers.
Over his career, Pierce was named an NBA All-Star 10 times and enters this season fourth on the all-time list in three-point field goals made. He has averaged 20 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in his career.
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