Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 18, 2006 8:29:53 GMT -5
Interview with Pierce from Hoopsworld. I agree that they have to improve defensively but it will take having a coach who thinks that defense is important enough to work on in practice. We have individual defenders but no consistent defense and that is logical since our coach doesn't see fit to work on defense in practice. We have great chemistry. We should be able to build on that next year and with all the guys, including Pierce working on their games in the off season, we should be better as a team all the way around.
From HOOPSWORLD.com
One-On-One: Paul Pierce
By Jay Finkelstein
Apr 18, 2006, 09:24
Celtics' Captain Paul Pierce has had a terrific season. Among the highlights are averaging a career high 26.8 points per game (6th in the NBA), making the All-Star team, and even scoring 50 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 15. The only disappointment is having his young team fail to make the playoffs one year after finishing first in the Atlantic Division. Basketball News Services sat down with Pierce before Sunday's game against New Jersey to get his impressions of the season just past.
The Celtics campaign didn't live up to the pre-season expectations. What were the problems and how can things improve next year?
I don't think there were any problems. I just thought we were a little inconsistent, being that we're a young team. We're just growing, getting better. That gives us something to build on for next year.
In what areas is the team looking to improve next year?
Defensively. You know, we struggled defensively most of the year. So I think if we were more consistent on the defensive end we'd be a lot better.
How has the team changed since the trade which brought Wally Szczerbiak to Boston for Ricky Davis?
It changed the way we play. We became more of a half court team. I think our chemistry was really good. Wally is the type of guy who sacrifices his game for the better of the team. I just think it helped us chemistry-wise.
You've had an excellent season. You made the All-Star team. Where are you looking to improve on next year?
Just becoming a better player. Probably do all the little things better: cut down on my turnovers and improve my free throw shooting. Just the little things that will help my team win.
Which team from the Eastern Conference do you think will go furthest in the playoffs this years?
I got Detroit. I think they're the best team. They've been the best team all year long. I think they'll be in the finals.
From HOOPSWORLD.com
One-On-One: Paul Pierce
By Jay Finkelstein
Apr 18, 2006, 09:24
Celtics' Captain Paul Pierce has had a terrific season. Among the highlights are averaging a career high 26.8 points per game (6th in the NBA), making the All-Star team, and even scoring 50 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 15. The only disappointment is having his young team fail to make the playoffs one year after finishing first in the Atlantic Division. Basketball News Services sat down with Pierce before Sunday's game against New Jersey to get his impressions of the season just past.
The Celtics campaign didn't live up to the pre-season expectations. What were the problems and how can things improve next year?
I don't think there were any problems. I just thought we were a little inconsistent, being that we're a young team. We're just growing, getting better. That gives us something to build on for next year.
In what areas is the team looking to improve next year?
Defensively. You know, we struggled defensively most of the year. So I think if we were more consistent on the defensive end we'd be a lot better.
How has the team changed since the trade which brought Wally Szczerbiak to Boston for Ricky Davis?
It changed the way we play. We became more of a half court team. I think our chemistry was really good. Wally is the type of guy who sacrifices his game for the better of the team. I just think it helped us chemistry-wise.
You've had an excellent season. You made the All-Star team. Where are you looking to improve on next year?
Just becoming a better player. Probably do all the little things better: cut down on my turnovers and improve my free throw shooting. Just the little things that will help my team win.
Which team from the Eastern Conference do you think will go furthest in the playoffs this years?
I got Detroit. I think they're the best team. They've been the best team all year long. I think they'll be in the finals.