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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jun 13, 2006 0:58:01 GMT -5
This will be Pierce's 9th season in the NBA. He has been a star since his 3rd year, but no one, at that time, would have dared compare him to any of the Celtics greats. But he is nearing the point in his career where he has been playing at such a high level for so long that his stats could reach legendary heights.
If Pierce contiues to replicate his career scoring average of 23.5 ppg, at the 10 year mark, he will have amassed nearly 18,000 pts. He would only need a bit over 8,000 more points to reach John Havlicek's Celtic record for most career points scored. Pierce could possibly do that in another 5 - 6 years. Last year, PP upped his scoring average to a career high 26.8 ppg, and he is still going to be in his prime for a few more years.
What gives Pierce a solid outside chance to surpass Havlicek's record is his propensity to get to the free throw line. He was never dependent on supreme athleticism to score and he has made his living by getting to the line. I don't see why he will abandon what has worked for him all these years.
If P2 can remain relatively injury free for the rest of his career (in a Celtics uniform, of course), and if he can play solidly for another 7 - 8 years (into his late 30's), he may become the all time Celtics scoring leader.
Career scoring average: Pierce: 23.5 ppg (14,202, 8 years) Havlicek: 20.5 ppg (26,395 pts, 16 years)
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