Wizards sign Paul Pierce, 2 years @ MLE

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Can a slower Pierce and/or a developing Porter cover for Ariza's lost defense? I'm not seeing it. As good as Pierce has been, and as tough, smart and experienced as he is, he's still slow covering quick SFs, undersized covering beefy PFs, and could struggle with length at either position. I hope Wittman is flexible in plugging him in to the right matchups and that he respects Pierce's age and doesn't wear him out before postseason.

If money was equal, signing with a team that just made the 2nd round and is bringing most of its pieces back probably just looked more attractive than his other options. The Nets seem on the verge of freefall, with varying levels of internal dysfunction. The Lakers, another rumored option, don't look to be going too far this year. Not sure what other options were out there. Not sure how much an aging Pierce signing here should change perceptions, but maybe it does a little. Seems like the kind of signing that wouldn't have happened 2004-2008.

Seems too early to call this a great move, but procedurally, at least it looks like a good-to-great recovery/Plan B move. I like the price and length of commitment, keeping options open while continuing to bring in high quality veterans, and it could still turn out to be a great move in the end. My nagging concern (it always seems to be my nagging concern) is the lack of younger players to surround Wall, Beal, and Porter, especially at PF and C. Maybe at least this will be the year that Rice shows he's a keeper. Maybe Nene, Webster, even Miller get moved for picks, prospects, cap space. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

Oh well. It wasn't the typical boring Wizards move.

Great points, Monte.

I would rather have Ariza for a deal like Deng got, 2 years, 20M. Add to that a young PF/C, Dejuan Blair.

But Pierce is a future HOFer and he still can play SF, since many think Ariza wasn't worth 8M. I think Ariza will be missed. Pierce could surprise and drop some weight to be a bit quicker. I think he's played SF long enough to get by on guile IF he wants to put in the work.

Ariza worked hard.

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[80sballboy]

Sorry if this was already posted.
http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball ... id-wizards

[montestewart]

Sorry if this was already posted.
http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball ... id-wizards

Echoing what others have already said, I like that he can put up those clutch shots with the game on the line. Off the top of my head, I can recall him stealing games from the Wizards in the closing seconds, and at least one buzzer beater. I know he's old, but he still had that swagger and shot last year, and the Wizards can use it.

[jirrit]

Ok someone mentioned the idea of Garnett...

Instead, what about Ray Allen? If he could be had on say a 2 yr deal at vet min?

He's a UFA... age 38 and still productive in role he has settled into coming off the bench.

Rejoins former teammate Pierce, plays with a couple good PGs in Wall and Miller, on what is now a high IQ veteran team that has legit potential to reach the finals, and mentors his new protege a class act in Bradley Beal.

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Ray ... ummary/606

I dont think Pierce signs when he knows Ray's coming..

[exculpatory]

Sorry if this was already posted.
http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball ... id-wizards

Echoing what others have already said, I like that he can put up those clutch shots with the game on the line. Off the top of my head, I can recall him stealing games from the Wizards in the closing seconds, and at least one buzzer beater. I know he's old, but he still had that swagger and shot last year, and the Wizards can use it.

I was there 5 rows from center court at Verizon Center with my 2 girls on 3/7/2006 when the Truth went up from the left corner over Arenas, Jameson & Butler, & swished one of his 30-40 "cold as ice", last second/minute, career/vintage, mega-clutch game winners.

(LOL. One daughter told me to stop screaming because I was embarrassing her, & the other daughter asked me if "something good" had just happened. LOL.)

Indeed, Paul STILL has that swag today - tied for freaking 3rd in the freaking NBA last season in 3s made during the last 5 minutes of very close games.

I have read through this thread since my very detailed post earlier today. EXCELLENT bball insight by you guys. Two points in response:

1) Check the detailed advanced stats from my earlier post today. Paul had only 1 non-productive month during the 2013-2014 RS - 11/2013 - because he played that entire month with a fractured shooting hand which had not yet been diagnosed. In 60 games beginning 12/1/2013 (including 12/2013 playing SF), his stat line was outstanding. In addition, after he was switched to the "small stretch 4" on 1/1/2014, his numbers were ALSO highly efficient. Therefore, I am confident that his offensive production/efficiency will remain excellent for the Zards. Even at 36/37, he is 10X the offensive player Ariza is.

2) However, I am somewhat concerned that at age 37 he will have difficulty guarding quick SFs. That is a valid consideration.

[Ruzious]

Yeah, no what this fanbase wants is to land the Slim Reaper. And a move like this just keeps our name in the conversation as a relevant team, while keeping a slot open for 2016's cap space. Which young FA does that?

That's the problem - they backed themselves into a situation where there wasn't a better option. I call it a problem, but again - most fans don't consider it a problem - they're happy - which is fine. As far as 2016, it's still not at all clear that they'll have max cap room. Hopefully, they can dump Webster at some point to at least make it close. Lebron left Miami to go home. That could help plant a seed in the head of the NBA's #2 player, but there's work to be done.

Ruz, you seem to think that the Wizards should have spent the mid level to get a talented young player? Which player would you have preferred that they spend the money on. I really don't see a plethora of talented young players available at this point for the MLE.

I agree that the Wizards backed themselves into this situation where there weren't better options. But, they can't revise the past. I think this move was the best they could make under the circumstances.

No, I think they did pretty much what they had to do given the position they put themselves in. If they left the MLE option open, I've mentioned Patrick Patterson and Kelly several times.

Several posters who watched a lot of Pierce last season pointed out he's now much more effective at PF than SF. The stats on 82games.com strongly back up that contention. Using him primarily at the 3 is likely going to be a problem.

The Wiz as constructed are going to be one of the slowest teams in the NBA next season. That's really hard to do when you have John Wall on the team. He's basically going to have to be a 1 man fast-break, because he's clearly not a particularly good half court player. There are going to be a lot of times when he races up court and sees he has nobody running with him as an option to pass to. I expect that's going to be a point of frustration when watching the team unless he can adjust. As Monty Python said, Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition, and nobody expected John Wall to be the PG on a plodding half-court team.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

BTW. Nene is not getting traded-yet. I know he has a bad contract, but take that away and he's a very important piece to this team. Unless we can find a young, promising big man, there's no reason why you trade your starting power forward who outplayed the Def. Player of the Year and your only true backup center (I know Gooden can play and Seraphin well not). The Wizards have two years of trying to get to the Finals in the wide open East. Maybe Pierce is the missing piece; maybe the loss of Ariza will be too much to overcome. But as a fan since the 70s, I like that we have a fighter's chance for once.

Me, too. This is exciting.

They got a trade exception for Ariza in a sign-and-trade. That plus signing Pierce is some wheeling and dealing.

I really wanted Ariza back, but despite my objections I have to give EG and Ted props on executing their plans. This is interesting and Pierce has upped the profile and respect the Wizards are getting. Along with fans of the past 30+ years, suddenly there are many new Wizards fans. Most consider Washington a fun team to support.

EG has been effective on many levels. I have despised his work for years but the bottom line is right now Ted and EG are looking like they are on the right path.

They're okay unless the Truth and Porter bomb.

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[dandridge 10]

We lost Ariza and basically picked up Pierce and Otto in a sense, who runs the court well. I don't see how we go from one of the fastest teams in the league to one of slowest with just losing one player. Hopefully Otto and Rice get burn and both can run the court. I don't expect the drastic change that you are. Even when Pierce play, he has always been great at trailing fastbreaks for 3s.

[DCZards]

We lost Ariza and basically picked up Pierce and Otto in a sense, who runs the court well. I don't see how we go from one of the fastest teams in the league to one of slowest with just losing one player. Hopefully Otto and Rice get burn and both can run the court. I don't expect the drastic change that you are. Even when Pierce play, he has always been great at trailing fastbreaks for 3s.

Yeah, I think Wall and Co. will be just fine when it comes to getting up and down the court. The only guy that the Zards lost is Ariza and I don't think that he's especially fast. Plus, sometimes it doesn't matter how fast you are but how smart you are when getting good looks on the fast break.

And Beal is faster and more athletic than some people give him credit for.

[80sballboy]

We lost Ariza and basically picked up Pierce and Otto in a sense, who runs the court well. I don't see how we go from one of the fastest teams in the league to one of slowest with just losing one player. Hopefully Otto and Rice get burn and both can run the court. I don't expect the drastic change that you are. Even when Pierce play, he has always been great at trailing fastbreaks for 3s.

Yeah, I think Wall and Co. will be just fine when it comes to getting up and down the court. The only guy that the Zards lost is Ariza and don't think that he was especially fast. Plus, sometimes it doesn't matter how fast you are but how smart you are when getting good looks on the fast break.

And Beal is faster and more athletic than some people give him credit for.

We're trying to win in the playoffs (half court), not just the regular season (full court). Wall will see plenty of more athletic wings in Otto and Webster and they'll be quicker when Pierce moves to the 4. I wouldn't worry about it. Pierce just better get in shape to spot up for those 3s when Wall pushes it.

[closg00]

Ruz and Monte brought-up some excellent points, we can't surround John Wall with too-much old and slow. OTOH, our slowed-down half-court game will benefit us in the playoffs with Nene/Pierce/Miller.
Randy has his work cut-out for him.


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[Deivy202]

Guys pierce is faster than ariza I mean ariza isnt really even fast.........

[truwizfan4evr]

Did we trade Ariza?

[dlts20]

losing Ariza has nothing, nothing, nothing to do with speed or pace. Only time he helped in that regard is when he got steals which we will miss and his overall defense but 9 times out of 10, Ariza was the trailer or just went to the wing on the break, both instances for 3's. Pierce can do that and Porter will be faster down the court than TA.

Also, remember those times when teams would bail out by putting there pg on TA or we got a mismatch with a PG on TA and he never ever ever could take advantage of it. The worst post player in the league. Pierce would own that same advantage all day even at this age

[jeffsays]

Did we trade Ariza?

Yes, it was a sign and trade between us, the rockets and the pelicans.

[Kanyewest]

losing Ariza has nothing, nothing, nothing to do with speed or pace. Only time he helped in that regard is when he got steals which we will miss and his overall defense but 9 times out of 10, Ariza was the trailer or just went to the wing on the break, both instances for 3's. Pierce can do that and Porter will be faster down the court than TA.

Also, remember those times when teams would bail out by putting there pg on TA or we got a mismatch with a PG on TA and he never ever ever could take advantage of it. The worst post player in the league. Pierce would own that same advantage all day even at this age

This can be advantageous especially against the Cavs since Kyrie Irving is going to have guard someone. I just hope Irving doesn't decline further because of his age. I believe Washington has a better supporting cast from just about every position than Brooklyn assuming Beal keeps up the level of play he brought in the postseason which should create better looks for Pierce.

[doclinkin]

Sorry if this was already posted.
http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball ... id-wizards

Echoing what others have already said, I like that he can put up those clutch shots with the game on the line. Off the top of my head, I can recall him stealing games from the Wizards in the closing seconds, and at least one buzzer beater. I know he's old, but he still had that swagger and shot last year, and the Wizards can use it.

Eh, disagree with the article in some measure -- inasmuch as we were in many games we had no business being in simply because our defense was so solid with Ariza coursing the perimeter and stopping penetration.

We take a slight backstep subbing in Pierce, at fewer minutes, in any minutes where he _would_ be replacing Ariza. But I like the move since it gives room for Porter to seize the spot. And Pierce's game is an ideal model for Porter to emulate, the Georgetown version of Porter was very like the jr league version of HOF Pierce. Both showed a midrange game, a pull-up game, the ability to hit shots in motion, smart passing, the ability to work on or off the ball. Pierce has a better developed one-on-one game, remarkable footwork, and that clutch mindset developed as a consequence of that near death experience. He not skerrrd of nobody. Porter can only improve by picking up veteran tips from a guy who excelled at his position more by savvy skill and gamesmanship than by overwhelming strength or superior athleticism.

Are we better than last year? Adding a full year of Miller makes up better from the jump. Letting Pierce take the Harrington minutes, some of the wounded Webster minutes, and split time with Porter/Gooden at the 3/4 spots (assuming Gooden re-inks with us) and all of that should prove an upgrade -- unless Wittman decides to ride his veterans too long and too hard. Hea;th is a concern as always.

But without the redlining pedal-to-the-medal playoffs-or-death mindset he has a little room to allow young players to play through mistakes. And with depth we are able to reduce minutes for any one player, other than Bradley Beal really. (Unless Glen Rice proves too talented to ignore at back up 2). I like it because we don't overcommit $ to the SF spot when we have players who need to develop on the wing. We take a step back on defense, and the corner three, but while Ariza was our stopper at so many defensive positions, still his game was easily neutralized once teams realized John Wall had little more to offer in half court than a pull up J from the elbow, or a pass to the corner once you clogged the middle and refused to allow the P&R to kill you.

Pierce and a developing Porter give you a few wrinkles that have proven shortcomings of Ariza's game. Ariza is a role-player of the highest order, and you can win championships with that sort of player. I suspect he will win one before he retires. Loved him on this squad.

But this team's offense at least will be more fun to watch, with better playmaking from an additional perimeter attacker (whether small ball 4, or when able to play SF). I like Porter's chance to fill those shoes when Wittman tweaks the sets to take advantage of what Pierce does do well, where I am not sure Porter can learn enough of what Ariza does well to simulate his style at all. Ariza is simply quicker, stronger, more athletic, etc. than Porter. Which shortcomings have forced Porter to work on being a better overall player, not a specialist 3 and D guy.

So, defense will be worse, no question, but we will probably prove more fun to watch, and the young guys should get a chance to develop. Sink or swim. Then too, there is at least a plan for the future. And this does not torpedo it. Overall, not unhappy with the moves.

[milellie111]

This move is huge for the Wiz. Paul Pierce is an upgrade over Ariza and much cheaper. Many are overlooking how big this move is. Just a year ago Pierce averaged over 18ppg for the Celtics. What makes you think he wont be able to do that now? His production dropped in Brooklyn because there were more "stars"to share the ball with. Ariza has never even sniffed 18ppg in his whole career. Pierce is a proven scorer and has always been clutch. Pierce can create his own shot and can put the ball on the floor, all things Ariza does not do well. When you need a last minute bucket, anyone would give the ball to Paul Pierce over Trevor Ariza. This move makes the Wizards a better team than last year.

How about checking out this ranking list for the top 2013-2014 Small Forwards. Pierce came in at #6 only behind lebron,durant,paul george, kawi leonard and josh smith.

http://www.nba.com/magic/cohen-8-ball-ranking-2013-14-best-small-forwards-3

The Wizards just stole one of the top 15 durable scorers still in the NBA for 5 million a year??!

Again, the Wizards have just gotten better, more mature and more dangerous in just 1day.

[doclinkin]

This move is huge for the Wiz. Paul Pierce is an upgrade over Ariza and much cheaper. Many are overlooking how big this move is. Just a year ago Pierce averaged over 18ppg for the Celtics. What makes you think he wont be able to do that now?

The fact that he carried 20% of his teams possessions then, and will not be the spearhead this year either. He may get more touches than last year, but the ball will likely be in the hands of John Wall and Bradley Beal. If he takes any touches from any player already on the squad it may prove to be Nene whose playmaking skills will be less necessary now.

I like the signing, but we had a top 5 defense last year. We won't this year. So his offense will have to prove remarkable to carry us to victories since we won;t be able to rely on late game stops to get there. At least we won't have as many stretches where our offense simply goes glacial. That will be a relief, for sure.

[stevemcqueen1]

losing Ariza has nothing, nothing, nothing to do with speed or pace. Only time he helped in that regard is when he got steals which we will miss and his overall defense but 9 times out of 10, Ariza was the trailer or just went to the wing on the break, both instances for 3's. Pierce can do that and Porter will be faster down the court than TA.

Also, remember those times when teams would bail out by putting there pg on TA or we got a mismatch with a PG on TA and he never ever ever could take advantage of it. The worst post player in the league. Pierce would own that same advantage all day even at this age

Good post. Agreed. But Ariza was pretty good at those trailing threes last season. I doubt Otto is ready to replace that and it's a powerful weapon.