NBA fans and observers seem to have this belief that superstar forward Paul Pierce is at the end of his career, despite being dealt a new opportunity now with the Brooklyn Nets.

Good thing Pierce doesn't share those same beliefs.

Peirce defiantly dispelled rumors about his retirement when the folks over at TMZ caught up with him while he was leaving a grocery store in Los Angeles: "Who says it's the end of my career? I plan on playing 10 more years, dude."

NBA legend Larry Bird would seem to agree with Pierce as he too also believes that both Pierce and Kevin Garnett can defy the odds of the naysayers and continue to play the game at a high level.

"I think they've both been pretty healthy throughout their careers," Bird said Monday while speaking to reporters following the Indiana Pacers' Orlando Summer League game. "They haven't had the major, major injuries that I had.

"I think they got plenty left. The way they will be coached and the bench that they have -- yeah -- they'll pick their spots. But when the time comes, they'll be there."

The Nets are officially expected to complete their blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics on Friday, which will also bring Garnett and Jason Terry to Brooklyn.

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