The Brooklyn Nets are operating under a "win-now" mentality with the belief that an NBA Championship is within reach in the next two years. With that, the team made one of the season's biggest moves and acquired Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett from the Boston Celtics. While this might not set them up for years and years of success in the future, it will certainly give them an upgrade in the short-term. Some believe that Garnett and Pierce do not have much left in the tank, but NBA-great Larry Bird says that is not so.
Bird understands why the Celtics felt the need to trade away two players destined for the Hall of Fame, but he certainly believes they will bring a lot of productivity to the Brooklyn Nets.
"I think they've both been pretty healthy throughout their career," Bird said. "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 great."
Bird is easily one of the greats Celtics players in the history of the franchise. He understands that it will be difficult seeing a player like Pierce in a different uniform. Pierce is the second-leading scorer in Celtics' franchise history. He will now likely finish his career elsewhere.
"I would have loved to see it. I got a lot of respect for Paul and what he has accomplished. But who says he's not going to play another four years? It's a tough situation," Bird said.
At 35, Pierce is noted as one of the best Celtics to have come through the organization. However, he was dealt away in favor of younger talent and first-round draft picks. Bird believes that Boston general manager Danny Ainge certainly knows what he is doing when it comes to moves with the team. He praised the GM on the work he has done with the Celtics and simply said, "You can't beat Father Time."
Pierce and Garnett will highlight a Brooklyn lineup that will feature Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez. Jason Kidd will be the team's new head coach. This is the point guard's first coaching experience since announcing his retirement in the offseason. With that lineup, there will be very few excuses for Brooklyn if the season does not go as planned, but with Garnett and Pierce now on the roster, things should go pretty well.
