Paul Pierce has made a lot of clutch shots in his lengthy career, but Friday night did not have one of them. The veteran appeared to sink a 3-point shot at the buzzer to send Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks into overtime, but it was called off and the Washington Wizards went home. Now facing a decision to return for his 18th year in the NBA, Pierce admits he is uncertain he has it in him to keep going.
Pierce signed with the Wizards to win a championship and that did not come true this season. The star is contracted through the 2016 season, set to earn $5 million in salary. However, following the loss to Atlanta Pierce hinted that a return might not be in the works for him.
Truthfully, what was going through my mind is, I don't have too much of these efforts left, if any," Pierce said, via the Washington Post. "These rides throughout the NBA season, throughout the playoffs, are very emotional. They take a lot out of not only your body, but your mind, your spirit. I don't even know if I'm going to play basketball anymore. t affects not only you, but the people around you. Days like this, you go home and you're around your family, you don't feel like talking to them or doing anything because of what the game does. It takes a bit out of you. You go home, and it's not a good day. It affects the people around you. It's tough. People think you just play basketball, go home and your body is sore. No. Mentally, the people around you, it affects. I know I'll go home and won't have any words for my wife or my mom. Probably the only thing that can through to me right now is my kids. They bring me joy."
Pierce's first season in Washington can be chalked up as a success. According to the Post, the Wizards have made it clear they want the veteran to return for another season with the team. Washington has the pieces in place to be back in the mix next year as John Wall and Bradley Beal continue to develop as stars.
Outside of Pierce, Washington has some decisions to make on the roster. Drew Gooden and Will Bynum are two players that have excelled coming off the bench this season. They will be free agents this summer and CSNWashington.com reports they both stand a good chance of getting picked back up. If Pierce leaves, the Wizards will have to replace him. Players like Jeff Green, Tobias Harris and Jae Crowder will be available.
