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Randy Wittman would ‘be surprised’ if Paul Pierce didn’t return to the Wizards next season

By Jonathan Bass

Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with fans while leaving the court after the Wizards
Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with fans while leaving the court after the Wizards /
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Washington Wizards coach Randy Wittman believes Paul Pierce will return for the 2015-16 season.

When discussing the future of veteran small forward Paul Pierce on Friday, Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman sounded confident that The Truth would return to the team in 2015-16 (what would make Pierce’s 18th season in the league).

Via the Washington Post:

"“I’d love him back. I think he wants to be back. I don’t know, I won’t put words in his mouth, but I’d be surprised if he didn’t,” Wittman said. “I think what he saw with these guys and the heart this team has. Why wouldn’t you want to play the end of your career with a group like that?”"

Following a season that showed marked decreases in production, there has been speculation that Pierce may end his Hall-of-Fame career. Despite playing in 73 games, he failed to score 1,000 points in a season for the first time since his rookie year (the strike-shortened 1998-99 season). Beyond that, his rebounding, assist and steals were all down from the previous year, and were low-water marks for a season in which he played at least 60 games. However, a $6 million player option for the 2015-16 season coupled with the way in which he played during the postseason might be enough for one last rodeo.

Pierce’s trademark swagger was on full display during the playoffs, as he trolled the bejesus out of Toronto during the Wizards upset sweep in Round One. Following that, he nailed two clutch late-game shots against the Hawks (one a game-winner), and came within a fingernail of hitting a second buzzer-beater that would have pushed the series to seven games.

Despite falling short, he provided steady veteran leadership for a team that houses one of the league’s most talented young backcourts. Pierce’s locker room presence and intangibles away from the court are why Wittman would love to see The Truth saddle up for one more ride.

"“Guys like him that are Hall of Famers never cease to amaze you and I thought he was a real big lift for us this year,” Wittman said. “Not only what he did on the floor but his leadership and direction that he gave us in the locker room with these guys. You can’t coach that. That’s something you either have or you don’t. He’s got it.”"

For his part, Pierce has been noncommittal about the future. Should he return, however, the Wizards will once again have a balanced nucleus that will likely position them within the Eastern Conference’s top four squads come next postseason.

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