Could Paul Pierce Be In His Final Season?

Injuries and age are catching up to Washington Wizards’ swingman Paul Pierce and he is in the twilight of his NBA career

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After the

decided against bringing back veteran swingman Paul Pierce, he signed with the

The Wizards got back to the postseason last year and even took down the Chicago Bulls in five games in the first round. Paul Pierce is hoping the Wizards can count on the further development of guards John Wall and Bradley Beal (once he returns) to make the Wizards into contenders.

At 37 years old, Paul Pierce won’t have too many chances at a ring. In fact, some believe he is very close to retiring, especially now that he has suffered another injury.

“The problem is that Pierce is entering his 17^th season in the league, and while he hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down yet, he is nearing the end of his career,” Cody Taylor of Basketball Insiders explained. “Pierce averaged a career-low in minutes last season, playing just 28 minutes per game. He should continue to see those types of minutes in Washington. The Wizards have already had an injury scare with Pierce this preseason, after he briefly left Friday night’s game with a knee injury. Pierce would return to the game, but this will definitely be something the team will monitor throughout the season. Pierce’s contract has a player option for next season.”

Although Paul Pierce’s body has certainly been battered over the years, it would be a surprise to see him call it quits after this season.

Pierce, 36, put up 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field, 37.3% from the three and 82.6% from the free throw line last season. In his career he has put up 21.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 44.7% from the field, 37.0% from beyond the arc and 80.7% from the charity stripe.

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