Paul Pierce won’t let his teammates wear LeBron’s shoes
By Taylor Smith
![May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) reacts to a play against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Wizards 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) reacts to a play against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Wizards 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/43156d2bdb028ac2183bbaa44018cfb71c9fdd02e161e3eb7076d23b0a408cd1.jpg)
Paul Pierce is a delight. The future Hall-of-Famer has already had quite an eventful summer. From being booed at Dodger Stadium, to trying (and failing hilariously) to tweet out an emoji during The Great Emoji War of 2015, to taking a jab at Kobe Bryant, the Clippers’ elder statesman has found himself in the news quite often of late. Now, we’ve found out about him doing more grumpy old man things.
Pierce, of course, was with the Washington Wizards last season, and he apparently left quite the impression with his young teammates. When asked about Pierce during the Wizards’ media day on Monday, Marcin Gortat dropped an interesting tidbit:
Gortat on what he learned from Paul Pierce: “Not to wear LeBron James’s shoes to practice.” He mentioned some other things, too.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) September 28, 2015
Pierce has done battle with LeBron James time and time again through their years together in the Eastern Conference, and the notion of Pierce taking their rivalry seriously isn’t much of a surprise. Despite now residing in the Western Conference, one would imagine The Truth will still be implementing the same rule this year with his new Clipper teammates.
Old habits die hard, you know.