SHOULD Pierce retire a Celtic? (Poll)

[JSD]

For me it is important and I also don't feel trading him would be necessary. I don't believe we'll be able to attract any major free agents or that having him on the squad will effect rebuilding as he is no longer good enough to push a bad team into mediocre.

I hope YES destroys NO here.

[guava_wrench]

No. If he would rather not be part of rebuilding, then I can see a trade. If he is fine fading out here like Nash in Phx, then great. A bit too costly though.

[j804]

Yes, Paul is a Celtic and what we are all about

[Bahku]

For me it is important and I also don't feel trading him would be necessary. I don't believe we'll be able to attract any major free agents or that having him on the squad will effect rebuilding as he is no longer good enough to push a bad team into mediocre.

I hope YES destroys NO here.

I do, too ... and it should. For anyone who has stuck with this team through the lean years and before, (like I have), it's not even close ... I hope there is still as large a contingent for team loyalty as there was in the days of the original Big Three, (though I doubt it in these days of "made-or-trade" sports). We need to do whatever is required to insure The Truth retires in green ... for many years he was the only thing that made watching the Celtics worthwhile, and that, to me, is worth whatever the cost.

[JOMVP]

If you been a fan of this team since at least 1998 when Paul Pierce got drafted you then know that he IS the Celtics. For almost 10 years he was the only reason to actually watch this team, and a lot of times it was really hard to watch, but seeing Paul grow into the basketball player he is as a Celtic was always worth watching.

I have an immense amount of respect for Pierce for staying around, he could have left a long time ago, but being a Celtic for life was important for him then and I'm sure it's just as important to him now. Winning another championship probably would mean nothing to him unless it's with the Celtics at this point anyway.

I don't think he is going anywhere. Boston is his home, and I think he wants to be the next Bill Russell in a sense that he'll always be around the team and be a part of Celtics lore forever and be the next guy the next generation of kids are gonna look up to and want to hug and tell them, "I finally got my own, man."

[2short]

If he chooses to stay, YES, its why the celtics are different than most organizations.  If we fall off the face of the earth and Paul wants another shot at a contender then a ray bourque trade would be fine.
Way to many posters on here that want to trade everyone so we can have another chance at a title.  Those people might as well just root for whatever team has the best chance of winning that year.

[JSD]

If he chooses to stay, YES, its why the celtics are different than most organizations.  If we fall off the face of the earth and Paul wants another shot at a contender then a ray bourque trade would be fine.
Way to many posters on here that want to trade everyone so we can have another chance at a title.  Those people might as well just root for whatever team has the best chance of winning that year.

This is perfect TP. I 100% agree. I mean this from a Celtics standpoint assuming Pierce would want to retire a Celtic, if he wants to go we should accommodate his wishes.

[clover]

The Celtics have paid the guy hundreds of millions of dollars.  The idea that he can't be traded out of some sort of loyalty is perverse to me.

Given his contract, it is extremely unlikely however that he goes.

[Celtics4ever]

On one hand he can retire here and we will retain our tradition.  On the other hand, we can trade him and get assets for a rebuild.   The jury is still out on this team but if they don't improve in the next two weeks, it's not a matter of conditioning.  If they are not over .50% winning by February 1st then I would expect a blow up to happen.   No one will be safe.

[GreenFaith1819]

Yes - Paul Anthony Pierce MUST retire a Celtic. Plain and simple.

Like 2short mentioned - The Boston Celtics are different than most other organizations. IF he chooses to stay, then he MUST retire in Green.

He went through the Lean Years, the stabbing (even came back to play the ENTIRE 82 game season after that).....he grew up in Green.

Even when faced with the crossroads decision in his career to be traded or stay and wait for Danny to make a big move (Summer of 07), to my recollection Paul Pierce NEVER held the organization for ransom (See Kobe Bryant's very vocal trade demands)...Paul went about it in a different manner.

I'll go even further - unless The Boston Celtics have a knockout, drag-down trade offer in place for either KG or Ray Ray, then THEY TOO should retire as Celtics.

No disrespect to Rondo, because he is assuming leadership here too - but These THREE players have been the cornerstone of our Championship and our success over the last 4-5 years, and Paul has been the Captain of it.

But yeah - I voted YES, here.

[GreenFaith1819]

To be honest, I am SHOCKED that the voting is as close as it is.

Wow.

[Donoghus]

In an era where it's becoming increasing rare for an athlete to play their entire career with one team, it would sure be awesome if both sides were able to work out some amicable deal which would benefit both sides to ensure it happens.

It a nutshell, I hope as heck Paul Pierce stays with the Celtics and finishes his career in green and white.  He has been the  Celtics for close to a generation now.  It'd be a crime if it didnt happen.

[slamtheking]

To be honest, I am SHOCKED that the voting is as close as it is.

Wow.

I think it's just how the poll is worded that is generating the close numbers. 

MUST he retire a Celtic--no.  If there's an amicable split where he wants another shot at a ring elsewhere while we rebuild, that's ok.

Would it be PREFERRED if he retired a Celtic -- absolutely.  he is the face of the C's and will have is number in the rafters.  Preferably he plays his career here but it's understandable if he doesn't. 

As an example, does anyone think Dave Cowens is any less a Celtic great for finishing his career in Milwaukee?  no.

[GreenFaith1819]

To be honest, I am SHOCKED that the voting is as close as it is.

Wow.

I think it's just how the poll is worded that is generating the close numbers. 

MUST he retire a Celtic--no.  If there's an amicable split where he wants another shot at a ring elsewhere while we rebuild, that's ok.

Would it be PREFERRED if he retired a Celtic -- absolutely.  he is the face of the C's and will have is number in the rafters.  Preferably he plays his career here but it's understandable if he doesn't. 

As an example, does anyone think Dave Cowens is any less a Celtic great for finishing his career in Milwaukee?  no.

Good point, Slam....I suppose that I am too old school.

Take for instance - San Antonio. Tim Duncan, even up in the years like he is. I'm sure that San Antonio has no intention on trading him.

Same should be for Paul. But that is just me. I can see your point of view though.

[JSD]

I changed the wording. Let's see if it goes up from 66.7%