Paul Pierce / KG / Rondo

[Carhole]

Ok. I know the guy is tough as nails. Probably it's just that KG is so emotive and relentless out there with his D and energy and in comparison Paul looks passive - to me. I don't see him leaping, fighting, swinging and banging under the class like KG.

Maybe the way the two deliver their games are just on opposite ends of the spectrum emotionally but no less in effort.

I'd just like to see the fiery Pierce taking it to the hole and hammering people. He was doing it early in the Atlanta series - maybe he's still banged up with his knee.

Here's hoping for a monster game from Pierce on Friday.   

I couldnt disagree more. Great, KG is fiery how about some of that fire is used to actually box someone out or to have one offensive move that forces a defender to foul him? PP has much more  grit in his game, he was going to the rim last night but he is at his best (and can only score on the king who never fouls) when he using his varied offensive game to keep guys off balance.

KG and Paul are two guys that I would never question effort on,  it always surprises me how many people on here question PPs effort

[ScoobyDoo]

Well, I said I'm probably being too hard on Pierce and also said I've always struggled with his on court presence. That's just me, some players do it for you, some don't.

Pierce, most of the time, is "on" to me. But there are other times where he doesn't seem like he's in the middle of the fist fight, 100% engaged and throwing hay makers. I never feel that way with KG, or Ray for that matter. Not with Bradley.

I occasionally feel that way with Rondo but less and less this year particularly - I think his effort is more consistent.

But I've felt this way with Pierce the entire time he's been a Celtic. It doesn't mean I don't respect his game, appreciate his toughness. He just doesn't seem fully engaged at certain points.

I'd really like to see him going hard on the boards, helping KG out. He's our best rebounder next to KG.   

[LooseCannon]

On-court demeanor and looking passionate is over-rated.  My classic example is Robert Parish, whose stoic face earned him the nickname of "The Chief", but whose lack of visible emotion led Golden State to consider him to be lazy and be willing to trade him to Boston.

It's why some scrubs are over-valued by coaches because they hustle and play with passion, creating an illusion of action that hides that they really aren't that good (easily dispelled if you delve into advanced statistics).

[ScoobyDoo]

Good point though I never felt that way with the Chief. He was constantly getting into it with players and his motor, in Boston, was pretty impressive. He was "always" running the floor hard for a big man.

This is a personal issue I'm going to have to work through by talking directly with Pierce. I'm sure he's very interested in my opinion...